5 of the best dog breeds for people with anxiety

When it comes to our mental health, there have been a few studies done on how dogs can help. But what about if you have anxiety?

If you are someone who deals with anxiety, you may be wondering what dog would be the best for you. Considering some dogs are best suited for work as service dogs, while others make excellent police or military working dogs, it makes sense that there are also dog breeds perfect for people who have anxiety.

When it comes to picking out the perfect pup for you, it can help to know which dog breeds are going to suit your needs. And if you are looking for an emotional support dog or just want one to help you with your anxiety, then these five dog breeds might just be the way to go.

What are the five best dog breeds for someone with anxiety

Cocker Spaniel – According to The Scotsman, this particular breed of dog is “particularly well-suited to supporting children with mental health challenges, the Cocker Spaniel is a sweet and consistent companion with long, silky, therapeutic fur.” And this makes sense to us, as we have always found these dogs to be very loving rather attuned to their owner’s needs.

Labrador Retriever – If you have every owned a Labrador Retriever then you already know how great these dogs are. It helps that these dogs are not only friendly and loving, but they are also very empathetic. The Lab is a rather gentle dog who can be outgoing, while also knowing when their person needs a snuggle.

Border Collie – As someone who rescued a Border Collie mix from the pound, I can tell you that this is a breed of dog that one should never sleep on. These pups are so attuned to their owners that they often know when something is wrong before you do. They will comfort you even when you don’t realize that is what you need. Our pup (her name was Snoopy) was great for cuddles and making sure you were cozy in bed whenever anxiety would creep up on you. And her affectionate nature made her perfect for dealing with those down days.

German Shepherd – We already know that a German Shepherd makes a great working dog, but did you know that they are also great for anxiety and mental health? This is a breed of dog that is not only very eager to please, but they are also extremely intelligent. They understand our emotions and aim to help us however they can. In fact, this is one of the breeds recommended for people looking for Emotional Support Animals, which is why they are also great for people who are specifically dealing with anxiety.

Corgis – Here’s the thing about a Corgi, these pups have no problem sticking to their owner’s sides without coming off as being needy. They are great companion dogs and are known for being very agreeable. However, they are also family dogs who are extremely loyal and affectionate. These dogs have no problem staying with your through an anxiety attack and are also extremely helpful in staving them off as well. The fact that this is a smaller dog also makes them a great companion for older people and people who can’t necessarily handle some of the quirks of owning a larger dog.

We love all dogs and find them to be a great source of comfort and companionship, but if you are looking for a dog that will specifically help you with your anxiety, then these are definitely five breeds you may want to check out first.