For depression, popular dog breeds include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, German Shepherds, and Bichon Frisés, chosen for their affectionate, loyal, calm, and trainable nature, providing companionship, routine, and motivation for activity, though the best fit depends on your lifestyle and energy levels, with smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Yorkies suitable for smaller spaces.
Here's a breakdown of the best dog breeds for emotional support that can be a great fit for people with anxiety and depression.
Dogs specifically have been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise, and improve your overall health. With stress and burnout rates on the rise, having a furry friend waiting for you at home is scientifically proven to improve your mental and physical health.
The best dogs would be labs, goldens, or poodles. Some smaller breeds like spaniels or maltese can work as well.
These service dogs perform specific tasks that help address PTSD symptoms, such as applying pressure to alleviate anxiety and nudging to interrupt flashbacks. Previous research has found benefits of the PTSD service dogs such as reduced severity of symptoms, improved mental health and improved social interactions.
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Eligibility: How to get a service dog for PTSD
You are a first responder who has a work-related disability. Applicants with a PTSD diagnosis are required to be in consistent ongoing counseling and have been under the consistent care of a Mental Health Professional for a minimum of 1 year, prior to applying.
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The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Best Pets for Reducing Anxiety and Depression
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
An emotional support dog can help ease the symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. While they don't require specific training, certain breeds are more suitable as emotional support animals.
However, sensitivity analyses by pet type revealed that cat ownership was associated with a modestly increased risk of depression (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09), whereas dog ownership showed no significant association (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.789–1.10).
The Australian Cobberdog has no equal when it comes to doing assistance and therapy work; the breed was specifically created for this work. Even though some other breeds, such as the Labrador or Golden Retriever, have been used for this purpose, in reality they were developed to fetch the catch of hunters.
The calmest dog breeds often include large, gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, along with smaller, easygoing companions such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Pug, and English Bulldog, all known for their relaxed, affectionate, and laid-back temperaments, though individual dogs vary. Sighthounds like the Greyhound are also surprisingly calm indoors, needing short bursts of energy but otherwise content to lounge.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
To qualify for a service animal, all you need to do is get written documentation from your healthcare provider that you have and are being treated for an emotional or psychiatric disorder or disability and require the assistance of an animal because of it.
The time it takes for a dog to adjust to a new home can vary from one dog to another. Normally, it takes 2-3 weeks for a dog to adjust to a new home, but it can take up to 3 months for them to fully adjust behaviourally.
Golden retrievers are the ultimate people lovers. They are always looking for a playmate or their next adventure. They are loving and gentle, but also know how to have fun when it's time. Golden Retrievers are great comfort dogs and are always looking to please their owners.
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#3: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
They're sweet, friendly...and another small dog breed that doesn't bark! The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has royal roots, so it's no wonder they have a poised demeanor.
Diagnosis of a Mental Health Condition: To qualify for a stress and anxiety service dog, you must have a documented diagnosis of a mental health condition such as PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or another qualifying condition. This diagnosis must come from a licensed mental health professional.
Check out these top breeds for help in dealing with your PTSD symptoms.
You will, however, need a diagnosis of a qualifying mental health condition, such as depression, from a qualifying mental health professional. At this point, you will be eligible for a psychiatric service dog.