Emotional Support Dog Breeds
Dogs are widely considered to be man’s best friend, so it should come as no surprise that they make excellent emotional support animals for those with disabilities. They can provide immeasurable therapeutic relief through their comfort, companionship, and affection, and they can also provide a sense of security and help keep loneliness at bay.
If you’re considering getting an emotional support dog to help you manage your disability, you may be wondering which breeds are best suited for the role. Today, we’ll discuss the top emotional support dog breeds as well as everything else you need to know about ESAs.
What Is an Emotional Support Dog?
An emotional support dog (ESD) provides therapeutic relief for people with diagnosed mental or emotional disabilities, such as anxiety and depression. While they assist those with disabilities, they are not the same as service dogs, who perform specially trained tasks.
Due to this distinction, they receive different legal protections under both federal and state laws. For example, service dogs are granted public access rights while ESDs are not. Emotional support dogs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), however, and are granted exemption from landlords’ no-pet policies and pet rent fees.
Top Emotional Support Dog Breeds
While any breed can become legally recognized as an emotional support dog and provide therapeutic relief, some breeds are known to be better suited to the role than others. These breeds exhibit traits such as high trainability, an affectionate temperament, and an eagerness to please.
Poodle
The poodle is an affectionate, family-loving pooch. They are incredibly attuned to their owner’s emotions, which makes them well-suited to emotional support dog work, and they also form strong bonds.
Poodles are easy to train and can pick up complex commands quickly. They also adapt well to any environment and can provide a calming, reassuring presence. Additionally, they come in a range of sizes — toy, miniature, and standard — meaning you can easily find a size that works best for your living arrangements and needs.
Poodles are particularly ideal for people who struggle with fur allergies since their coats are considered hypoallergenic and shed very minimally. However, just be mindful that their coats do require a lot of maintenance and will need to be brushed daily, with frequent grooming trips.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever is a large dog with a high energy level and playful personality. While they aren’t as laidback as the poodle, they are ideal for individuals seeking an active companion who can accompany them on all their outdoor adventures. They’re also known for their infectious, lovable smile and ever-wagging tail — both qualities that are sure to help boost your mood during difficult times.
Labrador retrievers are exceptionally smart, though they do need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day to thrive. They also aren’t well-suited to apartment living due to their size.
German Shepherd
The German shepherd is one of the most courageous breeds out there and is commonly used in police work and search and rescue. However, their bravery also makes them well-suited to emotional support work; they can provide a sense of security and help ease feelings of anxiety. Plus, they’re an excellent guard dog thanks to their vigilant nature and powerful appearance.
German shepherds are generally easy to train, though they do have a stubborn streak and fare best with people who can dedicate plenty of time to their training and care.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is the pawfect lapdog. They’re attached to their owner by the hip, incredibly affectionate, and sensitive to human emotions. In fact, they’re able to pick up on sudden mood changes, oftentimes before their owner can even identify these changes themselves.
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is small in stature and typically easy to manage. However, they are prone to separation anxiety and ideally need a family who can be with them throughout the day.
How Do I Get an Emotional Support Dog?
Emotional support dogs can make a huge difference in the lives of those battling emotional or mental disabilities.
Once you’ve chosen a breed that aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and living conditions, the next step is to get in touch with a licensed mental healthcare professional and ask for an ESA assessment.
If they determine that you qualify for an ESA, you will be provided with an emotional support animal letter, and you can also apply for emotional support animal registration for your new ESA. The letter will clearly state that you have been prescribed an ESA as part of your disability treatment. This status comes with certain legal protections, including the right to live with your animal in rented properties that typically don’t allow pets.
