According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol and increases oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is the same “feel-good” hormone that helps new mothers bond with their babies.
A dog can act as an emotional support animal (ESA) that provides love, comfort, companionship, and therapeutic benefits to individuals suffering from certain mental health conditions. Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs do not require any specific training.
The National Institute of Health confirms that women have a more sensitive nature as compared to men. So technically, they need more emotional support. Several dog breeds can help women release stress and stay happy.
Any breed you choose can serve as your companion during panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. However, several breeds make the best candidates for providing support in times of distress. Have a look at these 7 best emotional support dog breeds.
Emotional Support Dog Breeds for Women
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Overview
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Energy Level: Low
Shedding factor: Low
Common Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia, heart problems, eye infections
The small and charming Cavalier King Charles Spaniel looks like a real-life stuffed toy. Their affectionate and gentle nature makes them great emotional support animals. Often called “comforter spaniels,” they form deep bonds with their owners.
Due to their friendly disposition and expressive eyes, they are well-suited for women seeking anxiety relief. Their size makes them ideal for smaller spaces. Take your spaniel for a leisurely walk or engage them in play sessions to have fun.
This spaniel breed has a long and silky coat that requires regular brushing. PetMD claims that brushing not only removes tangles and prevents matting but also fosters the human-animal bond. Consider professional grooming for your pup if you don’t have much time to do it yourself.
2. Golden Retriever
Breed Overview
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Energy Level: High
Shedding factor: High
Common Health Concerns: Hot spots, ear infections, hip dysplasia, and hyperthyroidism
Golden retrievers set a “gold standard” as emotional support dogs. The members of this breed offer unconditional love to their humans. They tend to attune themselves to human emotions, due to which they serve as excellent emotional support animals.
With a natural instinct to connect with people, they possess a friendly nature and patient demeanor. If you are a pet parent looking for a large-sized dog that has a protective yet calming presence, I’d recommend you opt for a Golden retriever.
Golden retrievers resemble Labrador retrievers in appearance. Both breeds are good at providing emotional support, but choose a Golden retriever if you are looking for a quieter dog that requires less exercise. However, they have a high-maintenance coat.
3. Labrador Retriever
Breed Overview
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Energy Level: High
Shedding factor: High
Common Health Concerns: Ear infections, hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and exercise-induced collapse.
Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, famous for their loyalty, kindness, and affectionate nature. They have an innate ability to sense emotions and form strong bonds with their parents. Labs are ideal for women seeking companionship and unconditional love.
Labs are adaptable dogs with a friendly personality. They are versatile and well-suited for various environments. The Labrador Retriever is an ideal dog for women with physical disabilities. These are the social dogs that behave well around other pets, other animals, and children.
Since labs are very much like golden retrievers, you might get confused about which one is the right dog for you. I would suggest considering your personal needs while choosing between the two. If you are looking for an independent breed that has a relatively low-maintenance coat, adopt a Lab!
4. Pug
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 1 inches
Energy Level: High
Shedding factor: High
Common Health Concerns: Overheating, breathing problems, eye and ear infections
Pug is yet another dog that makes it to the list of great emotional support dogs. Pugs offer therapeutic benefits to women experiencing certain mental health conditions. With their cheerful personality and keen intelligence, they make wonderful therapy dogs.
Pugs are also a great dog for individuals suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. With an infectious enthusiasm and high energy levels, they must get enough exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Pugs might not be ideal for women who have a more relaxed approach or do not have enough time to enjoy playtime with their dog. However, pugs are brachycephalic and prone to developing breathing problems. So, pet parents should take proper care and avoid overheating their dogs.
5. Shih Tzu
Breed Overview
Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
Energy Level: Low
Shedding factor: Low
Common Health Concerns: Ear infections, patellar luxation, obesity, respiratory issues.
“Little paws with a big heart” is the real definition of Shih Tzus. They are highly sought for their charming personalities and luxurious coats. Shih Tzus are smart and have a loving nature. Overt friendliness and willingness to please are the personality traits that make them a good ESA for women.
Shih tzus love being around people, and if neglected for a long time, they can suffer from separation anxiety. Shih Tzus were born to serve as companion dogs. Their playful antics can be a source of joy for women going through breakdowns.
Shih Tzus require only an hour of daily exercise, split into two walks and play time in between. However, they have a high-maintenance coat. So, they might not be ideal for you if you don’t have enough time for their grooming needs.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Overview
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Energy Level: High
Shedding factor: Low
Common Health Concerns: Hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse, liver shunts, dental diseases
Yorkshire terriers, also known as Yorkies, are compassionate dogs that offer unwavering loyalty and affection to their human counterparts. Keen intelligence, endearing personality, and friendly disposition make these dogs an ideal companion for women in need of emotional support.
Their presence can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Service Dog Certificates claim that apart from providing mental health support, proper training allows them to sense physiological changes in women. For instance, they can alert before an episode of anxiety, dropping blood sugar levels, and even assist women with mild physical disabilities.
Yorkshire terriers are small dogs with sky-high confidence. They are highly energetic pups that require a lot of attention, but they return it tenfold. If you’re planning a trip and want a canine buddy to accompany you, we’d recommend adopting a Yorkshire terrier.
7. American Staffordshire Terrier
Breed Overview
Height: 17 to 19 inches
Energy Level: High
Shedding factor: Low
Common Health Concerns: Hyperthyroidism, hip and elbow dysplasia, retinal atrophy, allergies
One of the most good-natured dog breeds, the American Staffordshire terrier, has a sturdy appearance. AmStaffs can be trained as service dogs, as they offer great emotional support to their owners. These traits make Staffys great therapy dogs:
AKC mentions that these pet dogs are friendly and devoted canines, but can be a bit stubborn at times. If they are properly trained and mentally stimulated, they can become well-behaved companions. They are sensitive dogs that pick up their humans’ emotions.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is known for its bold personality and strong presence, which can sometimes come across as intense or demanding. With their high energy levels, these dogs thrive when given a clear outlet. Providing at least an hour of daily exercise helps channel their energy in a positive, constructive way and keeps them happy and well-behaved.
Conclusion
Emotional support dogs serve to console the dejected hearts without any proper training. You need to get permission from a licensed mental health professional to qualify your dog as an ESA.
Despite the love and compassion they possess for their human counterparts, they do not get any rights under the disabilities act, unlike service dogs. So, pet parents should take proper care of these emotional support dogs and make them feel loved!
