All dogs are perfect in their own way, but some lend themselves to the service world a little better than others. Whether this is due to their temperament, size, or a little bit of both, they all excel with their unique strengths. To further highlight this, we have listed four breeds in particular that make excellent service dogs.
Labrador Retrievers
One of the most popular breeds of dogs out there, Labrador Retrievers also make fantastic service dogs because of their friendly temperament. They are also total people-pleasers. They are happiest when they have a job because all they want to do is prove their loyalty to their owner! Completing tasks is a great way to do this, which makes them perfect candidates for service dog training. Many guide dogs are Labrador Retrievers.
Additionally, they look adorable and exude friendly vibes on a near-constant basis. The owners don’t have to worry about stressful confrontations in public or any issues with those who might be uncomfortable with more threatening dogs. Labrador Retrievers are almost universally loved.
German Shepherds
Intelligent, easy to train, and well-behaved are some of the words we would use to describe German Shepherds. They are also diligent and genuinely committed to any job they are set to, which is why they are often used in police and security work. They can be trusted and often share an extraordinary, strong bond with their owners.
Part of what makes them such successful service dogs is their strength and size, too. They are often highly capable when assisting those with mobility issues and possess exceptional attention to detail, so they can almost immediately detect any danger. They’re just big, fluffy guardians.
Golden Retrievers
The second Retriever on our list, it should be no surprise that these four-legged balls of sunshine also made it onto this list. Like Labrador Retrievers, Goldens are intelligent, friendly, and eager to please.
They also bond exceptionally strongly with their owners, which makes them ideal for this sensitive work. They are loyal and, due to their friendly disposition, are perfect for reducing anxiety and putting their owners at ease. What’s not to love?
Pomeranian
For a slightly different angle, it’s time we pay some dues to the smaller side of service dogs. Beyond being bouncy balls of fluff, Pomeranians are wonderful companions with many practical applications. Why? Because they are usually a little obsessed with their owners (in a good way!)
They aren’t able to hold you up when you fall, but they’re a dream when it comes to emotional support. They are fun, adorable, and super attentive. They are also easy to keep with you at all times due to their stature and cute enough that they won’t frighten anyone out in public. It’s a recipe for success, wrapped up in masses of fluff.
No Matter the Breed, They’re All Man’s Best Friend!
All service dogs are incredible and helpful in their special way. They are all unique, which is what makes them such excellent companions! We’ve only mentioned four in our list, but so many breeds out there make extraordinary companions. In conclusion: dogs are the best.