Which Dog Breeds Make the Best Service Dogs?

In reference to answering the title of this blog, there really is no specific breed of dog that makes the best service dog. Well at least not a proven fact anyways. The number one most asked question by those seeking to have a service dog is “What breeds make the best service dogs”? Knowing which characteristics to look for in a qualified service dog is more complicated than one might think.

The general perception of the public is that mixed breeds and/or Labradors and Golden Retrievers make the best service dogs.  Though these breeds are commonly used it would be doing a disservice to individual dogs. Experts estimate that only one in one thousand dogs is appropriate for work as a service dog. Yes, there are many labs and goldens that make great service dogs but not all do and some are high energy and are not trainable to the needs of a service dog.

Experts use standard service dog tests in selecting the best breed but there are other variables involved as well. Again, knowing the characteristics of the breeds are important and just as important is knowing that not all dogs display their breed’s traits.  There are many standard questions that people ask when choosing a service dog that will best fit their needs.

One such question being “Does it matter if the dog is a male or female”? Neither sex of any breed has shown to be any less impulsive than the other.  Others ask “Does it matter if the dog is Purebred or a Mixed breed”? As we all know there are two types of dogs – purebreds and mixed breeds – both with advantages and disadvantages unique to their individual breeds.

Ultimately the individual temperament is what is most important in the process of selecting the best service dog for your specific needs.  As stated before, knowledge about breed statistics is important however making sure your judgement isn’t clouded by stereotypes of specific breeds is just as important. Typically, a dog that has already served as a pet is untrainable for use as a service dog.

The importance of having a service dog can mean life and death to those they serve. Service dogs are trained to alert those to a whole host of medical conditions when they arise.  Some of the well-known disorders that dogs are trained for are diabetes, seizure alertness and seizure response, a whole host of psychiatric disorders, autism, narcolepsy/cataplexy, mobility assistance and facility dogs (schools, medical offices, hospitals, court rooms, funeral homes, etc.).

For example, a service dog belonging to someone that suffers from seizures can alert others to the fact that the person they serve is having a seizure.  People who suffer from some psychiatric disorders find that the dogs provide a level of comfort that is key to diffusing an anxiety disorder or panic attack.

Getting a service dog is a process.  Your service dog is like an athlete in the sense that their training must be maintained and continuous or their learned behaviors will deteriorate.