7 Best Dog Breeds For People With PTSD

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Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds for service of all kinds because they pair intelligence and an eagerness to please with high levels of emotional intelligence and affection. For the job of a PTSD therapy dog — which can include everything from fetching medication and attempting to minimize flashbacks to general companionship — they're a seriously highly-qualified breed. Golden retrievers tend to be the go-to breed for PTSD therapy dogs for veterans, but can be accessible to the general population as well.

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Labrador Retriever

You'll likely be familiar with labradors as assistance dogs in general, as they tend to be favored for guide dog programs. There's a good reason for that — they're smart, quiet, and can follow a lot of commands. They also have an excellent temperament for psychiatric assistance work, explains Loving Your Lab: "They tend to be calm dogs but have plenty of energy, which means they aren’t overly excitable but are able to perform lots of necessary tasks. Labs are also hyper-aware of everything going on around them, which means they can alert their owner to danger or other things that need immediate attention."

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Lhasa Apso

With the proper training, the small, cuddly Lhasa Apso can be a brilliant therapy dog. "Their cheerful disposition is sure to put a smile on your face when you need it the most, and they can also learn to recognize the different moods and react appropriately — 'nudging' you back to the right course of action in certain situations," explains Pet Guide. They're personable and like strangers, but will always stick by your side when you're feeling vulnerable.

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Doberman Pinscher

The service dog organization Anything Pawsable highlights the Doberman Pinscher as one of the best breeds for psychiatric assistance work. "Dobies are often called “velcro” dogs because they bond very tightly with their handler," they note. "Dobies are known for following their person from room to room and insisting on being close at hand, all the time. As a service dog, this behavior can be exceptionally helpful, but it needs to be watched so it doesn’t develop into separation anxiety." Their alertness, attention and deep bond with their owners, plus their physical strength and capability, can make them extremely effective PTSD therapy dogs.

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Standard Poodle

Poodles have a reputation for intelligence, but their suitability for psychiatric assistance jobs goes beyond their smarts. Standard poodles, explains Anything Pawsable, are "extremely sharp, trainable dogs with an aptitude for all kinds of Service Dog specialities. They excel with alert and mobility tasks." Their alertness means they can be easily trained to look for triggers and signs of flashbacks, and help cope with consequences and fetch helpful items.

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Boxer

The American Boxer Club notes that boxers "make wonderful service dogs" — partly because of their ready obedience, but also because of their affectionate natures and tendency to be extremely loyal to owners. They've been trained for all sorts of service dog work, and can offer PTSD therapy help through their calmness, adaptability to training and sheer affection. (Though you do need to have a certain tolerance for slobber.)

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These dogs might not fit the typical mold of a service dog, but depending on the needs of the person with PTSD, their extremely affectionate and cuddly nature might be the key to effective therapy and support. They provide companionship constantly and are easy to handle, which can be important if PTSD causes mobility issues. They're also intelligent and quick learners, which is vital for any service dog breed. Look on your lap and there's a strong change your Cavalier King Charles is there waiting for some snuggles.

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If you're in need of a PTSD service animal, know that all dogs are created equal, or that your family pet is wholly qualified to help. Some breeds have natural aptitude for the work that being a PTSD assistance dog brings. Talk to your mental health support team about how to find a therapy animal that's specifically well-suited for supporting PTSD.

If you or someone you know is seeking help for mental health concerns, visit the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) website, or call 1-800-950-NAMI(6264). For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357). In an emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or call 911.