Dogs arguably make the best and the most popular emotional support animals. Although this popularity is linked to dog ownership numbers, a wide range of dog breeds with different temperaments, physical qualities, needs, and sizes make it easier for people to find the best ESA among dogs.
Our article will list the best dogs for emotional support. We’ll also include expert insights into finding the best emotional support dog.
8 Best Dog Breeds for Emotional Support
Here are the eight dog breeds that make renowned emotional support animals.
Poodle
The poodle, ranging from toy, miniature, and standard, makes an excellent emotional support animal with their affectionate and playful temperament. They bond strongly with their owners, and the intelligence and trainability make poodles a fairly low-maintenance emotional support dog.
Golden Retriever
Perhaps one of the most popular family dogs, the golden retriever, is famous for their sociable demeanor that befriends everyone quickly. They are easy-going dogs that don’t require an experienced owner, making them an ideal choice for first-time emotional support dog owners.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small dog breed that strongly bonds with their owner. They are one-person dogs that attach to one person to call them their special human and only seek their attention – perfect for single individuals looking for an emotional support dog.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The cavalier King Charles spaniel is a sociable dog breed that gets along well with everyone in their immediate family and quickly warms up to new faces. They are happy little dogs that make ideal emotional support dogs for individuals looking for a family dog.
Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is a toy dog breed known for charming facial expressions. They are playful and affectionate dogs that enjoy participating in any family activity, whether a simple daily walk or exciting playtime. However, bichon frises are fairly high-maintenance dogs that need an involved owner.
Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle giant on our list of best dogs for emotional support, the Bernese mountain dog truly lives up to their reputation. This breed is calm, social, friendly, and strongly bonds with all family members, always ready to provide comfort when needed.
German Shepherd
The German shepherd is an intelligent and active dog breed that can be an ideal ESA for individuals living an active lifestyle. The large, powerful appearance can also instill a sense of protection in German shepherd owners. However, their protective instincts must be managed with training to ensure a well-mannered dog.
Newfoundland
Last but not least, the Newfoundland can be one of the best dogs for emotional support, particularly for those looking for a large, fluffy dog. They are calm and affectionate dogs that make an excellent cuddle buddy that usually provide more emotional support than needed after a long day.
Tips for Getting the Best Emotional Support Dog
When finding the best dog breed for emotional support, you should take the same approach as picking a dog as a pet, with a few additional considerations.
Since you’re looking for a dog to provide emotional support, be mindful of the needs of different breeds. You wouldn’t want your dog to quickly become a burden due to care needs. That’s why it is essential to carefully consider your life circumstances, availability, and living arrangements.
While most people picture puppies and young dogs when thinking about the best dog for emotional support, adopting an older or a rescue dog should also be an option.
These dogs can be just as great, if not better, emotional support animals. Besides, they often demand less than younger dogs and are satisfied with what they have.
After knowing what breeds would suit your preferences, weigh the disadvantages of owning that breed.
For instance, German shepherds can be excellent emotional support animals, but their exercise and training needs may be overwhelming, particularly for those with severe mental health difficulties. All these will land you in the best dog for emotional support.
After Getting Your Emotional Support Dog
The first few weeks will be the most exciting time after obtaining your ESA letter and bringing home a dog as an emotional support animal. Take advantage of this exciting time to go on bonding activities with your emotional support dog. By strengthening your bond, you will have the best dog for emotional support, regardless of breed, temperament, or size.
Additionally, you may benefit from emotional support dog registration. There are plenty of ESA registries, but we recommend US Service Animals for ongoing legal support for the lifetime of your ESA and amenities, such as an animal ID card and optional vests, harnesses, collar tags, and leashes.
