Dogs play so many important roles in society. They're our friends, our family, our saviors, our companions and sometimes even our therapist. It might sound a little silly given that dogs can't talk, never mind attend several levels of post-secondary education, and order specialized leather couches necessary to become a therapist. But of course therapy dogs aren't that literal in their profession.
If you've ever owned a pup then you can probably guess how dogs are able to provide therapy to their owners. Here we've listed the "Top 10 Best Therapy Dog Breeds".
French Bulldog :
Kicking off our list of therapy dog breeds is the Frenchie. These adorable little dogs are known for their short compact structure and their bad like years. French Bulldogs can make great therapy dogs because they're described as even tempered friendly and quiet. They make wonderful companions who can bring a smile to your face and help you feel calm and loved. Also these little pooches really crave attention and affection. So, they enjoy being around people and interacting with them as much as possible (1).
Beagle Dog :
The Beagle is a small dog known for its floppy ears and it's black white and brown coloration. But these cute doggones have much more to offer than just good looks. Even though they're naturally even tempered and easy going when properly trained these classic pooches thrive in the role of therapy dogs. Their amazing personality traits truly shine through when they have the opportunity to share them with the world (2).
Rottweiler Dog :
Bet you didn't expect this tough-looking pooch to make our therapy dog breeds list huh. Though often assumed to be a dangerous breed the Rottweiler is actually incredibly calm and friendly with people. For that reason these pooches can make wonderful therapy dogs. They're what you might call gentle giants, yet because they're so often judged by their appearance. Not many people know how loving and sweet these canines can be. The truth is that if properly trained, Rottweiler’s can make excellent therapy dogs and bring support and comfort to those who need it the most (3).
Saint Bernard Dog :
The Swiss national dog is famous for its reputation of being an avalanche rescue dog. The image of a Saint Bernard with a brandy barrel hanging from their collar is practically seared in everyone's minds. Even though it's believed this is a myth rather than a historical fact. The Beethoven movies portray this breed more accurately it. Doesn't come as a surprise then that nowadays these big dogs are still doing rescuing of their own. Granted it's rescuing of a different kind emotional rescuing (4).
Pomeranian Dog :
This little ball of fluff is super positive and outgoing yep mingling with people is definitely not an issue for the Pomeranians. Despite being a small dog breed these cute canines can be pretty laid back and calm in large crowds. Their lovable personality and adorable looks make them an instant favorite. Nothing like petting a real-life teddy bear to instantly make you feel better. Additionally Pomeranians are an intelligent dog breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training. So, certifying an even tempered palm as a therapy dog shouldn't be a problem (5).
Pug Dog :
The Pug is a small breed known for its wrinkled skin and big welcoming puppy dong eyes. While some might argue that one look at a Pug's adorable face has a therapeutic effect all by itself. That's not why this compact pooch got on our list. Nope it's their easygoing and sociable nature that makes them strong therapy dogs (6).
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Poodle Dog :
You knew this pooch was going to make it onto our therapy dog breeds list. The Poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there which means that they typically respond well to training. They're fast learners and quite the four-legged charmers. It's really hard not to be impressed by their antics. Poodles come in various sizes from toy to standard and they're all a great choice for therapy dogs. Standard Poodles are the most common choice for service animals (7).
Greyhound Dog :
When you think of therapy dog breeds. The Greyhound may not be the first breed that comes to mind. However they perform the role exceedingly well, these sweet peaceful and gentle dogs are known for racing. But they're also quiet and affectionate as a breed, most Greyhounds are adopted. When they retire from their career as a racer and their new calling as therapy animals fits them perfectly. You might also see greyhounds working as therapy dogs in nursing homes and hospitals. Where they can provide emotional support and companionship (8).
German Shepherd Dog :
The German Shepherd is a highly versatile breed primarily. Because its intelligence enables it to be trained for a variety of different purposes. For some people the first thing that comes to mind when someone says canine is a picture of a brave German shepherd and this is no coincidence. These brilliant canines often work as police dogs sometimes partnered with Jim belushi and the traits. That make them a good match for that career are what makes them a good fit for the work therapy animals do. In fact German Shepherds make fantastic therapy dogs in a myriad of settings such as nursing homes and hospitals. And they work wonderfully with kids and adults alike (9).
Labrador Retriever Dog :
Finishing off our therapy dog breeds list is the lab. The Labrador Retriever has consistently been named the most popular Dog Breed in the United States. Perhaps it has something to do with its inclusion in our top therapy dog breeds. Not only do these dogs make good pets but they're also great as therapy dogs do to their intelligence and gentle demeanor. In fact this is also one of the most popular service dog breeds as well. There's very little these pooches do not excel at they are remarkable creatures that we are so lucky to get to share space with (10).
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