Do you know why the best emotional support dog breeds are quite famous? Because these dog breeds provide emotional support to their humans. These cute, cuddly dog breeds devote their comfort and happiness to their owners; and provide them relief from anxiety and depression.
These dog breeds have some specific traits that make them perfect for the role of ultimate emotional support. They tend to be social, laid-back, and gentle. Furthermore, these dog breeds are highly trainable with a desire to please their humans.
So if you are looking for the best emotional support dog breeds, below are quite famous dog breeds you can opt for.
These dog breeds easily develop a bond with their owners and are highly trainable. Also, these breeds are confident and generally neither headstrong nor aggressive. These best emotional support dog breeds can read their owner's emotions, which is an ideal trait for an emotional support animal.
So the 9 best emotional support dog breeds comprise;
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is like a living stuffed animal. Also referred to as the "Comforter Spaniel". Cavaliers were initially created to be companion dogs. They have a friendly temperament and love to cuddle.
Cavaliers are super affectionate dogs that love adults, children, and animals and are super happy in your presence. Whether on a walk or sitting on your couch, this breed is an excellent companion for those dealing with depression. Cavaliers are very eager to please their humans.
They are truly gentle and loving. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well-mannered, cute, and petite, making them great apartment dogs for first-time owners.
BREED OVERVIEW:
Height: 12 – 13 inches
Weight: 5.9 – 8.2 kg
Color: Black and Tan, Black and White, Ruby, Blenheim, and Tricolor
The Labrador Retriever is a top-notch emotional support dog. Labrador Retrievers are gentle, energetic, friendly, sturdy companions who want to please their humans.
They are smart and obedient dogs with calm demeanor. Labradors are super food motivated and are most likely to lick your ice cream cone. Moreover, Labrador Retrievers are easily trainable and best for people who need a companion out of their homes or suffer from mental health issues.
BREED OVERVIEW:
Height: 21.5 – 24.5 inches
Weight: Male: 29 – 36 kg; Female: 25 – 32 kg
Color: Yellow, Black, Chocolate
Temperament: Kind, Good-natured, Smart, Friendly
Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. These are considered the best emotional support dog breed and general family pets. Their heart-melting cuddles, unbridled enthusiasm, patient demeanors, bonding with their owners, and overt friendliness make them a perfect fit for humans with mental health issues.
Golden retrievers are highly trainable, intelligent, and extremely loyal companions. They are energetic dogs willing to perform any task put before them.
Corgi is much more than just the preferred breed by Queen Elizabeth. They are happy, playful, and easygoing dogs that are typically good with humans of all ages. At the same time, their height makes them unsuitable for some service dog jobs. But Corgis have a strong instinct for picking up on their owner's emotions and helping them accordingly.
These are energetic, intelligent, smart, and curious dogs eager to train. Corgis are aware of their surroundings all the time and have a strong instinct to protect their humans.
You can adopt the two types of Corgi, including Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi, as both share the same temperaments.
BREED OVERVIEW:
Height: 10 – 12 inches
Weight: Male: 10 – 12 kg; Female: 9 – 11 kg
Color: Black and Tan, Black and White, Fawn, Red, Sable
Yorkshire Terrier stands among the best emotional support dog breeds for many reasons. In addition to that, they are also one of the cutest lap dogs. Yorkshire Terrier expects a lot of attention from their people, but they also give it back tenfold.
In the home, they are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs. Yorkshires are wonderful dogs and tend to adapt well to change.
You can also travel with your Yorkshire as they are small enough. They will be providing caregivers the opportunity to embrace them when needed physically. Furthermore, they also fall under most rental policies.
BREED OVERVIEW:
Height: 3 – 8 inches
Weight: 1 – 5 kg
Color: Blue and Tan, Blue and Gold, Black and Gold, Black and Tan
You may have seen a Standard Poodle in a show ring, but these regal dogs are not merely for the show. Poodles are affectionate, eager to please, and easy to be around you 24 hours a day, which means they can be wonderful mental health companions.
They are working dogs and love physical activity and good challenges. Poodles are very friendly and super smart. Their top priority is their responsibility and compassion towards their owners.
Temperament: Obedient, Friendly, Timid, Playful, easy to train, Smart, Loyal
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Great Dane
Great Danes are among the best emotional dog breeds and are perfect for emotional support. Great Danes are usually called "Gentle Giants". They tend to be aloof with unknown people; however, they are unbelievably friendly with their humans.
They are truly gentle giants and calm dogs. Being guard dogs Great Danes are protective. So if you are suffering from anxiety, Great Dane can help you.
The sensitive nature of Irish Wolfhounds helps them tune into what their owners are feeling. The Irish Wolfhounds are among the most sensitive breeds. They can sense human emotions without any difficulty. That's what makes them the best emotional support dogs for humans.
Due to the gigantic size of Irish Wolfhounds, they are great cuddlers. Coming from a long history of hunting, the new breed of Irish Wolfhound is very protective. Furthermore, Irish Wolfhounds are very athletic, and you can have them as a biking and jogging buddy.
So if you need emotional and physical support, the sweet, loving, cheerful, and energetic breed is here to keep you physically and emotionally fit.
BREED OVERVIEW:
Height: 32 – 34 inches
Weight: Male: 54.5kg (Minimum); Female: 40.9 kg (Minimum)
Maltese is a good choice for single adults as they like to have a favorite person to whom they get attached. Maltese love to be cuddled and have very friendly and supportive characteristics.
Maltese are silky white small dogs that are great at soothing their humans. Furthermore, it's a playful breed, so it's fun to have them around you.
Maltese also excel in therapy work. Though they cannot give you therapeutic advice, they can comfort their humans with a lick or muzzle snuggle. Maltese is the best emotional support animal that is great for apartment living. You can also take Maltese on walks with you.
If you struggle emotionally and refrain from interacting with humans, the best emotional support dog breeds are for you. They'll be the therapist that will shower their love on you without judging.
Written by
Olivia Moore
Olivia is a freelance writer and pet enthusiast who writes articles on animals to help owners and their pets live their life in the best way. She resides in Australia and is currently doing her master’s degree in wildlife biology. Besides her studies, she has found a new love for working online and writing about animals. She is passionate about creating awareness about pets. Her mission is to write content on their health issues and the best ways to make their pets content. She loves to write about animals of all types but her specialties are dogs, cats, and birds.
By Maria Fernandes
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Last updated: Jul 26 2022
