Do you know the first ever therapy dog was a Yorkshire Terrier called “Smoky”? Dogs have been used for emotional support for years now, and no wonder they’re effectiveness still can’t be questioned.
Though as dog lovers, we’ve never met a dog that didn’t bring us joy, therapy dogs have unique traits that make them great companions to people struggling with mental health. Emotional Support dogs are not a luxury; they’re essential for people with certain mental health conditions, helping them with their daily lives.
Mental health professionals often prescribe emotional support animals (ESAs) to people dealing with debilitating mental health conditions. Emotional support dogs help their users with conditions like anxiety, certain phobias, depression, and other issues.
There are many dogs that make great emotional support animals. Here’s an in-depth review of different breeds that make devoted partners for people dealing with mental health issues.
Most Devoted Emotional Support Dog Breeds
1. Golden Retriever
One of the most popular and cherished therapy dogs, Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and patient demeanor. They make affectionate family pets and excellent companion dogs. These intelligent dogs are highly trainable and often used as rescue, guide, search, and service dogs.
Due to their sweet and patient nature, they’re one of the best options for people who have been advised to get an emotional support dog by their therapist. Their loyal nature is unquestionable; these dogs bond deeply with their humans.
These trustworthy dogs are highly energetic and a sight for sore eyes. With their lovey-dovey nature, gentle smile, and trustworthy nature, it’s no wonder we see them so often as emotional support animals. Their intelligence and trainability ensure their effectiveness.
If you’re dealing with anxiety, these patient dogs are a great choice for you. They’re highly empathetic and can tell when you’re feeling the blues. Going through one of the bad days? This pup will make you feel better with its wagging tail and gentle expression.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are happy-looking, affectionate dogs and are undeniably one of the highly sought-after emotional support animals.
Originally developed as hunting dogs, Labrador Retrievers have always been accustomed to human company. Their history as companions of humans is a testament to their loyalty. From the Sporting group, these canines are highly energetic and active.
According to the American Kennel Club, this loyal dog is a family-friendly housemate with a tendency to bond with the entire family. They get along with children and other pets as well. Labrador Retrievers tend to bond deeply with their humans and love to earn their attention.
Labs are great emotional support dogs for people with anxiety and those who need a companion when going outdoors. There are many aspects to this dog that make it a great ESA. One important trait is its adaptability to different living conditions and environments.
Whether you live in a country house with a large yard or an apartment with limited space, this loving dog can bring you comfort anywhere. Cozying up with them on your couch and cuddling with them alone is going to help you with bouts of anxiety.
3. Collie
Collies are like puffy clouds of happiness that can make you smile if you just take a look at them. This adorable dog is very sweet in nature and gets along with everyone. From all the family members and kids to the neighbours and even the other animals in the neighborhood, Collies have no enemies.
Hill’s Pet states it is the kind of dog that wants to know if you’re okay. From the herding dog family, this dog will watch out for its people and prefer staying close to them. This dog’s devoted tendencies can be sharpened if it’s been under the care of an experienced trainer.
Although high-energy and mischievous at times, Collies make great companions for people who need an emotional support dog. This dog is very intelligent and has an impressive ability to empathize with its human companion’s moods and emotions.
If they sense that you are not feeling like yourself, they might try snuggling up close to you on the couch. This dog loves to play fetch and indulge in other kinds of activities, so if you need an ESA that also keeps you active, this pup is going to be your best friend.
Its sensitive nature and intelligence also make this dog great at crisis management. If trained properly, this dog can be quite apt at helping you through a panic or anxiety attack. Collies are a great emotional support dog for people who have a significant amount of living space. They might not enjoy being cooped up in smaller apartments.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Too cute to handle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love to cuddle with their favorite humans. They are loyal companions and loving house pets who love the attention of their owners. Their honorary title, aka “comfort spaniel,” points to how affectionate they are; no wonder they make great emotional support dogs.
This dog breed is smaller in size and boasts a silky, long, and straight coat that comes in different colors. Some of the striking coat colors you’ll find in it are: ruby, black, tan, and it’s also often tricolor. Soothing to look at, this dog is known for its devotion as well.
Choosing them as your emotional support dogs means you’ll get the full package: loyalty, companionship, understanding, and a deep bond. Perfect especially for people who suffer from depression, PTSD, and anxiety, these dogs offer a calm and healing presence.
With its small legs following you around and its adorable tail wagging with enthusiasm, this dog can ground you in the moment as you deal with your anxiety. Talk to your psychiatrist or counsellor about getting this dog as your ESA and brighten up your days.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers have a giant personality that comes in a compact size. These dogs are super-energetic, fun-loving, and playful. They can be quite the divas and require constant attention from their humans. If you love a feisty dog, consider getting your own personal “Smoky” as an emotional support dog.
Originally from Scotland, Yorkshire terriers are descendants of Scottish breeds Skye and Clydesdale terriers, as per WebMD. The Skye and Clydesdale accompanied the Scots who travelled to the United Kingdom in the 19th century. These dogs were bred with the local dogs, resulting in the Yorkshire Terriers we are so fond of.
We know this breed has been in classy company because the Victorian ladies were quite fond of them.
These pocket-sized canines don’t lack in loyalty and devotion. Always willing to shower their human companions with adoration, these canines come with a never-ending supply of love. Sometimes, they might even get on your nerves a little with their overly energetic and playful nature.
While their devoted nature makes them great companions, their appearance makes them a vision to look at. With their silky and smooth straight coat, these fluffy little dogs will claim their place in your heart.
Their size makes them a great option in terms of practicality; housing and transportation are going to be quite convenient with these pups.
6. Cocker Spaniel
One of the most devoted dog breeds, Cocker Spaniels are exceptionally loving to their owners. Their loyalty to their humans knows no bounds, and their warm nature can melt hearts and bring comfort. They crave human companionship and aim to please their owners with their adorable tactics.
All this, along with their intelligence, makes them a great choice as emotional support dogs. They love to form a bond with their family members and follow them around the house. Their clinginess is only a sign of how much they care. With proper training, these traits turn them into ideal emotional support animals.
Not only smart and gentle, but they’re also highly trainable and adapt well to different environments. From city life to suburban environment and from small apartments to larger living spaces, these dogs will call any place their home as long as you’re with them.
Their full-of-energy demeanor and playful nature make them great family pets and awesome emotional support dogs. They will tirelessly watch out for you and be there for you happily if you need a companion while going out.
Cocker Spaniel will brighten up your mood with its joyful nature and make you feel safe with its soothing presence. That’s what an ideal emotional support animal should do. They have a sensitive temperament and will love cozying up close to you to help you feel better.
7. French Bulldog
When considering an emotional support dog, the first thing we wonder is how loyal and trustworthy the dog can be. The French Bulldog is another dog that makes one of the greatest ESAs due to its devoted and loving nature.
Frenchies are amazing companion dogs that originated from France in the mid-nineteenth century. This toy breed came to be due to crossbreeding between English Bulldogs and French dogs. French Bulldogs are small dogs with a sturdy body and bat ears.
French Bulldogs are amazing family dogs with a loving and easygoing personality. They’re fun-loving, amiable dogs that get along well with both children and older family members. Absolute joy to be around, these pups have the ability to warm your heart and offer you comfort.
They tend to get deeply attached to their human companion; your Frenchie will want to spend all of its time with you. They can also get a little jealous, so if you happen to have other pets at home, you’d better know how to balance things between them all.
Many of its characteristics make a Frenchie a great emotional support dog. Its size, for one thing, makes it manageable and easy to carry in transportation. Its adaptability makes it a suitable companion for people living both in rural homes and busy cities. They’re perfect for people living in smaller apartments.
They’re clownish in personality but quieter in general; they haven’t been known to be barkers. So, if noise triggers your conditions, this dog is a great choice for you. They get along well with strangers, so you won’t have to put up with tantrums every time there’s someone at the door.
Conclusion
What makes a dog suitable as an emotional support dog depends on many factors. Dogs that are trustworthy and form a loving bond with their humans are considered ideal emotional support pets. Make sure to discuss thoroughly with your psychiatrist before adopting an emotional support dog.
