It is well-known that dogs are excellent service and support animals. But, did you know that they are also excellent companion dogs for people suffering from anxiety?
Many studies have shown that dog owners have lower resting heart rates, lower blood pressure levels, and are more likely to have healthy exercise habits.
However, to get the most out of your companion dog, you need to choose the right breed. Check out the best dogs for anxiety below.
Golden Retriever
First of all, we had to kick this list off with the beautiful Golden Retriever. These dogs have a friendly and loyal temperament that is unrivaled.
They are also some of the highest scorers on the Canine Good Citizen Test, which is used to certify emotional support dogs.
It is important to note that they are large dogs that have high energy levels and require regular brushing.
However, they are intelligent, very easy to train, and very calm as long as they are receiving enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Greyhound
Whilst you might associate Greyhounds with racing tracks, they also make for the most wonderful support dogs.
They have an independent and sweet temperament, and they are very easy to care for.
They require little grooming and they have a particularly docile nature.
If loud noises, such as barking, exacerbates your anxiety, a greyhound is an ideal option. They are quiet dogs that love to hug their humans.
Saint Bernard
If you need a dog that is tolerant of even curious and energetic children, you should consider getting a Saint Bernard.
These dogs are incredibly loving, keen to please their owners, and will remain docile even in the chaos of a kid’s birthday party!
It is worth mentioning that these dogs are large. In fact, they can reach up to around 180lbs in weight.
However, they require moderate exercise and have very average energy levels. These oversized teddy bears are perfect for people struggling with anxiety.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have some of the most gentle and loving souls.
In fact, if you love to show your pet some affection, this breed is perfect for you. They love to lounge around with their favorite person.
They are a particularly calm breed and get along well with children and other animals, but they do need a moderate amount of exercise.
They will also require frequent brushing to ensure that their coat remains healthy and beautiful.
Dachshund
Most of the dogs listed so far have been of a moderate to large size. If you need a smaller breed, a Dachshund is a great choice.
With an average height of either 8.5” for standard Dachshunds or 5.5” for miniature Dachshunds, these little dogs are as sweet as can be.
They are playful, affectionate, curious, and sensitive. Their everyday activities will definitely amuse you!
However, they can be rather tricky to train, so you’ll need to be particularly patient with this breed.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are very popular anxiety dogs. They are happy, sweet, and obedient dogs that are also very child-friendly.
In fact, if you’re looking for a dog that can act as support for a child that is struggling with emotional challenges, a Cocker Spaniel is perfect.
These small and cheerful dogs also happen to be absolutely gorgeous.
The combination of their adorably floppy ears and their long smooth coat makes them perfect for cuddles when you’re feeling stressed!
Chihuahua
When it comes to Chihuahuas, you either love them or hate them.
But, if you’re a fan of these charming little guys, then you may be interested to find out that they make excellent companions for people with anxiety.
These small dogs are charming, independent, and very low maintenance.
In fact, Chihuahuas are pretty much as low maintenance as it gets. They require little exercise and grooming, but absolutely love attention!
Newfoundland
It’s almost impossible to not feel safe, secure, and calm around a Newfoundland. This breed looks like one giant fluff ball.
Additionally, they have a moderate energy level, and are particularly patient and sweet.
If you’re concerned about getting a large dog because you assume they will be intimidating and rambunctious, you truly don’t need to worry about this with a Newfoundland.
They are well-known for their patience and ability to bring comfort to their owners.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs make for excellent support dogs for people with anxiety. They have a very even temper and are incredibly affectionate.
They are particularly good for people who aren’t able to go on lots of walks, as they have quite low energy levels.
It is worth noting that training these dogs can be troublesome. They are known for their stubborn nature.
However, perseverance really pays off – and it’s hard to resist those squishy little faces!
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are well-known for being excellent support dogs.
In fact, it is thought that a Yorkshire terrier accompanied a clinician on his rounds to visit injured naval officers during World War II.
It was said that the Yorkie managed to lift the injured patient’s spirits so much that it became the first-ever therapy dog.
Now, Yorkies are a very popular choice for support dogs. They are doting, easy to care for, and very loyal.
Picking The Right Dog For You
Before we finish, we just wanted to leave you with some tips to ensure that you pick the right breed of dog for you. Check them out below.
1. Choose The Right Temperament
Dogs with a calmer temperament are less likely to bark or run off when they see another animal. As such, if these personality traits are likely to worry you, you should make sure that you opt for a dog with an even temperament.
2. Consider Energy Levels
If you’re getting a dog so that you are encouraged to walk regularly and be active, then opting for a dog with a high energy level is a great idea. However, if you can’t provide a dog with a lot of exercise, you will need to choose a breed with low energy levels.
3. Trainability
It is important that a support dog can be trained quickly and effectively, especially if the owner struggles with anxiety. It is important that you are aware of any potential training troubles before you welcome a dog into your home.
Conclusion
Dogs can be excellent companions for people with anxiety – but, you need to choose the right breed! We hope that this article has helped you to figure out what breed is right for you and your needs.
The result of that was Bunny - a 5 year old labrador who follows me around everywhere and is trained to detect when I’m about to have an anxiety attack. Through our three years together, Bunny can even sense when I’m feeling just a little bit anxious and work to calm me down.
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