Dogs have been scientifically proven to improve our mental health. They can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and help us cope with loneliness, chronic health issues, and more. That's why many people who are living with a mental health condition rely on the help of an emotional support dog.
Emotional support dogs should be calm, adaptable, trainable, and intuitive to a person's needs. They need to have a high tolerance for stress, be docile, and able to adapt quickly and handle new situations gracefully.
That being said, not all dogs are good candidates for emotional support. But there are several that have the qualities it takes. So if you could benefit from an emotional support dog, here are five breeds that make the best emotional support dogs for you to consider.
Best emotional support dogs
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are the second most popular dog breed according to the American Kennel Club. Labradors are one of the most common service dog breeds, so it should come as no surprise that they are one of the best emotional support dogs as well.
Labrador Retrievers are naturally affectionate and comforting and they're very intelligent, which can make them more in tune with their owners' needs. Labradors are also very trainable and friendly, so they will do well in public spaces that allow emotional support animals as long as they are trained properly.
Golden Retriever
Like the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever is another one of the most popular dog breeds that also makes a good service dog or emotional support animal. Golden Retrievers share a lot of traits with the Labrador, including having a friendly and calm temperament.
Golden Retrievers are also very affectionate and intuitive and tend to form really deep connections with people. They can sense when someone is feeling anxious or upset. Golden Retrievers are also very intelligent and highly trainable, and it isn't hard to get them to do what you want them to do.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs have taken on the title of the most popular dog breed for the last couple of years. But they also make great emotional support dogs. French Bulldogs are naturally affectionate, and they also show a high amount of loyalty to their humans.
French Bulldogs also bond really closely with their owners. They are considered "velcro" dogs because they always want to be at their owner's side, which makes them good for comforting people in times of stress or anxiety. However, they are prone to social anxiety, so be prepared to take them with you almost everywhere. Luckily, their small size makes it easy.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, also makes a great emotional support dog because of their highly sensitive nature and ability to pick up on their human's emotions. Yorkies form a very strong bond with their owners and love to be by their side.
Yorkies are also considered to be intelligent and trainable dogs. They are eager to please their owners, and their small size makes them easy to carry with you everywhere. However, Yorkies are known for being fearless and sometimes too friendly, which can get them into trouble.
Pug
The Pug is one of the most charming dog breeds. They have a goofy and playful nature, and it's their personality that makes them a good option for an emotional support dog. They are sure to keep you laughing with their antics. Pugs are also very affectionate and sociable and love to be close to their humans.
Pugs are also good for snuggling due to their size. However, they are very prone to separation anxiety since they do love to be with their humans at all times. This can turn into a problem if they are left alone. Pugs can also suffer from breathing problems due to their flat faces, so they may need a bit more care than other dogs.
Although these dog breeds are some of the most popular and best emotional support dogs, there are plenty of other breeds out there that are also good for emotional support. As long as they have the qualities needed and can be trained, any dog can be an emotional support dog. Just make sure to research any dog breed thoroughly before you bring them home to make sure they'll mesh with your lifestyle.