Service dogs are superheroes among our four-legged friends, as they assist humans with physical or mental disabilities in living more independently. A service dog has been trained to assist a disabled person with various tasks. Any task that aids those with physical, mental, sensory, intellectual, or other disabilities qualifies. They enable their master to live and travel independently and with dignity while also providing the best cuddles!
It’s critical to choose a service dog that meets your specific requirements, but the ten breeds listed below are among the most popular choices among those in need of a four-legged companion!
Labrador Retriever
One of the most popular pet breeds, Labrador retrievers also make excellent service dogs.
The majority of Labrador retrievers are incredibly friendly and affectionate. They also have a strong bond with their owners and enjoy having a job to do. Larger people may even be able to assist you in standing or walking.
Labs can help their owners with a variety of tasks, but they’re especially useful for mobility-impaired owners who need assistance grabbing or manipulating items. This is due in part to their natural retrieving instinct, but Labrador retrievers also have a “soft mouth,” which means they use their teeth to lightly grip objects. This will help to ensure that the objects you expect them to fetch are not mangled.
The Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard dog breed has a long history of assisting people. The Saint Bernard breed has a long history of assisting people, most notably as a rescuer from the Alps’ desolate snowy peaks. Because of their kind, gentle, intelligent, and affable natures, these large and muscular canines are now more commonly used as service dogs.
The Saint Bernard is a breed of dog from Switzerland. It is of the Molossian type and is considered a mountain dog, but its main use has not been as a livestock guard or herding dog.
Border Collie
Border collies are often regarded as the world’s smartest breed, so it’s no surprise that they make excellent service dogs (note that many of the other brainy breeds, including Labs, poodles, and German shepherds are also on this list). They’re also incredibly easy to train, and the majority of them enjoy having a job to do.
Border collies are generally good with children, but they have a tendency to “herd” them, which can result in them knocking toddlers over, so they may not be the best choice for those who are frequently around strangers.
Border collies are a high-energy breed that can become mischievous if not properly stimulated, so make sure you have plenty of exercise opportunities and brain-stimulating interactive toys before bringing one into your home.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Many of the most important characteristics to look for in a service dog can be found in Bernese mountain dogs, including a friendly disposition, impressive intelligence, and a strong work ethic. They’re also big and strong enough to help their people with some physical tasks, and they’re smart enough to learn how to do complex jobs.
Furthermore, the Bernese mountain dog is a relatively easy dog to care for, making him an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. He’ll still need to be properly trained, but he’s one of the best kinds of service dogs available.
Bernese Mountain dogs aren’t recommended for hot climates, and they shed a lot, so make sure these aren’t issues before bringing one into your home. They also need a lot of time to run, jump, and play, which makes them unsuitable for apartment living.
Boxer
Boxers aren’t commonly used as service dogs, but they do possess many of the qualities that you want in a service dog. They are large enough to perform physical tasks but small enough to navigate crowded areas comfortably.
Boxers are extremely friendly dogs who get along well with both adults and children. Labs and golden retrievers, for example, have high energy levels, so you’ll need to give them plenty of exercise time.
They can, however, adapt to apartments and small homes quite well.
Great Dane
Given their enormous size and strength, Great Danes are uniquely well-suited for some service tasks. They’re frequently excellent mobility assistance dogs, which means they can assist owners who need assistance standing or maintaining their balance. However, because of their calm and reassuring demeanor, they make excellent service animals for people who require emotional support.
When it comes to strangers, Great Danes are generally friendly, but those who have been trained for service work will remain focused on their person at all times. Because Great Danes drool a lot, they aren’t suitable for everyone.
You don’t have to take my word for it; just look at how well this Great Dane is looking after his special little one.
BRB, I think I’ve got something in my eye…
Golden Retriever
Given their resemblance to Labrador retrievers, it’s no surprise that golden retrievers make excellent service dogs. They’re intelligent, friendly, and easy to train, and they enjoy working.
Goldens also form strong bonds with their owners, and despite their size, they appear gentle and sweet, which can help put other people (especially those who are afraid of dogs) at ease.
Goldens are an excellent choice for emotional support work, making them one of the best service dogs for PTSD and an excellent breed for anxiety reduction. They can, however, handle more physically demanding tasks such as guiding blind owners or retrieving items for those in wheelchairs.
Please keep in mind that goldens shed a lot, so you’ll need to decide whether or not you’re willing to deal with this issue before getting one of these adorable dogs.
Pomeranian
Although most service dogs are large, the Pomeranian is a small breed that is frequently capable of assisting in service-related roles.
A Pomeranian won’t help you walk or keep your balance, but he can learn to do a variety of tasks that don’t necessitate a lot of muscle. They pay close attention to their owners and, for the most part, enjoy having a job to do.
The Pomeranian is likely the best choice for owners who require the assistance of a service dog but do not live in an environment that is conducive to large breeds.
Pomeranians are easy to carry in a small pouch or backpack due to their small size, and they are so cute that they rarely frighten people when they are out in public!
Poodle
Many people think of poodles as prim and proper dogs with expensive haircuts, but they’re actually very intelligent and capable dogs who enjoy working (and for the record, you can give your poodle a pretty normal-looking haircut if you like).
Poodles are easy to train and have a great demeanor for service work. They also look fantastic in a service vest!
The majority of people who want to use a poodle for service work should get a standard poodle (poodles come in a variety of sizes, with standard poodles being the largest), as they’re bigger and stronger than toy or miniature poodles.
Smaller varieties, on the other hand, may be easier to take into crowded places if your service dog does not need to perform extremely physical work.
Pit Bulls
Pit bulls (and their American Staffordshire terrier cousins) are frequently excellent service dogs for people, but you’ll have to deal with the breed’s negative (though incorrect) reputation.
Many people are afraid of pit bulls, but their fears are based on misinformation and sensationalized media coverage; in reality, the vast majority of pit bulls are loving, gentle dogs.
Pit bulls are, in fact, one of the friendliest breeds, and well-trained individuals are generally very well-behaved in public. Pit bulls are also intelligent and easy to train, and most have a strong work drive.
The German Shepherd
German shepherds are frequently used as police dogs and are commonly associated with guard and protection work. They do, however, have the personality traits to make good service dogs.
German Shepherds actually can work in any service field, but he’s especially good for people who have mental illnesses like PTSD or anxiety. If you’re looking for a good psychiatric service dog breed, a German Shepherd is a good option. This is due to the strong one-on-one bond he forms with his master, which makes them feel extremely special and loved. He is extremely bright and responds quickly to commands.
German shepherds are intelligent, well-behaved, and easy to train, which are all qualities you want in a service dog breed. They usually form strong bonds with their owners as well. German shepherds were likely among the first dogs to be trained as service dogs, and they are capable of performing a wide range of tasks. Many are large and strong enough to assist mobility-impaired owners, they are alert enough to notice when their owners are anxious, and they have a keen sense of smell, making them ideal for monitoring blood sugar levels.
Doberman Pinscher
This is yet another dog that has developed an unjust reputation over time. However, those familiar with the Doberman Pinscher breed will recognize him as another big softie who is sickly sweet and affectionate. He will develop a strong bond with his master, which is why he is an excellent emotional support dog. He can also assist those who require assistance moving around due to his sturdy stature.
Final words
While all breeds mentioned above are some of the most common service dog breeds, there are many exceptions, and you should always try to find a dog that is well-suited to the service you require.
So, while the breeds listed above are certainly worth considering, don’t be afraid to branch out!
Do you have a service dog or a companion dog? Tell us everything we need to know about him! If you worked with a service dog organization to match you with him, make sure to mention it.
You’re under no obligation to share any information you don’t want to, but we’d like to know what services your dog provides, what breed he is, and whether or not you believe he has improved your quality of life.
Source: https://www.k9ofmine.com/best-breeds-for-service-dogs/