Best Service Dog Breeds: Top 10 Picks

Do you need a service dog? Or are you interested in training one? Dogs are an incredible resource for those with disabilities — plus they make a great companion! What dog breeds are the best for being trained as service dogs? Let’s take a look at the top 10 best service dog breeds.

Labrador Retriever

Intelligent, calm and eager to please

Labradors are one of the most popular service dog breeds because they’re easy to train. Labs have a gentle nature and the ability to perform a wide range of tasks. They are excellent for assisting people with mobility issues, guiding the visually impaired and providing emotional support.

Poodle

Intelligent, hypoallergenic and versatile

Poodles, especially Standard Poodles, are excellent service dogs for allergy sufferers due to their hypoallergenic coats. They are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform various tasks, including mobility assistance, alerting to medical conditions and providing emotional support.

Golden Retriever

Friendly, reliable and adaptable

Golden Retrievers have a friendly and gentle temperament. They’re highly trainable and excel as guide dogs, therapy dogs and assistance dogs for those with disabilities. Their calm demeanor makes them ideal for working in various environments.

Border Collie

Highly intelligent, energetic  and focused

Border Collies are extremely intelligent. They excel in tasks that require problem-solving and focus. People often use them as service dogs for individuals with disabilities. They are particularly helpful for those who need assistance with complex tasks or require a service dog that can handle high levels of activity.

German Shepherd

Loyal, intelligent and protective

German Shepherds are often used as service dogs for people with disabilities, particularly those who need mobility assistance or medical alert dogs. They are highly intelligent, quick learners and known for their strong work ethic.

Boxer

Loyal, energetic and protective

People with mobility issues and those that need a dog to help with physical tasks often choose Boxers. They are loyal, protective and have the stamina to keep up with active individuals.

Great Dane

Gentle, patient and strong

Great Danes are ideal for people who need a service dog for balance and mobility assistance due to their large size and strength. Great Danes are gentle and patient, making them excellent companions for those with physical disabilities.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Calm, strong and gentle

People needing assistance with mobility and heavy lifting tasks often choose Bernese Mountain Dogs. Their calm and gentle nature makes them great companions, and their large size and strength allow them to provide substantial physical support.

Doberman Pinscher

Alert, loyal and intelligent

Dobermans are excellent service dogs for people needing a reliable, protective companion. They are highly intelligent, easy to train and can perform many tasks, including mobility assistance and alerting to medical conditions.

Australian Shepherd

Energetic, intelligent and loyal

Australian Shepherds are ideal for people with active lifestyles who need a service dog capable of performing complex tasks. They are highly trainable and often serve as service dogs for those with disabilities requiring assistance in various environments.

Why You Should Get a Service Dog

If you are in need of a service dog, there are various reasons why you should consider getting one.

Assistance with Daily Tasks: Service dogs are trained to help with a wide range of tasks. These tasks include retrieving items, opening doors, turning on lights and helping with mobility.

Medical Alert and Response: Service dogs can be trained to detect medical conditions, such as low blood sugar in diabetics, seizures or changes in heart rate. They can alert you or others to take necessary action.

Emotional and Psychological Support: Service dogs provide constant companionship, which can be comforting for those with mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety or depression. 

Increased Independence: A service dog can empower people to live more independently by providing physical support and helping with tasks that might otherwise require human assistance.

Improved Safety: Service dogs can enhance personal safety by guiding visually impaired people, alerting them to dangers and providing stability to those with mobility challenges.

Enhanced Social Interaction: Having a service dog can facilitate social interactions and help break down barriers for people with disabilities. They act as social bridges, encouraging positive interactions and reducing the stigma associated with disabilities.

Increased Confidence: With the support of a service dog, people often feel more confident navigating daily life.

Customized Training: Handlers train service dogs for specific tasks that meet the unique needs of their owner.

Legal Protections: In many countries, service dogs are legally recognized and allowed access to public places, including restaurants, stores and public transportation. This legal protection ensures that individuals with disabilities can go about their daily lives without restrictions.

Companionship: Beyond their functional roles, service dogs provide unwavering companionship. This bond can be comforting and alleviate feelings of loneliness.

Wrapping Up

The top service dog breeds are known for intelligence, trainability and temperament. You need to consider the specific needs of the person involved and the dog’s ability to perform the tasks.

Getting a service dog can definitely enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, providing practical support, and emotional and psychological benefits. Their specialized training and companionship make them amazing dog friends for those who need assistance. A compassionate, caring pet transporter on CitizenShipper can deliver your service dog from out of state!