What dog breeds are best for emotional support?

When it comes to identifying the best dog breeds for providing emotional support, there is no one answer that will be correct for everyone. What may be the perfect choice for one person may not be the best fit for another. As such, it is important to consider factors such as lifestyle, living space, and activity level before making a decision. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the different breeds of dogs that make excellent emotional support animals. We will look at the characteristics of each breed, their temperament, and other factors that might help you decide which breed is the right fit for you. Ultimately, the best emotional support dog is the one that best meets your individual needs and lifestyle. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of the different dog breeds that can provide emotional support.

MalteseIf you’re looking for a silky white pint-size cuddle bug with big expressive eyes, the Maltese might be the emotional support dog for you. When they’re not cozying up on your lap, they are the life of the party, even if if it’s just a party for the two of you. “The Maltese is a good choice for a single adult, as they tend to have a favorite person that they attach to,” says Dr. Choczynski Johnson. They can’t give therapeutic advice, but they’ll comfort and soothe you with a lick or muzzle snuggle. As an emotional support animal, The Maltese is probably nearby most of the time. Still, keeping them in your sights is a good thing because they’re one of the

Watch Spot Soothe: How Dogs Reduce Anxiety in Humans

Before choosing the breeds that are most effective at lowering anxiety, it’s critical to comprehend why dogs are born with this trait.

In a word: hormones.

According to a 2012 study, published in Frontiers of Psychology, human-animal interactions are thought to activate the oxytocin system. Oxytocin helps regulate the social bonding process. It is the reason that a baby’s gaze fills a new mother with joy; and, it turns out, it’s also the reason a loving look from your pup gives you warm and fuzzy feelings.

And this isn’t a one-sided interaction: As determined by a different 2012 study, your puppy’s oxytocin levels also rise when you are affectionate with him. So, while your puppy is making you feel good, you are making him feel good too.

But dogs don’t just help people feel less anxious because of hormones. They accomplish the task in other ways too:

Physical Contact Feels Good. Simple physical contact helps to ease anxiety (and this isn’t limited to humans – other animals fight stress with touch too). Some breeds are particularly effective in this regard, as they tend to remain in nearly constant physical contact with their owners.

Unconditional Adoration. Unlike even your closest friends and family, dogs lack the capacity or willingness to judge. Your dog will remain firmly in your corner while you confess your darkest secrets or behave in ways you’d never do in front of other humans. You are completely free to be you when in the company of your pup.

Sense of Security. Some dogs make their owners feel safer (thereby reducing their owner’s anxiety levels), either by virtue of the dog’s intimidating appearance or propensity to bark at strangers and strange noises.

However, despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, dogs are not a panacea for reducing stress and anxiety.

While many studies have found that dogs are capable of providing significant emotional benefits for their humans, some studies have found that conventional stress-and pain-management techniques probably perform equally well.

But come on, do you want to scratch a dog’s belly while he licks your face or do you want to meditate and recite soothing words while contemplating your happy place?

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are the sweetest of the sweet lap dogs. They are small and don’t need a lot of space or exercise, making them a great option for apartment dwellers who can’t give their dog a lot of exercise to keep them healthy. The happiest place for a Yorkshire terrier is on their owner’s lap, or at least close by. They are adorable little dogs who adore physical contact, making them excellent ESAs.

FAQ

What is the best dog for an emotional support dog?

• Labrador Retriever. Due to their reputation as being among the gentlest breeds, labradors make excellent ESAs.
• Yorkshire Terrier. Yorkies are the sweetest of the sweet lap dogs.
• Beagle. …
• Corgi. …
• Pug. …
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. …
• Pomeranian. …
• Golden Retriever.

What breed of dog is best for anxiety and depression?

1. Poodles. Poodles are the second-most intelligent dogs, behind border collies, according to Stanley Coren’s book The Intelligence of Dogs.
2. Golden Labradors. …
3. Chihuahuas. …
4. Yorkshire Terriers. …
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. …
6. Pugs. …
7. Great Danes.

What is the most empathetic dog breed?

The ability to understand how their owners are feeling is innate in the Labrador Retriever breed of dog, which is arguably the most empathic dog breed. They are gentle, friendly and eager to please.

What are the best emotional support animals for anxiety?

• Labrador.
• Golden retriever.
• Maltese poodle.
• Havanese.
• Yorkshire terrier.
• Mixed breeds.