We don’t just save dogs, dogs also save us. Although they can’t talk, these little pooches are full of love and affection toward their hoomans. Proof to this is the best service dog breeds that are not just cute but also reliable in times of need. Like old pals, they’ll be there for you in sickness and in health. And even if their lifespan is shorter than us, each year is surely lived meaningfully.
Service dogs are dubbed the heroes of the canine world. And why not? These dogs work by protecting, assisting, and alerting their handlers if external or internal harm is about to take place. But most importantly, they give love with nothing in return (well, sometimes a few treats will do).
A testament to these dogs’ invaluable service is the enactment of the American with Disabilities Act where a patient is entitled to own, handle, and bring a service dog. These doggos are trained to follow commands and bear unwavering discipline. That alone, enough can’t be said about their heroic act.
With this, let us meet 10 of our hero pups as they do their job of protecting and saving people.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are born to be service dogs. Their discipline, intelligence, and loyalty to their owners make them the best working breed. They are also called canine police because they are commonly used by authorities as partners of police forces in sniffing drugs and contrabands.
Since German Shepherds are people-pleasers, there’s no doubt why this breed is a reliable companion.They can serve as police K9s, psychiatric service dogs, and mobility support dogs due to their size.
This breed is also lauded for its excellent temperament. German Shepherds are cautious but not aggressive, protective but not dangerous, and affectionate but not too clingy. They are also great in sensing emotional distress. When assigned as the best dog breeds for service dogs, German Shepherds will paw their handlers to stop any destructive behavior.
German Shepherds are also said to have human-like intelligence as compared to other breeds. Their easy, dependable, and calm stance makes them the top pick as a household pet and a service dog. Also, this breed is very easy to train.
Poodle
The classy but not fussy behavior makes the Poodle breed a favorite choice as a service dog. One of their prominent characteristics is their unbeatable intelligence and grace even around strangers. It’s rare to see an aggressive Poodle. Still, intensive training is required to make them a certified service dog.
Poodles are initially trained to retrieve waterfowls as companions of hunters. With this, they earned a hard-wired instinct to follow human cues. They are also affectionate and loyal to their owners.Although they’re not the best breed for protection, these majestic pooches are great buddies of people experiencing emotional distress.
Poodles are mainstays on therapy clinics as they are said to be attuned to the feelings and thoughts of their handlers. This breed is a favorite pick of older folks since they are laid back, hypoallergenic, and loyal. Also, Poodles can live with other dogs harmoniously as one of the best service dog breeds.
Just beware, though, since Poodles don’t want to be left alone for long. They can become heartsick and snobbish if you do so. Nevertheless, they know how to be playful if surrounded with kids.
Labrador Retriever
Who doesn’t love Labs?! These adorable doggos are quiet, calm, easy-going and they make the best buddies ever. Labradors are intelligent and their large build makes them an all-around service dog. They are perfect for mobility, emotional, and psychiatric support. In fact, they are one of the most common breeds to be assigned as a service pooch next to the German Shepherd and their cousin Goldie.
Like Poodles, Labs are trained to retrieve waterfowl, thus their name. They are used to following human cues and remembering commands.With their obedience, intelligence, and versatility, Labradors are darlings of the service dog community.
However, they’re not good as protection dogs. Many Labs fail this test because they are too friendly and loving! In short, their calm demeanor is definitely suitable for service work.
Labs are good with kids and they can live with other dogs around. Like German Shepherds, they can be trained for any service dog task needed.
If you’re planning to get a Lab, make sure that you have a wide yard where the pooch can run. Also, this breed doesn’t like being alone or they will unleash their chewing skills on your possessions.
Golden Retriever
The dog with a heart of gold, that’s how dog owners describe Golden Retrievers. Like their Labrador cousin, Goldies are calm, laid-back, and intelligent. Their size also makes them a good candidate for mobility support and as service dogs for kids with autism. As the best dog breeds for service dogs, you can count on Goldies all the time.
Typically, Goldies are assigned as visual and hearing support as well as mobility service dogs. They know how to lead the way by clearing the path of their handler.Goldies are also used to avoiding obstacles based on their history as waterfowl retriever canines.
Golden Retrievers are calm but they are also vigilant, typically watching the surroundings while their handler is in a restaurant or a public place. They are also friendly with strangers but you can’t expect them to be the first one to greet you. This doggo is dedicated to his pup job.
When they’re not helping their owners, Goldies can also be therapy dogs that help kids and adults with emotional stress. Usually, they will visit clinics and even workplaces to bring joy and ruff love.
Collie
Collies might be a little aggressive as protection dogs, but if trained well, they can be fiercely loyal companions. If you don’t know it yet, Collies are the most intelligent dogs in the canine world. And with their size and strength, they can pull wheelchairs or assist their handlers around.
Initially, Collies are used as cattle herders before they became the best service dog breeds. With that, they will ensure that their handler is following their path and no obstacle is in place.
Collies are very active dogs which are they are a good fit as psychiatric and emotional service dogs. They will force you to get up, run and play.If they’re not playing around, they are giving big hugs and snuggles. This makes Collies a good fit for people with depression.
If trained well, they can thrive on newbie owners but take note that they can’t be left alone for long. As a herding dog, they will start nipping on things when they get bored.
But before having a Collie, make sure that you’ll subject the pooch under intensive obedience training. They can get really stubborn and they may run the house if not controlled.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are always typecast as the villain dog. But from their imposing appearance, these dogs are total sweethearts. If raised well, they will be loyal and protective but not aggressive. They are actually one of the original Velcro dogs since they can become overly affectionate and loving to their owners.
Doberman Pinschers are excellent service dogs for those who need tactile stimulation. They can lick, paw, and snuggle their handler to prevent the onset of emotional and psychiatric distress.Usually, Dobies are service dogs for people with depression and PTSD. Their ability to provide reality affirmation is something other breeds can’t provide.
You can also train Dobies to tread on your side as a service dog. Overall, they will give you a sense of security, especially if you’re afraid of going out in a crowd or being alone. Dobies are the best dog breeds for service dogs.
As much as Dobies are affectionate to their families, you may want to reconsider if you have a small child. Dobies aren’t really good with kids that tend to pinch and have jerky movements.
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are unique among other service dogs. Their sense of smell is 40 times stronger than humans which allow them to sniff biochemical changes in a person’s body. With this, they are used as service dogs to diabetic patients as well as those with clinical depression, asthma, and seizures.
What Bloodhounds do is alert the patient or the medical support present so necessary medications will be administered.At times, Bloodhounds can be trained to retrieve medications in the event that their handler is alone and experiencing attacks.
Take note, though, that bloodhounds aren’t great apartment dogs as they need a large space to unleash their energy. They require a regular dose of exercise to stay happy. Also, they have the tendency to wander so they need intensive training before passing as a service dog.
Although they can be stubborn, Bloodhounds are great family dogs. They are also patient with kids, strangers, and other canines. Just beware, though, since Bloodhounds drools and sheds a lot which can be problematic if someone in your household has allergies.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Known as the gentle giants, the Bernese Mountain Dog is excellent for children with autism. Their size gives a sense of security plus it can be used to pull wagons, wheelchairs, and other heavy loads that their handler is transporting.
The Bernese dogs are versatile as they are raised as working doggos in the Swiss Mountains. They are always calm, friendly, and affectionate which is something their size hides. They can be great protection dogs too, but only for show since they will yield on a stranger’s petting easily.
For those with depression and anxiety, Bernese dogs would be a great companion. Their energetic nature will push you to stay active, thus keeping your mind off your thoughts.This dog is also smart which makes them easy to train as the best service dog breeds.
However, puppy Bern dogs need a little more patience as they have the tendency to chase things. But once they matured, they can outgrow this stubborn behavior.
Remember that Bernese Mountain dogs don’t like living in confined spaces like city apartments and they require the attention of an experienced dog owner.
Pitbull
Help! A Pitbull is ripping my heart open with too much love and affection!
There’s so much stereotype about the Pitbull breed due to their past as blood sports dogs. But their vicious history is already way behind them. If you raise a Pitty with love and care, they will grow as affectionate dogs. Many patients, even children, find comfort in the company of a Pitbull doggo.
Experts also noticed that Pitbulls are more protective to kids and babies. However, you should train them properly to dampen any possibility of aggressiveness.It’s also important that you acquire a Pitbull pup from a responsible breeder.
Contrary to the belief of some people, Pitbulls are goofy, clownish, and loyal. However, BSL states prohibit the ownership of this breed. Always check the local laws before adopting one.
Pitties are great as family dogs, companions to kids, and even to strangers. However, this pooch can be territorial and they don’t like being around with other doggos.
Lhasa Apso
This breed used to be the dogs of Tibetan monks tasked to alert them when intruders and strangers enter their area. Lhasa Apso are not just holy dogs, they are also extremely loyal and supportive canines. After undergoing intense training, they will be invaluable companions to individuals with depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
Lhasa Apso dogs are cheerful and goofy which will definitely perk up a sad day. They can also give tactile stimulation so you can be dragged back to reality in case an attack ensues.If you want funny, clownish, affectionate, and loyal companions, Lhasa Apso dogs will never fail you.
The best thing about this breed is they can thrive on apartment living and even novice owners can handle their behavior. Highly sensitive and friendly with kids, Lhasa dogs are topnotch service pooches.
The best service dog breeds aren’t just about the size of the pooch; it’s also about how loyal and intelligent they are. These doggos deserve a hooman salute for their dedication to their work even if things go ruff.