Which dog breeds make the best emotional support dogs for anxiety?
Emotional support animals are basically any kind of animal that provides comfort and companionship to someone with a mental illness.
Dogs are always considered the best emotional support animals. These amazing creatures seem to have their own special way of making us happy and cheering us up when we need it the most.
Here are some of the best emotional support dogs for anxiety because of their wonderful nurturing personalities!
Best emotional support dogs for anxiety are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Pug, Maltipoo, Shihpoo, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Newfoundland
With the whole pandemic chaos happening, the ever-changing Covid-19 regulations, and the opening then closing, then opening again of almost everything we know, life can get pretty hectic and stressful.
Couple that with the many variants that are “suddenly out there”, and it’s no wonder that our anxiety levels can sometimes spin out of control.
Enter emotional support dogs for anxiety!
Research shows that 80% of pet owners feel less lonely with a pet by their side. When we’re anxious, worried, or concerned, they are always there to lend support. They lessen our anxiety, our depression, and our stress.
Just petting your precious pooch releases prolactin, oxytocin, and serotonin, the cocktail of happy hormones.
You are going to learn all about the best emotional support dogs for anxiety so that you can manage your anxiety in a healthy way.
After learning about these emotional support dog breeds, you will be on your way to finding your perfect little pooch pick-me-up.
This post is all about finding your perfect emotional support dog for anxiety so that you can live your best life with your new caring canine.
Best Emotional Support Dogs Checklist
We all need dogs in our lives, and any type of dog can improve our mental health. But if you are trying to determine the best emotional support dogs for anxiety, here are a few characteristics you may want to look for.
- Emotional support dog breeds should be confident but not aggressive. They should be able to be in different and unfamiliar places without getting too stressed or worried.
- Your ideal pooch should be sociable, happy, and love being around people and other animals.
- Best dogs for emotional support will be easily trainable and fit your emotional needs.
- He should have a warm temperament, love his humans, and crave their companionship. He should bond with his family with ease and loyalty.
- Finding a canine companion that is laid back and compliments your personality will make the best emotional support dog for anxiety.
Three Types of Support Dogs
The American Disabilities Act defines a service animal as “any animal, typically a dog, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.”
What is the difference between an Emotional Support Animal, Therapy Dog, and Service Dog?
Although we are discussing the best emotional support dogs for anxiety, I wanted to briefly touch on the differences between the three different types of support dogs.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are highly trained and recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act. They perform functions that their human owners are not able to do, as well as provide emotional support to their pet parents. These sweet support dogs are trained and legally allowed to go everywhere with their owners.
Therapy Dogs
Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are not usually with the same person all the time. They provide short-term social and emotional support to numerous people in need.
Students, nursing home residents, hospital and hospice patients, and sites of catastrophe all benefit from the use of therapy dogs.
Although these dogs participate in rigorous testing and training to get certified, they do not have the same legal privileges as service dogs.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals, or ESAs, are not required by law to have any special training or certification. These special babies are primarily companion animals.
Medical professionals will sometimes prescribe emotional support animals to help with disabilities like anxiety or PTSD.
Emotional support animals are protected under the Federal Fair Housing Act. This states that landlords cannot discriminate against tenants who have ESAs.
Keep in mind that a note from a medical professional may be required if you are needing to take your ESA into a public business or on an airplane.
According to the Official Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and Emotional Support Animal Registry, “a person diagnosed with an emotional illness or mental disability deserves to get an emotional support dog whose existence will improve their well-being”.
Emotional Support Dog Breeds for Anxiety
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a reputation for being one of the best snuggle bugs around. These small bundles of furry love are extremely outgoing and friendly.
Originally bred to be companion dogs, it’s only natural that they are one of the best emotional support dogs for anxiety.
Cavaliers are companion pets that originated in England. These sociable pups weigh around 13-18 pounds, stand 12-13 inches tall, and have a life expectancy of 9-14 years.
This adorable fur baby is gentle, patient, and sweet. They are quick to learn, affectionate, and always willing to please. Nothing makes him happier than a cozy night on the couch with his human family.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have great doggie social skills and are highly trainable. They are friendly with other pets and strangers and loves children.
When you bring one of these faithful pups into your family, you become their main priority. Cavaliers are extremely loving and kind. They truly care about your feelings. They want to cuddle their owners when they are sad and will stay at your side until they are convinced everything is ok.
These loyal babies check all the boxes when looking for the best emotional support dogs.
2. Havanese // Emotional Support Dog Breeds
Just looking at the faces of these heart-warming babies can put us in a better mood. Havanese originated from the island of Cuba. They weigh 7-13 pounds, stand 8.5-11.5 inches tall, and have a lifespan of 12-14 years.
Havanese make great small emotional support dogs for anxiety because they will always keep you entertained. They love games and are always ready to put on a show for their favorite human.
Their goofy, comical attitude can put a smile on your face, even on your toughest of days.
Havanese have an extremely friendly nature and will normally only bark when something threatens them.
These gentle souls seem to have a tremendous calming effect on their owners. They have the uncanny skill of providing us with emotional support without even realizing it.
If you’re having a bad day or just a little anxious from all the goings-on in the world today, cuddle up with your Havanese bestie and relax and unwind.
{RELATED POST: 6 Most Affectionate Small Dog Breeds That Love To Cuddle}
3. Pugs – Best Small Emotional Support Dogs
These zany little comedic creatures are great emotional support dogs for anxiety. They are warm, well-mannered, even-tempered little bundles of cuteness.
Pugs thrive on human companionship and have a very strong bond with their human family. Their ever-changing, hilarious facial expressions can brighten even our gloomiest of days.
These chunky pups originated from China. They weigh between 14-20 pounds fully grown and are 10-12 inches tall. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years.
People who suffer from social anxiety find pugs a comforting emotional support animal. They are caring, loyal to a fault, and love to socialize. These are kind-hearted companions that you can rely on in a stressful situation or an anxiety crisis.
A pug sitting on your lap will amazingly improve your mood instantly.
Pugs are lapdogs but are always happy to come out of their mellow snuggling mood to entertain you and do something to make you laugh. They are always on hand to entertain you. And they love doing it!
This devoted canine will make you the center of his attention. When this confident little bundle of silliness jumps into your lap for a good cuddle, it just makes everything seem better.
Pugs are faithful, loving, and warm little creatures that will dote on their owners and keep them in good spirits.
They will brighten your home — and your heart! Their patient personality puts them at the top of the list as one of the best emotional support dogs for anxiety.
Maltipoos and Shihpoos
If we’re talking about what small dogs are best for emotional support, I have to include my two cuddly canines, Max and Maggie. Here’s a little info about these two adorable mixed breeds.
4. Maltipoos // Most Emotional Dog Breeds
Maltipoos are a cross between a Maltese and a poodle. They are highly devoted to their human family and will refuse to leave your side. They are one of the best emotional support dogs that are hypoallergenic.
These lovable fur babies are funny, gentle, and friendly. They love going for walks and seeing different places, but their preferred place is snuggled right up in your lap.
Maltipoos weigh 5-20 pounds, measure 8-14 inches in height, and have a lifespan of 10-13 years. These sassy little balls of fur will have your heart from the moment you meet.
These sweet pups are highly trainable, smart, and are a lot of dog packed into a small package.
If you are looking for a compact pooch that wants nothing more than to cuddle up on your lap and give you all the love that his little body can muster up, then look no further than the Maltipoo.
As for emotional support dogs, Maltipoos are one of the best choices for people with anxiety. They are loving, caring little creatures that will make you happy and warm your soul.
5. Shihpoos // Dogs For Anxiety
Shihpoos are a great choice when you’re looking for the best emotional support dogs for anxiety. Their precious faces and loving eyes can easily soften your day when you are feeling anxious or stressed.
Shihpoos are the offspring of the Shih Tzu and the toy poodle. They weigh around 8-20 pounds and stand about 8-15 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 15 years.
Known as the “teddy bear dog” for its adorable, affectionate expression, these sweet babies are a small breed with a big heart.
Shihpoos are affectionate to a fault and extremely charming. They bring a whole lot of personality to the table.
These adorable bundles of cuteness are highly intelligent and trainable. Like the Maltipoos, they are one of the best emotional support dogs that are hypoallergenic.
If you are looking to fetch a new fur buddy that is one of the best emotional support dogs, then the Shihpoo may be the perfect pooch for you.
{RELATED POST: 7 Best Dog Breeds For Seniors}
6. Golden Retrievers // Best Dogs For Anxiety
Are you looking for a larger dog that is great with kids, loyal, loving, and smart? Then the Golden Retriever may be just what you’re looking for in your hunt for the best emotional support dogs for anxiety.
Golden Retrievers are sensitive and want to comfort you when they sense an issue. Their size provides their owners with a sense of security and safety.
Goldens are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds around. They will always be there to lend a helping paw whenever you need them, especially during those more challenging bouts of anxiety.
These attentive beauties are originally from Scotland. Males weigh 65-75 pounds and stand 22-24 inches tall. Females generally weigh between 55-71 pounds and stand about 20-22 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
Goldens are flawless canines that were bred for one simple reason — to keep us company.
Golden Retrievers are very aware of the emotions of people around them. They are always ready to provide comfort and support when needed.
These playful canines will try to get your attention by doing silly things. They are big, beautiful golden comedians and want to keep you happy and smiling.
Golden Retrievers are also one of the best emotional support dogs for anxiety in children because they are gentle and attentive.
This kind, reliable, and calm canine will go above and beyond as an emotional support animal.
7. Labrador Retrievers // Best ESAs For Anxiety
Labrador Retrievers are beautiful dogs with big, brown, expressive eyes. They will melt your heart and immediately put you at ease due to their size and temperament.
This British breed weighs between 64-79 pounds for males and 55-71 pounds for females. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
Labs are classified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as being sporting dogs. This means your emotional support buddy will need an active pet family.
One of the many great attributes of this breed is that, although they love to run, they are happy to turn into couch potatoes for snuggle time at the end of the day.
Labrador Retrievers will become an instant companion. They check all the boxes when it comes to being one of the best emotional support dogs for anxiety.
These handsome hounds truly love their owners. They seem to understand the emotional turmoil that their owners may suffer during extreme bouts of anxiety or panic attacks.
Labs are great with kids and toddlers. They will protect their family and their castle but are also happy to greet company.
These confident canines are intelligent and highly trainable. They are always ready to lend support to their anxious owners in need.
Labrador Retrievers play a key role in our mental health. If they sense that something is wrong, they will crawl up next to you on the couch for snuggles. Or they may just rest their head on you to give you reassurance.
Either way, Labs want nothing more than to take care of their owners. It’s easy to understand why they are a great emotional support dog for anxiety.
{RELATED POST: 5 Adorable Dog Behaviors That Prove Your Pooch Loves You}
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
Originally from the Swiss Alps, these gentle giants weigh between 79-110 pounds and stand 23-28 inches tall, depending on male or female. The life expectancy for these beautiful babies is only 6-8 years.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm, affectionate, people-pleasers who often tend to pick their favorite person immediately. They are sensitive and loyal to their core.
These large, heart-warming, bundles of fur have a welcoming spirit. They always seem to have a smile on their face.
Their enormous size and happy eyes offer a sense of security and comfort to us, making us feel safe and protected. They are loving and gentle but have an intimidating bark which makes them great watchdogs.
These are only a few of the characteristics that make this breed one of the best emotional support dogs for anxiety.
Known as “Berners” to their pet parents, they are sweet, calm, and easy-going. Extreme devotion to their families is an amazing trait of this breed. They are happiest when they are at their owners’ side, wherever that may be.
Even though they have low energy levels, Berners need adequate exercise to stay fit and healthy. Bernese Mountain Dogs do shed … a lot. And, because of their large size and thick coats, they are prone to heatstroke. Avoid exercising them too much in hot weather.
For a larger dog, these loving canines take snuggling very seriously. They love lazing on the couch next to you and are content just being near you.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a rare breed full of love. They have a big, beautiful heart and a gentle nature. Their loving disposition makes them a first-class emotional support dog for anxiety.
9. Newfoundland Dogs // Dogs For Anxiety
These massive beauties are calm, dignified, and confident. It’s hard not to feel protected when we’re around them. Even though they can look a little intimidating, they’re patient, sweet, and generally quiet.
Newfoundlands come from Newfoundland, Canada. Known as “Newfies”, these enormous beauties weigh 130-150 pounds and stand 27-29 inches tall for males. Females generally weigh between 99-120 pounds and stand 25-27 inches in height. They have a life expectancy of 9-10 years.
Newfies are natural-born babysitters. They love kids and they’re gentle and sweet-tempered. Because of their coats, Newfoundlands thrive in cold weather and will need daily walks to stay healthy.
You’ll need a spacious area for these big guys, who sometimes forget their size. This mellow, mass of a dog wants to either sit on your feet, lie on your lap, or be beside you on the couch. They will often lean their weight against you because they must be touching you at all times.
Newfoundlands are very sociable and need a lot of companionship. They are good-natured and want to be around their owners, constantly. Contrary to what we may think, these huge creatures do not like to be left alone. They need their humans and will suffer separation anxiety if left alone too often.
This gentle giant checks all the boxes when it comes to the best emotional support dogs for anxiety.
Even though Newfies are big-time droolers and shedders, this fearless, protective canine will no doubt melt your heart.
{RELATED POSTS: 19 Surprising Signs Of Anxiety In Dogs And What You Can Do To Help}
Starting The Process For Your ESA
The ESA Registration Of America is a good place to start when determining if an emergency support animal is right for you.
According to The ESA Registration Of America, they have “joined forces with a team of mental health professionals with an expertise in Emotional Support Animal Evaluations and Prescription Letters to help you with your ESA and to provide you with your evaluation/letter which is required by law to travel with your animal.”
How Do Emotional Support Dogs Help With Anxiety?
- Emotional support dogs make amazing companions because they’re affectionate, warm, and loving. They will sit by our side religiously, especially when we’re feeling anxious.
- Active emotional support dogs dogs for anxiety will keep us busy and “out of our heads” for a while. By keeping busy and active with our energetic pups, this leaves less time to entertain negative thoughts that may contribute to our anxiety.
- Our little furry comedians will do things to entertain us and keep us positive.
- Emotional support animals help us relax and de-stress. Snuggling up on the couch with your caring canine in your lap has a way of lessening our stress and anxiety levels. This helps us to to be more “calm and zen”, thus reducing our risk for anxiety attacks.
- They keep us company, most times following us from room to room. They refuse to leave our side. Looking into those gentle, loving, loyal eyes that adore us so much will help to overcome the lonliness that can contribue to bouts of anxiety.
- ESAs make us feel safe. Who wouldn’t feel safe, secure, and protected with a 100 pound bundle of fur at our feet, or in our lap?
Summing It All Up
If you’re already a proud pet parent, then you know what it means to have a precious pooch and the impact that this little furry bundle of joy has had in our lives.
Dogs offer companionship and comfort. They brighten our day just by being there.
But for those that need an emotional support dog for anxiety, the presence of a dog can be critical to their ability to function on a daily basis.
As you begin your search for the best emotional support dogs for anxiety, keep in mind that any dog, no matter the breed, can deviate from its breed standards. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.
People are once again beginning to understand just how important emotional support dogs can be. Make sure the emotional support dog breed that you choose matches your needs, your family, and your lifestyle.
This post was all about the best emotional support dogs for anxiety that will provide us with positivity and offer us a sense of security and protection.
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