Dog therapy involves a trained dog engaging in guided interactions with people, with the purpose of healing and accompaniment. There is no one perfect breed for therapy work. In fact, any breed could do it as long as they have the right personality! The ingredients that make a great therapy dog are personality and training.
Therapy dogs are trained to offer support and comfort in hospitals, trauma centers, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas, although they can visit private homes too. Therapy dogs bring comfort and joy to those who may be lonely, ill, or otherwise in need of a four-legged friend.
What makes a good therapy dog candidate?
Intelligence – Intelligence not only makes training easier, but it means that a dog will be able to read a situation, determine what’s required, and provide the therapy needed.
Adaptable & Patient – A therapy dog needs to adapt to new situations and new people. Some dogs, especially those used for rehabilitation, will not spend too long with a single person, and all therapy dogs will need to adapt to new locations and situations.
Trainable – A well-trained therapy dog not only responds to commands, but is trained to behave calmly, provide care where it is needed, and they need to learn to do all of this in loud and difficult circumstances.
Focused – The therapy dog will need to retain focus throughout its work. These dogs can work in challenging situations and conditions, but they need to be able to perform their duties regardless.
Calm – One of the purposes of a therapy dog is to calm patients, or to prevent calm people from becoming agitated. They can not do this or provide therapy if they are not calm themselves.
Sociable - It should go without saying that the ideal therapy dog will be sociable. They will spend time with a lot of people and need to make new friends quickly.
Gentle – No matter how friendly and calm a dog is, it also needs to be friendly. Some dogs can weigh nearly as much as a person. If they jump up at their human companions when greeting them, it can lead to accidental injury.
Clean – Therapeutic environments can include hospitals and nursing homes. The dog should not carry bugs or germs into these environments, so one that is low shedding and does not drool is preferred.
Comfortable Being Touched – The greatest benefits of using therapy dogs come when patients are allowed to stroke and pet the dog, although their presence alone can have a calming effect. The dog must be happy to be stroked and touched but remain calm.
Overall, interacting with therapy dogs can help people:
Labrador Retriever Labrador retrievers are arguably the most popular choice when it comes to therapy dogs. These dogs are also the most popular breed of service dogs, meaning they possess qualities that would be beneficial to those seeking out pet therapy. Las are good-natured and versatile dogs, genuinely caring and striving to please those they are providing support for. These dogs are also relatively laid back, so they are perfect for social aspects as well!
The set of personality traits that a Labrador retriever can offer make them an ideal dog breed used to provide support and comfort to those engaging in pet therapy, particularly in those with a disability. They learn quickly, can master obedience skills easily and are some of the friendliest pets out there. Plenty of reasons why you’ll see them working as service dogs and emotional-support dogs as well as therapy dogs. Labs are obedient, socialised, and friendly – the perfect mix for a furry friend companion.
Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are another top contender to be the best therapy dogs, carrying a similar demeanour to the Labrador Retriever. These loveable dogs are also a most popular dog breed and top of the list for likeability and loyalty. A Golden Retriever is also an extremely comforting dog, and they have even been used to help people, especially children, recovering from trauma after tragedy. Because of this, a Golden Retriever may be most suited to those who need pet therapy within a family, particularly one with children. They are gentle and attentive, but their discipline also makes them suited as service dogs for adults too. For children with autism and those with a history of trauma, Goldens are a perfect fit – their large size offers a sense of protection and their gentle demeanour can help with adjusting to the outside world.
Poodle Poodles may seem like an unlikely choice for therapy dogs, but they area very intelligent dog breed, and their eager-to-please personality is a definite standout in a therapy setting and can make them ideal therapy dogs especially for those seeking emotional support dogs. Some dog lovers with a disability have said that they would be most likely to foster a poodle, mainly due to their cooperative and pleasing nature. The poodle has high concentration levels which allows for adequate training in providing therapy. Overall, the confidence, persistence, and courage that poodles enable makes them a great therapy dog and perfect fit for being a therapy dog. They can encourage habits and routine in humans, which may be of benefit to a person with a disability. Extremely trainable and clever in picking up emotions, the Poodle is another top-of-the-list contender for therapy dog jobs. This is a breed that comes in different sizes, so no matter the setting or the job, chances are a Poodle is always ready to take on the task. Read more about this breed...
Newfoundland The Newfoundland is most definitely a gentle giant. Though their size may be intimidating, Newfoundlands tend to be very friendly and absolutely love meeting new people. They are also gentle and patient with children, which has led many to refer to this breed as a "nanny dog.". When it comes to training, this breed isn't quite as eager to please as others on our list and may not be the best choice for someone with little experience. However, someone who can provide clear instruction via positive reinforcement can certainly train a Newfie to be a well-mannered therapy dog. Newfies have a somewhat long, shaggy coat that requires brushing at least once per week. They will need more frequent brushing during the shedding seasons.
Border Collie Agile and energetic pooches in this breed shine in dog shows. Those traits, along with friendliness and a readiness to learn, make the Border Collie shine as a therapy dog as well. This dog is intelligent and easy to train and does exceptionally well in working roles. They are great for first-time owners and trainers. These canines love people so much that they get depressed if left alone too much. Like many breeds, they need training to be like other dogs. They're also prone to separation anxiety, so they do not work well in homes where they are left alone for the majority of the day. They need a lot of attention from their family.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel As its name indicates, this small spaniel was bred to be a royal companion dog. It has a kind, loving, gentle temperament and tends to have a calming influence. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically enjoys sitting on laps, even those of strangers. Working with people who use a wheelchair or cuddling at a patient's bedside are great opportunities for this breed to shine as a therapy dog. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a diminutive breed of pooch which makes for a pawsome therapy dog! Their gentle, caring natures are second to none. Who could resist those soulful eyes or not want to caress those long, silken ears? They are a breed which bring tranquillity to even the most anxious.
Lhasa Apso While small, Lhasa Apso is another great breed for psychiatry support. They are cheerful and friendly, which can be very helpful to people suffering from PTSD, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Sometimes, Lhasa Apsos are shy and withdrawn but warm up nicely to their owners.
Bichon Frise Another popular therapy dog breed is the charming Bichon Frise. Once they receive the proper training, these little dogs will fit anywhere they are needed: care homes, hospitals, schools or hospices. Their usually playful, gentle temperament can make them a joy to be around in a therapy setting. The added bonus is that this dog breed does not even shed. The Bichon Frise is not just a cute little dog - it is a pup-tastic small breed which is just pawfect for therapy work. Yes, they are cute, they are smart and have a uniquely, understanding character. Getting a therapy visit from a Bichon Frise is like being reunited with your childhood teddy bear.
Yorkshire Terrier Brave and curious, these little dynamites are up for anything. But you probably did not expect to see them on the best therapy dog breeds list. They love to be needed, so they are great for getting medications in an emergency or pushing that alert button. These small dogs are great therapy dogs for hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Their size makes them very easy to handle.Yorkshire Terriers are ideal for therapy work because they demand to be the center of attention, virtually making it impossible to think of anything else but the pup on your lap who is begging for cuddles. Yorkies are woofderful for relieving anxiety and excel at making stressed people smile. Yorkies can be strong-willed and aggressive. They need a strong trainer that trains in social skills and obedience.
Papillon The Papillon is a happy, friendly dog. They are less yappy and more easily trained than other toy breeds, making them great for therapy work. A Papillon's natural alertness makes him an excellent choice as a hearing dog. A Seizure Alert dog is one who alerts his owner to impending crises, and responds in a trained way. The person living with a brain disorder, such as Epilepsy, is then given a chance to move to a safe area before an episode happens.
Pug Pugs are also a consideration when choosing the best therapy dog breeds. Similar to a French Bulldog, their cheerful and curious nature brings entertainment and joy and can make a pug a very good therapy dog. Pugs work great as therapy dogs, particularly with children that have various neurodevelopment disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, as they bond with children particularly well, and their enthusiasm is infectious. It is also worth mentioning that these dogs are quite high energy, which may not be the best choice for someone who is seeking a more relaxed approach to pet therapy. For those who are looking for a buddy to play with, a pug may be the perfect choice! The intelligence of a pug is not to be disregarded. A person with a disability may particularly benefit from a pug, as they have strong emotional senses and can provide comfort and support in times of distress.
Italian Greyhound If you are looking for a fur baby that is sensitive and alert, look no further. These characteristics make Italian Greyhounds great for being a guide dog or any other therapy dog. These sensitive dogs are alert and playful. Great for making the rounds in institutions, these dogs are energetic. These sleek hounds do not do well in cold temperatures. As a sighthound, they are also quick to chase if not properly trained.
Greyhound A traditional racing dog, Greyhounds know how to be calm in crowds. They are also easy to train and excel in agility. This breeding gives them everything they need to perform tasks for disabled owners. Friendly and calm, the Greyhound is great around children and other animals. Although they are calm in attitude, they still have the energy to work overtime. These fur babies are jumpers. Make sure you have a high fence in the areas where they are not on a leash.
Beagle Beagles love to be the stars in any room they find themselves in. The bigger the room and the more people, the better. For this reason, they do wonders when their support is needed by groups of people. Schools and care homes are the top venues where their skills are most needed. However, Beagles are known for having a mind of their own and not always obeying commands. So, if you see one working as a therapy dog, know they are a really special pooch.
Dachshund The delectable, short-legged Dachshund is a pawfect small breed for therapy work. Dachshunds love nothing more than to sit on someone's lap while listening to them talk. Those floppy ears might not perk up, but they do not miss a word, and their eyes have an incredible depth of understanding, which can calm an anxious mind. This playful breed is great at lifting spirits and encouraging exercise. They are great for people with anxiety and depression. If you ask people one word that describes a Dachshund, many will say "spunky." They are lively and curious. With long spines and short legs, it is not healthy for one of these pooches to climb stairs or play jumping games.
Boxer Boxers are gregarious and gentle, enthusiastic and energetic, with a natural affinity for people that makes them excellent therapy dogs, especially in active environments. They are known for their playful nature, which can bring a lot of joy and laughter to therapeutic settings, making them particularly effective in pediatric hospitals or schools. Despite their high energy, Boxers are very gentle with children and can adjust their behavior to be more subdued when needed.
Shih Tzu Shih Tzus are another small breed that excels in therapeutic settings due to their affectionate and friendly nature. They are particularly effective in environments that require a calm and gentle dog who can handle being held or petted for extended periods. Shih Tzus enjoy being close to their handlers and are comfortable sitting with patients during therapy sessions, making them ideal for individual interactions in hospitals or nursing homes.
French Bulldog French Bulldogs often love nothing more than to be petted. Many have an easy-going personality that is nicely complemented by their ability to fit into any place. Add to this their skill to notice changes in their human friends' personality or behaviour and there is no wonder why with the right training, they can feature among the best breeds for therapy dog jobs. Their small size is a big benefit for individuals who plan to travel frequently and need to be able to bring their therapy dog along to various locations. Intelligence and ease of training are essential traits in a therapy dog, and French Bulldogs possess both in spades. French Bulldogs excel at following commands and maintaining decorum in diverse situations. Loving, playful, and adaptable, you will be hard-pressed to find anything that DOES NOT make this fur baby a great therapy dog. Independent and stubborn, the Frenchie needs to begin training as soon as possible.
Pomeranian Little Poms have the whole package – they are small, cute, fluffy, and affectionate. They have a tendency to bark, so they need to be trained to stay quiet and calm. They are usually used as therapy dogs with the elderly as they do not need much play or exercise, and they’re happy to simply sit on someone's lap and keep them company.The intuitive Pomeranian is an awesome companion. They look like a ball of fluff created for endless hugs and have a gentle, affectionate personality. But they are also playful and fun little fellows, ready to bring a smile to anyone's face. This is an especially joyful companion for bed-bound patients, so no wonder they make such incredible therapy dogs. With low energy and little exercise needs, the "Pom" is great for home-bound patients, as well as situations that require a quiet, calm animal. The best thing about these dogs, is that they are not destructive. They also need very little exercise. To be a therapy dog, this breed needs socialization training from puppyhood. They are often standoffish.
Maltese Maltese service dogs have been praised for their attentiveness, excellent manners in public, and great skills at performing Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT). Portable, adaptable and super-friendly, the Maltese will sit in your lap for hours. They love human attention and can be easily trained to obey a wide range of commands. Their sweet nature and gentle personality make them the perfect companion for people who can not move easily. Whether they are needed in hospitals, schools or disaster areas, these little fellows will do a great job offering that much-needed comfort.
German Shepherd These canines have a reputation for being reserved around strangers. They do not get distracted easily, so they are great for intense work like guiding and listening. Calm and restrained, these dogs have the attitude needed to be serious work dogs. Despite this, they can also be loving and playful. German Shepherds need socialization training to avoid becoming aggressive. These dogs can be destructive when bored. Like other working dog breeds, the German shepherd is very intelligent. While they may be a larger, powerful breed with, unfortunately, an incorrect stereotype of aggression often seen in these dogs. However, they are exceptionally capable of extending great love to people. German shepherds are easily trainable as therapy dogs. Once they get the hang of what is expected of them in a therapy environment, their natural obedience and loyalty make them wonderful companions to take to a variety of therapy situations and settings. Their confidence and calmness can provide a sense of security to those they interact with, making them especially valuable in programs for veterans or individuals with PTSD.
English springer spaniel Always enthusiastic, the English Springer Spaniel is an energetic dog with a friendly, loyal and affectionate disposition. This midsize, long-eared sporting breed is energetic and loves exercise. The English springer is prone to barking and may need some extra behavioral training to adjust to quieter environments. But its intelligence, attractive looks, and friendliness make it well-suited for therapy work. Springer spaniels can make great therapy dogs or emotional support animals.
Great Dane You might be surprised to see the Great Dane on our list, but this gentle giant definitely has the right temperament. Great Danes are very friendly and love to please. They are masters at providing comfort, and they socialize well with people. Great Danes are not suitable for taking to small rooms due to their enormous size, but wherever there is enough space for them, people will love the affection this breed offers.
Great Pyrenees The "polar bear dog" known as the Great Pyrenees seems to have innate wisdom in knowing exactly what people need. This breed is smart, gentle, sensitive, and very trainable. This calm, loving breed is suitable for working as a therapy dog in a variety of settings. Just watching a Great Pyrenees walk into a hospital room or nursing home brings joy to people's hearts. These white giants are known to have a calm temperament and be loyal, sturdy, and gentle. That being said, Great Pyrenees need training as young dogs and regular exercise to keep up their obedience and their independent nature. These fluffy white guardians are a good match for kids with autism who enjoy being active.
Irish setter Irish setters, the embodiment of elegance and grace, are affectionate, warmhearted, and sensitive dogs that bond easily with their families and even strangers. It is important to use lots of encouragement and praise when training an Irish setter to be a therapy dog since the breed tends to be on the energetic side. Once trained, a setter is sure to bring many smiles to people in nursing homes and similar environments. With graceful strides and silky hair, the Irish Setter is ready to stroll into the hearts of many. This friendly breed loves being around lots of people and getting lots of attention. Affectionate, intelligent, and easy to train, dogs in this breed make excellent therapy and service dogs. Active and energetic, the Irish Setter does not do well living in apartments. They need room to roam and stay busy.
Havanese The Havanese is a little dog with a big heart. This breed’s appearance, especially its soft fur, seemingly makes it designed for cuddling with people and showering them with doggy love. While children, in particular, typically love interacting with Havaneses, this little ball of joy is also a great therapy dog for seniors and hospital patients.
Labradoodle The labradoodle - a cross between a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle — combines the poodle's intelligence with the Labrador's loving nature for a hybrid with a natural ability to make people feel loved. The labradoodle is smart, energetic, and sensitive, and it also loves to cuddle. Its hypoallergenic coat makes it particularly well-suited for working with people with impaired immune systems. These curly-haired pups are a popular choice among families with kids with autism. Labradoodles do not shed excessively like many dogs, making them allergy friendly and a great choice for families who have respiratory allergies. Labradoodles are fun-loving dogs who are highly intelligent and are said to be easy to train, which makes them a good option as therapy dogs.
Cardigan Pembroke Welsh Corgi Naturally friendly and social, Corgis have a natural talent for sensing when some needs comfort. Their ability to navigate diverse environments and interact with individuals of all ages is a great demonstration of their potential as therapy dogs. The energetic and playful nature of the Corgi makes them excellent companions during physical therapy sessions. Despite its small size, the Pembroke Welsh corgi was bred as a cattle herding dog. The corgi is stocky, strong, self-assured, intelligent, and very trainable. Corgis are playful and can be mischievous, but with their cheerful, upbeat personality and love for affection, they can bring great joy to people as therapy dogs.
American pit bull terrier The American pit bull terrier, originally a cross between bulldogs and terrier, are often stigmatized as an aggressive, dangerous breed. In reality, in addition to their lively, outgoing temperament, Pit Bulls are typically loyal and devoted. Pit bulls are smart and capable of great affection. So, with the proper training, they can make excellent therapy dogs. Pitbull owners are quick to point out the emotional intelligence of the breed. They report that these canines seem to intuit their emotional state and respond accordingly. This trait gives pitbulls the potential to be effective service dogs for those with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or PTSD.
Staffordshire bull terrier Originally a hunting dog, the Staffordshire bull terrier is prone to taking off and chasing things. However, with the proper training, this intelligent breed is more than capable of exhibiting good behavior in new environments. These pups are well-known for their ability to stay calm, patient, and caring in the presence of children, so environments such as schools and children's hospitals are particularly good places to take your Staffie therapy dog.
Saint Bernard These large dogs were bred to help and still enjoy their duties today. With a history of rescuing stranded travelers in Saint Bernard Pass, they are quite naturally good therapy dog breeds. Like many dogs on this best therapy dog breed list, Saint Bernards are friendly and affectionate. These fur babies do not need a lot of exercise. And as you may know—this breed is incredibly huge. They need space to stretch out. Shedders and droolers, they require quite a bit of maintenance. These gentle giants may seem intimidating due to their size, but Saint Bernards tend to be gentle and patient, making them a great choice for kids with autism. Saint Bernards are disciplined and smart, and able to carry out small tasks. This makes the Saint Bernard a great choice for a service dog. That being said, their size may count against them as they might overpower smaller children.
Chihuahua Chihuahuas are a great small breed for therapy work. Their captivating characteristics can take a person's mind off their worries and woes. Apart from being pawsomely cute, Chihuahuas are furrifically smart and can learn new tricks quickly. Just looking at one of these puptastic doggos makes everyone feel much better. Chihuahuas can become great Psychiatric Service Dogs, as some of the essential tasks of these dogs are providing tactile stimulation and a Deep Pressure Therapy. You can train your small cutie to jump on your lap and calm you down, when anxiety episodes occur.
Jack Russel Terrier Jack Russell Terrier's intelligence, versatility, loyalty, and compact size make it an exceptional choice as a service animal. Nothing can beat a therapy visit from a pupperific Jack Russell Terrier. They are a small breed with a pent-up energy which is invigorating, and a friendly countenance which is infectious and quickly gets everyone out of the doldrums no matter where they are. They are the perfect pups for therapy work.
Bernese Mountain Dog The Bernese Mountain Dog makes a great companion for kids with ASD because they are calm and very affectionate in nature. These dogs are highly intelligent and easy to train. Bernese Mountain dogs are eager to please, making them loyal companions for kids on the spectrum and a great family dog.
Airedale Terrier Airedale Terriers possess the ideal combination of intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature to serve as excellent service animals for emotional support. Needing a lot of exercise, these elegant pups are great as guide dogs for the visually impaired. Airedale Terriers are also large enough to fetch anything their owner needs. Rugged and tough, these pups can survive in almost any condition. Their short hair is attractive and easy to maintain. This breed is truly a dog's dog.They love dog activities like barking, digging, and chewing.
Shetland Sheepdog Shelties are intelligent, sensitive, and affectionate, being great therapy dogs! Beautiful and bold, the "Miniature Colli" is one of the smartest dogs in the world. These friendly dogs are healthy and devoted. Shetland Sheepdogs usually love everyone they meet. However, the long, luxurious coat on these pooches gets easily matted. They require extensive brushing and grooming.
Rottweiler This stigmatized breed is usually not thought of as a therapy dog. They are mostly assumed to be police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guide dogs. Rottweilers are calm, loyal, and brave. They are friendly and gentle unless trained to be otherwise. These dogs are massive. They need obedience training and socialization training starting as early as possible. Rottweilers are known for their strength and gentle demeanor and have proven themselves well-suited for therapy tasks.
Bullmastiff You may be surprised to find the Bullmastiff on the best therapy dog breeds list due to their extra-large size. These gentle giants have what it takes to be a volunteer. Patient and kind, their physical and emotional strength make them great servers in the community. This working breed still loves to work and is happy doing whatever you need. They are easy to groom and shed little. Reserved with strangers, trainers need to start socialization early to avoid aggression. This large dog tends to overeat.
Dalmatian This immediately recognizable animal has already made a name for itself in the service industry. With endurance to spare, Dalmatians are up to busy days working with their human. Athletic and cheerful, this is one dog that is ready for work as a therapy or service dog. While you often see these dogs in public areas, they can become aggressive and need socialization training.
Bloodhound Another breed that you may find surprising on this best therapy dogs breeds list is the Bloodhound. These large dogs are excellent sniffers. Because of that, these fur babies are great for medical service work. They can sniff out chemical changes in the body of their person. Dogs in this breed are sweet and mild-mannered. They do great in situations where they are around crowds and strangers. Bloodhounds are a little lazy. They do not have much energy and are prone to weight gain.
Borzoi Because of their intelligence, independence, and keen sense of awareness, you will see Borzois working as loyal psychiatric assistance dogs, helping veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Borzois have a calm, agreeable temperament that lends itself very well to all kinds of therapy work.
Australian Shepherd Aussies are extremely smart, versatile, and trainable. They have a ton of mental drive and physical stamina which can be channeled into many different types of jobs, therapy work being one of them. They are an excellent choice as a service dog due to their great temperament, loyalty, intelligence and athleticism.
Irish Wolfhound Despite their large size, Irish Wolfhounds are incredibly gentle and patient, traits that make them excellent for therapeutic visits. Their calm and friendly nature helps soothe those who might feel anxious or stressed. Because of their height, they are easily accessible for petting even by those who are bedridden, which makes them particularly good for hospital settings. Irish Wolfhounds are also known for their intuitive nature, often sensing who needs their support the most.
Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniels are known for their sweet and gentle disposition, which makes them excellent therapy dogs. They are small enough to be approachable but also energetic enough to engage with people actively. Cockers are particularly good with children and the elderly, often able to adapt their behavior to the needs of the person they are interacting with. Their cheerful and affectionate nature can lighten the atmosphere, bringing comfort and joy to various therapeutic settings.
Mini Mutts (Mongrels) Mutts may not be purebreds, but they Are cute, smart and sympathetic as anyone who's heard of Norbert, the famous therapy crossbred, will know. Their intelligence and empathy are endless, and their mix of breeds generally makes for an even temperament. They can cheer you up in seconds and soon put a smile on your face. Life would be dull without them!
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