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For those living with a debilitating mental health disorder, it can be extremely difficult to keep up a routine, let alone work toward long-term goals. Symptoms can intrude like an uninvited guest at any time, and just trying to make it through the day can become a challenge in itself.
A psychiatric service dog can seriously help to mitigate symptoms. From providing comfort to interrupting self-destructive behaviors, they can help their handler in several ways.
While any dog can become a psychiatric service dog with the right training and guidance, it goes without saying that there are some breeds more fit for the role than others.
In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 breeds for psychiatric service dogs, and explain exactly which traits make them so well-suited for this kind of work.
Top 10 Breeds for Psychiatric Service Dogs
Qualities that make a breed excellent for psychiatric service work include a calm demeanor, a strong work drive, and an eagerness to please. Intelligence is also a must – psychiatric service dogs need to learn how to perform several tasks, many of which are complex in nature.
The 10 breeds below are renowned for having the necessary traits. With that said, keep in mind that every breed excels at different types of tasks, so some will better suit your needs than others.
1. Havanese
Friendly, intelligent, attentive – the Havanese has virtually all of the qualities that a psychiatric service dog needs to excel in the field. They love nothing more than pleasing their owners, making them quick to respond and training a breeze.
While this tiny breed won’t be able to help their handler maintain balance or provide deep pressure stimulation, they are exceptionally perceptive to change. This allows them to easily detect shifts in behavior and mood.
They also enjoy cuddling and being by their owner’s side, which will no doubt offer comfort, reassurance and a sense of security.
2. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular pet dog breed in the U.S. since 1991, and it’s not hard to imagine why. Labs are incredibly friendly, eager to please and gentle-natured. Unsurprisingly, these traits make them well-suited for psychiatric service dog work too.
Labs are also exceptionally smart and can pick up almost any task they’re taught. However, as their breed name suggests, they particularly excel at those which involve retrieving items. Their “soft mouth” enables them to gently carry and deliver things without damaging them.
3. Standard Poodle
Next up, it’s the Standard Poodle. Poodles have built up a reputation for being effective psychiatric service dogs. They are exceptionally bright, even-tempered and highly work-driven. They’ll never grow tired of performing tasks for their handler, and will always be eager to learn new ones.
While a Poodle probably won’t be able to help with any strenuous physical tasks, they do have long, agile legs which allow them to move and react quickly. They’re also renowned for being highly sensitive to emotional changes.
Despite what their overly fluffy coat may lead you to believe, Poodles rarely shed and have a hypoallergenic coat. This makes them the perfect partner for those who suffer from allergies.
However, keep in mind that Poodles do tend to be high energy – they’ll need a handler who leads an active lifestyle.
4. Border Collie
Border Collies aren’t just loyal and affectionate. They’re renowned for being the smartest dog breed. In fact, the smartest dog in the world was a Border Collie named Chaser, who could recognize over 1,000 words.
Considering how brainy they are, it’s no surprise that Border Collies make exceptional psychiatric service dogs. With appropriate training, a Border Collie will be able to pick up even the most complex tasks, and their sharp focus gives them an edge at detecting (and preventing) flare-ups in psychiatric conditions.
Just like German Shepherds, they love nothing more than having a job to do (to the extent where they’ll always want to be working).
Bred to be a herding dog, their build is exceptionally agile and powerful, which allows them to perform more laborious tasks. For the same reason, however, they are very energetic. They will need someone who can match their high-energy lifestyle.
5. Boxer
Boxers might not be the most popular choice of breed for service dog work, but they’re still one of the best breeds for the job.
Despite their tough looks, they’re gentle at heart, and love nothing more than spending time with their owner. This makes them a particularly great companion for those who need assistance regularly throughout the day – they’ll never want to leave your side!
Strong but compact, they can live comfortably in a smaller space and take on virtually any strenuous physical work with ease. They can also quickly pick up on shifts in their owner’s mood.
Boxers were bred to be guard dogs, so they do tend to be protective and alert. However, proper training will ensure this vigilance is at a healthy level and does not distract them.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Loyal, intelligent, even-tempered – the Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel has the ideal traits for psychiatric service dog work.
Developed to be the ideal lapdog, they also absolutely love cuddling and being by their owner’s side. This makes them perfect for performing tasks related to reassuring and soothing.
Unlike most breeds, Cavaliers are exceptionally adaptable; they’ll be content whether you have a laidback lifestyle or an active one. They are high maintenance on the grooming front, though.
7. Great Dane
Great Danes make wonderful psychiatric service dogs; they are well known as the gentle giants of the dog world due to their calm, friendly and affectionate nature. With minimal grooming and exercise needs, they’re also easy to look after, even for those who have limited mobility.
Moreover, their unrivalled height allows them to perform tasks that other breeds can’t. They can reach higher places, and help their handler maintain their balance.
Their eye-catching stature even helps to divert strangers’ attention from their handler. This quality will be particularly helpful for those suffering from mental health issues like social anxiety.
The only downside? These big pooches are big droolers, so be prepared!
8. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are similar to Labs in many ways: they are affectionate, great at retrieving items and people pleasers through and through. Goldies are also just as intelligent and attentive, and will have no problem learning and performing tasks.
The main difference between the two breeds is that Golden Retrievers tend to be more laidback. This makes them suited to owners that want a calmer, easygoing companion.
Goldies also have a thicker and softer coat, which makes them extra-cuddly and warm (qualities that can better comfort and reassure). Unsurprisingly, their coat is a lot more high maintenance than a Labrador’s coat, though.
9. German Shepherd
Thanks to their intelligence, gentle demeanor, and ability to stay calm under pressure, German Shepherds have long been considered the ideal breed for police work. These qualities also make them perfect psychiatric service dogs.
They can pick up complicated tasks in an instant, are phenomenally easy to work with, and love having a job. Plus, since they’re strong and large in build, they can effectively offer balance support and perform tasks such as deep pressure stimulation.
German Shepherds particularly excel at grounding their handler; they’re highly perceptive and can intervene quickly if needed. They’re also able to easily assess which tasks are required in the moment, even without being told.
10. Doberman
Despite their tough guard dog reputation, Dobermans are highly affectionate and will shower their handler in heaps of love, cuddles and attention. They naturally love nudging, licking and pawing, which makes them perfect at grounding through tactile stimulation.
Dobermans are also fairly easy to care for since they are clean and have minimal shedding.
Their commanding appearance can even help ward off strangers, offering their handler a sense of security and safety when they’re out and about.
Sadly, a common misconception is that the Doberman is an “innately” aggressive breed, which has led to some places banning them. However, this is anything but the truth. Any dog can become aggressive without effective socialization and obedience training. With the right care throughout their life, a Doberman will not act aggressively.
Nevertheless, if you’re interested in a Doberman, make sure to check your area’s Breed-specific Legislation (BSL) first.
What Is a Psychiatric Service Dog?
A common misconception is that a psychiatric service dog is the same as an emotional support animal (ESA). However, there are distinct differences between them.
Psychiatric Service Dogs
A psychiatric service dog is trained to perform tasks that help those who have been diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder.
Psychiatric service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and receive various legal protections. For example, they are permitted access to public places which typically don’t allow dogs to enter, such as restaurants, grocery stores and offices.
Landlords are also not allowed to charge a “pet fee,” nor turn you down on the basis of having a psychiatric service dog. This law is enforced by The Fair Housing Act (FHA).
For further guidance on what a psychiatric service dog is and their legal protections, check out our in-depth guide on the topic here.
Emotional Support Animals
In comparison, emotional support animals do not typically undertake specialized training – their main goal is to provide their owner comfort and companionship.
Emotional support dogs also do not have the same legal rights. They are not protected under the ADA, and are therefore not permitted to enter public places like restaurants and stores. They are, however, protected under the FHA.
What Tasks Can a Psychiatric Service Dog Do?
A psychiatric service dog can be trained to perform a wide array of tasks, including:
- Interrupt self-harming behavior
- Redirect handler’s attention
- Prevent and calm meltdowns
- Offer balance support
- Wake owner up when necessary (e.g., from a nightmare)
- Offer comfort and companionship
- Provide a sense of security
- Deep pressure stimulation
- Seek help
- Tactile stimulation
- Retrieve medication and other items like phones
Keep in mind that the tasks a psychiatric service dog learns ultimately depends on their handler’s disability and needs. They may perform only some tasks on the list above, or may perform other tasks not listed here.
Final Thoughts
A psychiatric service dog can help to mitigate symptoms of your disability, and offer you comfort and a sense of security in your day-to-day life.
There are plenty of dog breeds that excel at psychiatric service work – our top 10 breeds for psychiatric service dogs list proves this – but it’s important to consider the unique qualities each breed has. Some dogs are better suited to certain disability-related tasks than others. For example, the Great Dane’s height makes it easy for them to retrieve items from high-up places.
Moreover, it’s important to not forget that you shouldn’t just pick a breed based on if they can fulfill your needs – you also need to be able to fulfill theirs. If you have a laidback lifestyle, you should avoid high-energy breeds. If you travel a lot, opt for a small dog that can adapt well to change.
If you believe a psychiatric service dog will help you with your condition, the next step is to speak to a professional (your doctor or mental health professional). They will be able to guide you through the process of getting one.