What Are the Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds?

Dogs play an important role in helping our mental health. A study done in the Journal of Psychiatric Research and the Journal of Applied Developmental Science discovered that people who owned a dog did not suffer as much from their mental health issues, and owning a dog made these people more likely to help others. Dogs are truly a person’s best friend and their companionship has many benefits. Certain breeds of dogs even make for great emotional support for humans that need it. Additionally, these dogs are incredibly affectionate and are great companions for seniors as they love to learn and please their person

Top dog breeds for emotional support

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Border Collie
  • Vizsla
  • German Shepard

cavalier king Charles Spanniel



The first dog that is great for emotional support is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This dog is known as a cuddle bug. Additionally, these dogs are incredibly affectionate and are great companions as they love to learn and please their person. For anyone struggling with depression or PTSD, this is a great dog. Labrador Retrievers are energetic companions who love to help out their humans. This breed will often find things and drop them at their person’s feet. Labs are super smart, obedient, and calm, thus making them a great emotional support animal for someone with mental health issues. People with ADD or autism may feel calmer when a lab is around.

Border Collie

Another great breed for emotional support is the Border Collie. Border Collies are smart, devoted, and incredibly affectionate. These dogs love to move and will encourage their person to do so, even if they don’t want to. This aspect makes Border Collies a great option for anyone suffering from depression or anxiety.

Vizsla

Vizslas are another breed that provides emotional support. Vizslas are energetic, joyful, and love to be active. Not only are Vizslas smart, but they are also often cheerful, making them a great option for emotional support.

German Shepherd

Lastly, German Shepards are protective dogs that will look out for their person. They are smart and love challenges, which makes them suitable for many jobs. Additionally, these dogs are strong and can provide strength and physical support if needed.

There are many dog breeds that are great for emotional support, so be sure you find the breed that is best for you. You can also check out this page on USserviceanimals.org, an ESA service provider, to see which other breeds they recommend themselves. No matter which dog you decide on, dogs are great emotional support animals for any need.

Visit your local animal shelter to see if you can find one of these breeds today!

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