10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (2024)

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Laura Mueller

10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (1)

Laura Mueller

Laura Mueller is a well-regarded animal rescue expert and writer with nearly a decade of experience in animal advocacy. Laura is the former editor of Tails Pet Magazine and volunteers in animal rescue, including Chicago’s Anti-Cruelty Society and Starfish Animal Rescue.

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Updated on 08/03/24

10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (2)

Emotional support animals provide their humans with therapeutic benefits, including anxiety relief and comfort in social settings, without any requisite training. While all dogs can offer support, certain breeds have traits that make them more likely to excel in the role. They tend to be gentle, laid-back, and sociable. These dog breeds are also typically highly trainable and want to please their humans.

Here are 10 dog breeds to consider if you're looking for an emotional support animal.

Breed Characteristics

These dog breeds tend to include dogs that easily bond with their humans, which is an ideal trait for an emotional support animal. They’re the type of dog that’s in tune with its humans and can read their emotions versus a breed that’s more aloof. They respond well to training but don’t have the extreme smarts or energy levels that require an owner to put in lots of effort to tire out their dog mentally and physically. And, while they’re confident dogs, they’re generally not aggressive or headstrong.

Tip

To be considered a true emotional support animal, a dog must be authorized by a licensed health professional. The dog won't have the same rights as service dogs or therapy dogs, but this might allow a person to circumvent certain no-pet policies.

  • 01 of 10

    American Staffordshire Terrier

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (3)

    Pit bull-type dogs have been maligned for years—an unfortunate result of bad owners and bad PR. But these friendly, devoted canines are incredibly well-suited to serve as emotional support animals. With the proper training and socialization, breeds like the American Staffordshire terrier typically can get along with most people in various situations.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 17 to 19 inches

    Weight: 40 to 70 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Muscular body; colors include black, blue, fawn, and more

  • 02 of 10

    Golden Retriever

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (4)

    Golden retrievers have long reigned as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, both as emotional support animals and as general family pets. Their patient demeanors and overt friendliness make them a good fit for people with health issues. And, as a bonus, they are highly trainable.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 22 to 24 inches

    Weight: 55 to 75 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Straight or wavy coat; light to dark golden shades

  • 03 of 10

    Labrador Retriever

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (5)

    Search any list of the best emotional support, therapy, or service dogs, and you’ll likely see Labrador retrievers. Labs are gentle and friendly with a strong desire to please. They're good for people who need a companion out of their homes, as Labs tend to be comfortable exploring the world.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 22 to 25 inches

    Weight: 55 to 80 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Athletic build; short coat; colors include black, chocolate, and yellow

  • 04 of 10

    Corgi

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (6)

    Corgis are more than just the preferred breed of the queen of England. These affectionate dogs are typically good with humans of all ages, and their intelligence makes them excel in training. But corgis are fairly active dogs, so they're not right for every condition. They can be suitable for owners who prefer to take their dogs with them when out and about, as that will help channel the corgi's energy.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 10 to 12 inches

    Weight: Up to 30 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Low-set and long; colors include black and tan, fawn, red, and sable with white markings

    Continue to 5 of 10 below

  • 05 of 10

    Yorkshire Terrier

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (7)

    What Yorkies lack in size they make up for in confidence and affection. They expect lots of attention, but they give it back tenfold. They’re easy to travel with, which is good for people who require their emotional support animal to accompany them on trips. And they tend to adapt well to change.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 7 to 8 inches

    Weight: 7 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Compact body; silky coat; colors include black and tan, blue and tan, and more

  • 06 of 10

    Irish Wolfhound

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (8)

    Irish wolfhounds are natural protectors. And their sensitive nature helps them tune into what their humans are feeling. But one factor to keep in mind is they have a relatively short lifespan—just six to eight years—which can be difficult for those who rely heavily on their emotional support animal.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 30 inches and up

    Weight: 105 to 120 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Tall, long body; rough coat; colors include black, blue, cream, gray, and more

  • 07 of 10

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (9)

    The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is like a living stuffed animal. These dogs love to cuddle and typically have a friendly temperament. They're often referred to as the “comforter spaniel.” They're usually just as happy to cozy up with their favorite humans as they are to join them for a pleasant walk.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 12 to 13 inches

    Weight: 13 to 18 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Medium-length, silky coat; colors include black and tan, black and white, and more

  • 08 of 10

    Chihuahua

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (10)

    Chihuahuas run the spectrum of temperament. But, with proper socialization at an early age, chihuahuas can develop loving personalities that translate well into emotional support. Like Yorkies, they travel easily for on-the-go companionship. They don’t require much exercise, and they're happy to keep their humans engaged with playtime and snuggles.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 5 to 8 inches

    Weight: Up to 6 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Alert expression; smooth or long coat; colors include black, tan, and more

    Continue to 9 of 10 below

  • 09 of 10

    German Shepherd

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (11)

    German shepherds prefer to have a job, which is why they’re often chosen as working dogs. Their intelligence and eagerness to please also make them strong contenders as emotional support animals. Most German shepherds love to engage with their humans, and, with sufficient training, they can become wonderful companions in public spaces.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 22 to 26 inches

    Weight: 50 to 90 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Muscular body; medium-length coat; colors include black and tan, black and red, solid black, and more

  • 10 of 10

    Collie

    10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (12)

    As herding dogs, collies constantly check to ensure their flock—or family—is happy and secure. Most collies are skilled at picking up cues from their humans that something isn't right, and they're quick to swoop in to provide comfort. They do need ample exercise, which means they're good at getting their humans up and out of the house.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 22 to 26 inches

    Weight: 50 to 75 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Rough or smooth coat; colors include sable and white, blue merle, and more

Breeds to Avoid

While any individual dog, regardless of breed, can be the right fit to provide emotional support to a person, certain dog breeds are less likely to fit the role. For instance, while the Shar-Pei is a loyal and protective dog, it doesn't tend to be very loving and cuddly.Likewise, the Kerry blue terrier, Pekingese, Shiba Inu, and several other breeds are quite independent and often don’t need to share affection with their humans to be happy. So they're not likely contenders to provide support whenever it's needed.

How to Register an Emotional Support Animal

10 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support (2024)

FAQs

What type of dog is the best emotional support dog? ›

ESA dog breed #1: Golden Retriever

They have a natural instinct to comfort and connect with people. At the same time, they tend to be 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.

What dog breed is best for mental health? ›

What Breeds Make the Best Psychiatric Service Dogs?
  • German Shepherd. People who suffer from anxiety require a constant source of stability and calm. ...
  • Labrador Retriever. Labrador retrievers are devoted service dogs. ...
  • Poodle. ...
  • Golden Retriever. ...
  • Bernese Mountain Dog.

What dog is best for anxiety? ›

Top Dog Breeds for People With Anxiety
  • German Shepherd. ...
  • Maltese. ...
  • Labrador Retriever. ...
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. ...
  • Greyhound. ...
  • Saint Bernard. ...
  • Poodle. ...
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi may be last, but certainly ins't least on this list, as they are a loving and goofy dog breed.

What dog breed has the most empathy? ›

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a brilliant empathic dog breed, famed for having an uncanny degree of empathy. Often known as "gentle giants", they will know when you're sad, sick or feeling uneasy.

What mental illnesses qualify for ESA? ›

Here is a list of general emotional/mental challenges and impairments that can be helped by an ESA:
  • Age-Related Cognitive Decline.
  • Anxiety.
  • Any Psychiatric Condition.
  • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD)
  • Autism.
  • Bipolar Disorder.
  • Depression.

What is the best dog for PTSD? ›

Top 10 Dog Breeds for PTSD
  • #1 Labrador Retriever. As one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, the Labrador has been the number one dog in the US for years. ...
  • #2 Golden Retriever. ...
  • #4 German Shepherd. ...
  • #5 Pomeranian. ...
  • #6 Border Collie. ...
  • #7 Pug. ...
  • #8 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. ...
  • #9 Yorkshire Terrier.

What is the smartest and calmest dog? ›

#1: Golden Retriever

Calm and stable, Goldens use their intelligence in ways that endear them to the entire family. It is not an accident that Goldens regularly top all other breeds in obedience training.

What is the best pet for anxiety and depression? ›

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Kind, gentle and loyal, they are deservedly popular dogs, and appear to be one of the best dogs for anxiety sufferers.

What is the best service dog for depression? ›

Five Best Dog Breeds for Depression
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It could be the large, dark eyes that gaze lovingly at their owners. ...
  • Vizsla. Although not as fluffy or traditionally cute as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a Vizsla is the opposite as far as grooming goes. ...
  • Shiba Inu. ...
  • Golden Retriever. ...
  • Labrador Retriever.
Jul 19, 2024

What is the best dog for lonely people? ›

Top 10 Dog Breeds for Singles
  • Golden Retriever. ...
  • French Bulldog. ...
  • English Bulldog. ...
  • Yorkshire Terrier. ...
  • Pug. ...
  • Chihuahua. ...
  • Great Dane. ...
  • Boxer. Boxers are known for their fun personalities, bright mind, and playful nature, making them a furrific partner for the single lifestyle.

Which dog reduces stress? ›

Labrador Retrievers have been crowned the best dog breed for lowering human stress, a new scientific study has found.

What dog breed has the most separation anxiety? ›

Here are the top seven breeds that are most likely to struggle with separation stress when left alone for long periods:
  • Labrador Retriever.
  • Border Collie.
  • German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds.
  • Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Bichon Frise.
  • German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • Vizsla.
Feb 28, 2022

Which dog loves you the most? ›

19 most affectionate dog breeds that love to snuggle
  • Pug. Pugs love their owners and can be very needy. ...
  • Golden Retriever. ...
  • Brussels Griffon. ...
  • Newfoundland. ...
  • American Staffordshire Terrier. ...
  • Bichon Frise. ...
  • Bulldog. ...
  • Alaskan Klee Kai.
Nov 7, 2022

What is the most needy dog? ›

Top 11 Dog Breeds That Are Extra Clingy
  • #1 Vizsla. Known as the ultimate Velcro dog, this Hungarian breed is literally attached to their owner, and is happiest when right by your side. ...
  • #2 Labrador Retriever. ...
  • #4 Maltese. ...
  • #5 Golden Retriever. ...
  • #6 German Shepherd. ...
  • #7 Pug. ...
  • #8 Shetland Sheepdog. ...
  • #9 Italian Greyhound.

What breed of dog is best for therapy? ›

Some of the most popular breeds of therapy dogs are: Golden retriever. Poodle. Labrador Retriever.

What is the difference between a therapy dog and an emotional support dog? ›

Therapy dogs are pets that have been certified to visit and provide comfort and joy to people who need it. Therapy dogs aren't allowed in public places, except where they are providing pet therapy. Emotional support animals are pets that help people with disabling mental health disorders feel comforted and calm.

What is the best dog for a service dog? ›

Quite a few dog breeds are a great choice for a service dog that is intelligent and easy to train. Consider a breed such as a German Shepherd, Border Collie, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, etc. These are intelligent dogs who are receptive to training.

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