These 6 Dog Breeds Are the Best for Emotional Support!

Cute Animal Planet ^ | 07/02/2024

[SeekAndFind]

These 6 Dog Breeds Are the Best for Emotional Support!

An emotional support animal (ESA) can provide comfort, companionship, and plenty of therapeutic benefits if you’re dealing with an emotional or mental health issue, whether it’s anxiety, panic attacks, depression, chronic stress, ADHD, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In most cases, ESAs are dogs (but it’s not a rule). Under federal law in the United States, in order to qualify as an emotional support animal, you need a prescription letter from a licensed mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or even therapist.

Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs don’t need any kind of specific training and, in theory, can be any type of breed you want. But if you’re looking for a new dog to serve as an emotional support animal, there are some types of breeds that could make the best candidates as emotional support animals.

Photo by Krakenimages.com from Shutterstock

Golden Retriever

Well-known for their friendly and gentle nature, Golden Retrievers are extremely sociable and compassionate dogs. They have a natural instinct to comfort and connect with everyone around them. They have a natural instinct when it comes to comforting and connecting with people.

At the same time, they are very easy to train and are one of the most reliable breeds out there. For this reason, Golden Retrievers are often trained as service dogs. They are also a wonderful option for those who need emotional support.

If you’ve never had a dog before, there’s no better breed to start with than Golden Retrievers. Some of their biggest traits are intelligence, adaptability in training, eagerness to please, patience, and reliability.

Labrador Retriever

Labradors are well known for their loyalty, kindness, and especially affection. They have an intuitive ability to sense your emotions and provide unconditional love to their owners. Labradors are wonderful emotional support animals, but they’re also extremely versatile service dogs.

They always have a friendly disposition, and their adaptability makes them extremely well-suited for different environments and situations. Even if they seem similar, Labrador Retrievers have shorter coats than Golden Retrievers, which is much easier to maintain.

There’s also a difference in character: Goldens can be a bit clingy, but Labradors are more independent. Some of their traits include being loyal, affectionate, very sensitive to all kinds of emotions, versatile, but also independent.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These small but very charming dogs are well known for their never-ending gentleness and affectionate nature. They form very strong bonds with their owners and thrive on close companionship. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great for individuals who wish for an emotional companion but don’t want a bigger breed.

They are particularly connected to human emotions, making them wonderful and empathetic companions for emotional support. Some of their most appreciated traits are gentleness, affection, the ability to bond with their owner, their size, and their empathetic superpowers.

Poodle

Poodles are extremely intelligent, and they also have a very calm and composed demeanor. They aren’t only hypoallergenic but also very adaptable, which makes them a great choice for those who suffer from allergies. Poodles come in all kinds of sizes, from standard to miniature, which allows individuals to choose a size depending on their living situation.

Their brightness allows them to provide both emotional support and assistance with different types of tasks. But it’s very important to note that poodles are generally very high-energy dogs, which means they need plenty of attention and physical and mental stimulation.

Some of the most important traits you will find in a poodle include intelligence, a very calm demeanor, a hypoallergenic coat, adaptability, and a wide variety of sizes.

Pug

Pugs are famous for how playful and sweet they can be. They have a very charming personality that brings a lot of joy and comfort to any household. Pugs are also quite small in size, but this doesn’t mean they don’t have the biggest hearts!

They are especially suitable for individuals looking for a breed with a very strong sense of companionship and a knack for lifting every spirit. Some of their traits include playfulness, being very affectionate, having a charming personality, being small, and being spirited.
Image By drazenphoto From Envato Elements

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus might seem small, but their hearts are definitely very big. They get their energy from their relationship with their loving owners, and they’re tailor-made for indoor living. With their long and flowing coats and expressive eyes, Shih Tzus are great as emotional support animals.

They are very attentive and loving, and they have a knack for forming deep bonds with their owners. Shuh Tzus also tend to be quite comfortable living in smaller spaces, so if you live in a one-bedroom apartment, for instance, this might be the ideal breed for you.

Some of their most appreciated traits include being very friendly, affectionate, and indoor-friendly; having a long and flowing coat; and having a deep bond with the owner.

Choosing the right breed for you

It’s very important to remember that an emotional support dog isn’t just a therapeutic tool but also a pet in every way. When you decide to bring a new dog into your family, your life will never be the same again in the best possible way. For this very reason, it’s important to choose a breed that matches not only your lifestyle but also your emotional needs. Here are some important factors you should consider:

• Personality: Every breed comes with all kinds of personality traits, so you want to try and find one that will perfectly match up with your needs. For instance, a Golden Retriever generally has quite a calming presence, while a Pug will always try to lift up your spirits.
• Energy level: This is quite an important but oftentimes overlooked factor when it comes to choosing a dog. For instance, high-energy breeds have to get their daily dose of mental and physical stimulation. If you can’t provide that, they could begin acting up in a myriad of different ways. So you need to ponder how much exercise you are willing to provide for your dog and choose a breed.
• Size: Even if size shouldn’t be seen as a determining factor when it comes to choosing a dog, it’s definitely worth thinking about. In fact, more than anything, you need to have enough space for your dog in your own home. For instance, Golden Retrievers and Labradors could thrive if they have plenty of space and supposedly an outdoor area where they can play. On the other hand, a Shih Tzu or a Pug could be very happy in a small apartment, too.
• Grooming requirements: Some breeds require way more maintenance than others. For instance, long-haired breeds need constant brushing, and some (Poodles, for instance) could definitely use constant trips to the hair salon. If you aren’t fully ready to invest the needed time and money in this kind of activity, you might want to consider a low-maintenance breed, like a Labrador, for instance.
• Personal connection: Last but not least, you should never underestimate the amazing and priceless sense of connection you could feel with a specific dog. No matter the breed, dogs have their own unique personalities. You should strive to spend as much time as you can with different furry friends and see what your gut tells you.

[Jonty30]

There is no matchig with a cat. They are their own people.

[mabarker1]

Boxers-some of the funniest and most Loyal Dogs I've ever seen, met, owned. We currently have a 3 Ring Kennel.

The newest addition, Cassie. She's napping with Our eldest, Savanna (12 years old.)

And as a Puppster.

Savanna at around 7 years old.

And this is Phineas the male 3 years old.

[McGruff]

My neighbor has two of these Pugs and what annoying barking things they are. My Lab can bark once and they will go on howling for minutes until their owner has to shut them up.

[jimtorr]

My grand niece was given a Shih Tzu when my nephew (not her father) had to down size.

The dog is very noisy, barking loudly at all noises he thinks might be caused by strangers.......including my car, every time I drive up. He barks at all delivery vehicles, until the driver gets out. Once strangers get close enough to touch, he loves everybody.

In the house, he gets to the highest place he can, and lays there. The back of the sofa nearest the front door is a favorite perch.

[fso301]

[Spacetrucker]

Hah! Best dog breed of all time 😁 Well, maybe tied for best - the little Shih Tzu my wife MISTAKENLY brought home when I am CERTAIN I told her I wanted a Bull Mastiff might be just as good, little dog has changed my opinion on ankle-biters. When the dog, on its very first day in our home, crawls right between my wife and I in bed, yeah I’m kinda sold on it.

[Spacetrucker]

Thar is so funny. Our Shih Tzu doesn’t bark - EVER. It will yip/growl when I play with it, but otherwise never makes a sound.

[Spacetrucker]

Hairless Demon Spawn. Haven’t seen that breed in quite a long time.

[blackdog]

Rescue. Any breed. There are no bad dogs, just bad owners.

[blackdog]

True, but I hate being judged by my cats every damn day. My dog thinks I’m special. My cats think I’m always coming up short.

[Chad C. Mulligan]

I you want emotional support, get a cat. Dogs are too much like work.

[ccmay]

We have two West Highland White Terriers that we love to bits. They are the most sociable and loving of all the terriers, snuggling with us for hours, but they have been bred for many generations to fear no man or beast. They are too small to be called guard dogs, although I suspect they would leave any burglar bleeding profusely from the ankles.

They are EXCELLENT watchdogs, raising a colossal ruckus whenever someone comes to the door. Unfortunately they also do it when the pool man comes in the back yard, or little girls pass by on bicycles, or a bird casts a moving shadow on a window shade….

[SaveFerris]

My mother had about 4 poodles - one had been in a bad family but the other 3 were pretty sharp - two of them became my best buddies - one especially after Mom passed - I not only miss her and my Dad every day of the week, but a couple of those poodles.

I had a mutt that was great too. Back in the 1960’s. She made it into the early 1980s.

Right now I’m just hoping for a robot wife. LOL No, not one that will yell at me all the time like I was Harcourt Fenton Mudd.

What’s taking so long, Laz? C’mon man!

[PghBaldy]

Poodles, German Shepherd, and a Collie-German Shepherd mix are three we’ve had over the years. The mix was very comforting to my grieving relative. The G.S. we’ve had looked out for us and their dog friends. The poodles we’ve had/have all liked affection. Poodle we have now will run to me if she thinks I am hurt, or whenever I’ve fallen.

[Adder]

My fav is a Gund...quiet, uncomplaining, tucks under an arm while sucking a thumb.

Sheesh...

[FLT-bird]

I have a 7 year old Black Lab who was a pain in the butt his first year as a puppy and has been the best dog in the world ever since. He is such a good boy and as I tell him often, the best buddy ever.

2 weeks ago he got a chocolate baby brother. He’s adorably cute but we’re going through the walking him in the middle of the night and constantly cleaning up his messes phase right now. I’m sure he’ll be a great doggy too. He’s a little bit of a handful right now.

Labs are the greatest. They’re smart, very eager to please, playful and affectionate.

[TermLimits4All]

I’ll stick with my border collie. She’s got enough love and support for the whole family.
online dice roll generator

[Hot Tabasco]

I’m a firm believer that any emotional support dog should be big enough to rip the throat out of a home invader, not small enough that you can stuff it in a purse and taken shopping with you or sitting on your lap when driving.

[KarlInOhio]

In most cases, ESAs are dogs (but it’s not a rule). Under federal law in the United States, in order to qualify as an emotional support animal, you need a prescription letter from a licensed mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or even therapist.

In most cases, you'll just buy an orange vest from Amazon and no one will ever ask for proof of need so you can walk right past the "no animals" sign on the store's door. I use the dog with a vest as a warning sign of someone who is both neurotic and entitled who is best avoided. I know there are some with legitimate needs, but most are people who just want to bring their pets everywhere.

Pugs are also quite small in size, but this doesn’t mean they don’t have the biggest hearts!

You are going to spend a lot on canine cardiologists for that issue.

[silverleaf]

Yes, mutt
Rescued from a high kill shelter