Top 10 Best Dogs for Therapy and Emotional Support

There are many sweet and loyal dogs out there, but some breeds truly stand out when it comes to offering comfort, warmth, and emotional support to people facing mental or emotional challenges. Here’s our top 10 list of the best dogs for therapy and emotional support – ranked from great to absolutely amazing.

Cocker Spaniel – Gentle and Loving

Cocker Spaniels are known for their gentle nature and big, expressive eyes. They form strong bonds with their owners and love being around people. Their calm temperament makes them great for both children and adults in need of emotional support.

Chihuahua – Pocket-Sized Companion

Though tiny, Chihuahuas have big personalities and a huge ability to form close attachments to their owner. Their small size makes them perfect emotional support animals, especially for apartment living or travel.

Shih Tzu – Loving and Calm Lapdog

Originally bred to be lapdogs for Chinese emperors, Shih Tzus still love cuddles and being the center of attention. Their calm demeanor and affection make them ideal for providing emotional comfort and closeness.

Border Collie – Smart and Intuitive

Border Collies are incredibly intelligent and have a unique ability to read human emotions. They’re quick to respond to emotional cues and are great at distracting or supporting their owner when stress or anxiety kicks in.

Poodle – Hypoallergenic and Friendly

Poodles come in various sizes, from Toy to Standard, and all are known for being hypoallergenic and very people-friendly. They’re easy to train, making them excellent candidates for therapy work.

King Charles Cavalier – Calm and Devoted

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a true lapdog that loves being close to its humans. Their gentle nature and deep affection make them perfect for providing emotional stability and warmth.

Pomeranian – Tiny but Joyful

These fluffy little dogs are not only adorable, they’re also incredibly loyal and cheerful. A Pomeranian can be a fantastic companion who brings smiles and happiness even on tough days.

Labradoodle – The Best of Both Worlds

A cross between a Labrador and a Poodle, Labradoodles are known for their friendly temperament and allergy-friendly coat. They’re sociable, trainable, and ideal for therapy roles in both private and professional settings.

Golden Retriever – The Classic Therapy Dog

Golden Retrievers are practically synonymous with therapy work. They’re calm, extremely loyal, and naturally skilled at comforting and supporting people. Many organizations use them in hospitals and care homes.

Labrador Retriever – The Ultimate Support Dog

Topping the list is the Labrador Retriever, the most versatile and reliable dog for emotional support. Its gentle nature, intelligence, and devotion make it ideal as both a therapy dog and emotional support animal. Labradors have the heart and soul to be there for you—no matter what.

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