Dogs provide constant love and companionship free of judgement. For many, this is enough, but some people need their pup to do just a little bit more. In fact, there are a variety of reasons that someone may enlist the help of a therapy dog, and some of them may really surprise you! Dogs are much more than companions. There are pooches who are born to help.
There are positive aspects to every breed, but therapy dogs in particular must be naturally calm and patient with people. When it comes to therapy dogs, temperament is most important. They should be friendly, gentle and have a calm demeanor. They also should like to be petted and handled. Read on learn about the 10 best dogs for therapy work.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular pet breeds, and they make fantastic service dogs too. Most Labs are ridiculously friendly and good-natured. They also tend to bond very strongly with their owners and often love having a job to do. Large individuals may even be able to help you stand or walk.
Labs can perform a variety of services for their owners, but they’re especially helpful for mobility-impaired owners who need help grabbing or manipulating items. This is partly due to their natural retrieving instinct, but Labs also have “soft mouths,” which means they grip things lightly with their teeth. This will help ensure they don’t mangle the objects you expect them to fetch.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a highly versatile breed, primarily because its intelligence enables it to be trained for a variety of different purposes. For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when someone says K9 is a picture of a brave German Shepherd, and this is no coincidence.
These brilliant canines often work as police dogs (sometimes partnered with Jim Belushi), and the traits that make them a good match for that career are what makes them a good fit for the work therapy animals do. In fact, German Shepherds make fantastic therapy dogs in a myriad of settings, such as nursing homes and hospitals, and they work wonderfully with kids and adults alike.
Poodle
Many people think of poodles as prissy dogs with fancy haircuts, but they’re actually very smart and capable dogs who often love having a job (and for the record, you can give your poodle a pretty normal-looking haircut if you like). The Poodle actually comes in three sizes – small, medium, and large. Their intelligence and intuitive demeanor make them ideal therapy dogs.
Intuitive and adaptive, dogs in this breed can act predictably and appropriately in any situation. The Poodle has a long coat that will need regular clipping and grooming. They are also prone to weight gain. Poodles have a great demeanor for service work and they’re very easy to train. Plus, they look great in a service vest!
French Bulldog
French bulldogs love to warm the laps of a human friend in need of some companionship. These non-confrontational, affectionate and even-tempered dogs were selectively bred from larger bulldogs to be used as lap pets. During the Industrial Revolution, the dogs were introduced to France and gained popularity among Americans who saw them there on the Grand Tour. In the late 1800s, they became known as French bulldogs.
French bulldogs are known for their muscular frames, heavy bone structures and smooth coats. They have short faces and bat-like ears. Due to their compact size and affable attitude, French bulldogs, also known as Frenchies, make excellent therapy dogs.
Greyhound
When you think of therapy dog breeds, the Greyhound may not be the first breed that comes to mind. However, they perform the role exceedingly well. These sweet, peaceful, and gentle dogs are known for racing, but they are also quiet and affectionate as a breed. Most Greyhounds are adopted when they retire from their career as a racer and their new calling as therapy animals fits them perfectly!
You might also see Greyhounds working as therapy dogs in nursing homes and hospitals, where they can provide emotional support and companionship. Greyhounds are also sensitive, likely to notice any sound that is out of place. This breed is particularly useful as a sleeping companion because they do not bark and they enjoy spending time curled up in bed.
Beagle
The Beagle is a small dog known for its floppy ears and its black, white and brown coloration. But these cute doggos have much more to offer than just good looks! Even though they are naturally even-tempered and easy going, when properly trained, these classic pooches thrive in the role of therapy dogs. Their amazing personality traits truly shine through when they have the opportunity to share them with the world.
While most Beagles will form a close bond only with their families, that doesn’t mean they won’t charm the pants off strangers: their friendly attitude is bound to make them popular with everybody who meets them! Beadles are just that loving and lovable.
King Charles Spaniel
The majestic King Charles spaniel, named after King Charles II of Britain, was bred to be a loyal companion dog. For hundreds of years, paintings of aristocrats have featured depictions of King Charles Spaniels lounging on the laps of their noble owners.
These centuries of companionship have given the King Charles spaniel lots of practice in providing camaraderie and comfort. They love to interact with people and their warm temperament and obedient nature makes them the perfect therapy dog. Although King Charles Spaniels are excellent for people of all ages, they work particularly well with children. Due to their small size, King Charles Spaniels easily can visit children who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound. Their calm and friendly temperament also allows them to provide comfort to kids suffering from emotional problems or mental health issues.
Golden Retriever
Given their similarity to Labs, it shouldn’t be surprising that golden retrievers also make excellent service dogs. They’re smart, friendly, and easy to train, and most enjoy having a job to do.
Goldens are ideal for emotional support work, making them one of the best service dogs for PTSD and a great breed for reducing anxiety. But they can also handle more physical work, such as guiding blind owners or fetching items for those confined to wheelchairs. Do note that goldens shed quite a bit, so you’ll need to decide whether or not you can deal with this issue before selecting one of these lovable canines.
King Charles Spaniel
The majestic King Charles spaniel, named after King Charles II of Britain, was bred to be a loyal companion dog. For hundreds of years, paintings of aristocrats have featured depictions of King Charles Spaniels lounging on the laps of their noble owners.
These centuries of companionship have given the King Charles spaniel lots of practice in providing camaraderie and comfort. They love to interact with people and their warm temperament and obedient nature makes them the perfect therapy dog. Although King Charles Spaniels are excellent for people of all ages, they work particularly well with children. Due to their small size, King Charles Spaniels easily can visit children who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound. Their calm and friendly temperament also allows them to provide comfort to kids suffering from emotional problems or mental health issues.
Great Dane
Great Danes are uniquely well-suited for some service tasks, given their immense size and strength. They’re often helpful for owners who need help standing or keeping their balance, but they are also great for people who need emotional support, given their calm and reassuring demeanor.
Great Danes are typically pretty friendly with strangers, but those who’ve been trained for service work will remain focused on their person at all times. Great Danes do drool quite a bit, so they aren’t ideal for all owners. You needn’t take my word for any of this – look at how well this Great Dane is helping his person.
