Best Service Dog Breeds for Anxiety List

Service dogs help individuals with anxiety in various ways, from providing deep pressure therapy, to bringing them back to the present moment during an episode, to easing their symptoms with their presence and routine.

However, there isn’t just one dog breed that makes the best psychiatric service dog for everyone with anxiety. Just like choosing the right breed when getting a dog as a pet, those with anxiety must acquire or train a service dog that matches their overall lifestyle and individual needs. Also, not everyone experiences anxiety the same way, requiring future service dog owners to get a dog based on their condition.

This article will list some of the highly regarded service dog breeds for anxiety, allowing our readers to determine which breed is right for them. Read on to discover the best service dog breeds for people suffering from anxiety disorders.

Top 8 Service Dog Breeds for Anxiety

Below is a quick look at the best service dog breeds for anxiety. While each breed below can perform PSD tasks, it is important to look for a service dog with your needs and life circumstances in mind.

1) Golden retriever

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular service dog breeds, particularly for anxiety. This is mainly thanks to the golden retriever’s gentle and affectionate nature. They know when it is time to comfort their handlers, even if they don’t actively need any task to be performed. For those who prefer a smaller companion with the same loving temperament, the mini Golden Retriever is an excellent option. It offers the same emotional intelligence and loyalty as the standard breed but in a more compact size, perfect for individuals living in smaller spaces or those who travel frequently.

2) Labrador retriever

Just like in pretty much all working dog roles, Labrador retrievers make excellent service dogs for anxiety. They are highly trainable, sweet-tempered dogs that bond strongly with their handlers. The powerful frame of the Labrador retriever also makes them great at certain anxiety-related tasks like deep pressure therapy and keeping others at a distance. For those considering training a companion from a young age, black lab puppies are a popular choice thanks to their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature.

3) Poodle

The poodle comes in various sizes, and they are all equally great psychiatric service dogs. This dog breed is a particularly fitting service dog choice for people with anxiety who also suffer from pet allergies as they have a hypoallergenic coat that doesn’t shed.

4) German shepherd

The German shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed with a strong loyalty to their handler. They are also fairly protective, which can put someone with anxiety at ease with the knowledge that their dog has the capacity to keep them safe. This makes the German shepherd an excellent psychiatric service dog for individuals who don’t feel secure in their surroundings.

5) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The cavalier King Charles spaniel is among the most affectionate and loving dog breeds that can assist someone with anxiety simply by existing. The love these dogs have for their handlers is definitely something that will help someone cope with anxiety symptoms on top of the tasks they can perform for their handler.

6) Border Collie

While many service dog breeds for anxiety stand out with their affectionate nature and trainability, border collies have it all, plus the energy levels that match those living an active lifestyle. With their energetic temperament, border collies are the best service dogs for those who would benefit from having a canine companion by their side while they exercise.

7) Shih Tzu

The shih tzu isn’t just a small dog that likes to be on the owner’s lap. These adorable little dogs also make effective service dogs for anxiety disorders. They can handle deep pressure therapy, interrupt harmful behaviors, and soothe their handler with their presence above all else. Shih tzus are also one of the smallest service dog breeds for anxiety.

8) Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese mountain dog can be thought of as a slightly toned-down version of the German shepherd when it comes to being protective. However, they are just as affectionate and highly trainable dogs that can pick up all kinds of psychiatric service dog tasks quickly. They are a particularly good choice for teenagers and kids dealing with anxiety given their playful side.

Find the Best Service Dog Breeds for Anxiety

We listed and detailed various service dog breeds for anxiety. It is now your turn to decide which dog breed will make the best service dog for you by evaluating your life circumstances and individual needs.

For instance, if you need a service dog for anxiety to work as a buffer to keep others from getting too close, a larger dog like the Labrador retriever will be a better choice for you than a toy poodle.

The dog breed you choose for service dog work should also be compatible with you, as all dogs need their owner’s attention to live a fulfilling life. Take all these into consideration, and you will easily find the best service dog for anxiety.