Most people use dogs as mental or emotional support companions because dogs help them stay functional throughout the day. Dogs also provide unconditional love, acceptance, comfort, and a sense of structure to people.
All dogs offer an emotional connection to people, but not all can provide emotional support. Here is a list of 10 dogs that provide extraordinary emotional support to humans.
1. Labrador
Labradors are the most loyal emotional support dogs you can own. The cheerful, bright, and naturally gentle Labrador Retriever is positively infectious and serves up big, sloppy kisses in abundance, regardless of your mood.
These dogs have a strong desire to please and can adapt perfectly to your mood to share your best and worst moments. You don’t have to worry about a stray Labrador, because no other dog would rather snuggle up next to you at all times like a Labrador.
2. Pug
Pugs have the funniest temperaments with the most positive thinking minds. Their intuitions are intertwined with your innate desire to make people feel better.
These dogs are bright, friendly, and can diligently tune into your emotions and tap into your place of positivity and happiness. However, pugs may not be the best choice if you travel frequently, as most airlines do not allow them to fly due to their short noses which cause breathing difficulties.
3. Golden Retriever
These lovable dogs have long reigned as the most loved pets and the best breed of emotional support dog.
Golden retrievers have patient attitudes and an undisguised friendliness that make them well-suited for children, adults, and people with health problems. They are famous for their good manners with contagious attitudes that make them excellent at combating mental symptoms in their guardians.
4. Corgi
People attributes and everything about Corgis points to one thing: how good these dogs are at emotional support. You really can’t go wrong with this goofy, intelligent and affectionate dog whose loving face and loyalty are enough to set the right mood.
These dogs are quite active, so they can be a life-saving option for owners who also want physical fitness to complement emotional support.
A Corgi’s friendliness extends from humans to other canines and non-canines alike, and it can be such a loving pet.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahua is a small-sized dog with affectionate personality to help anyone struggling with mental issues. Chi have courage and character, and are the kind of dogs that will spend all their time wishing you were there.
Chihuahuas are small but hardy dogs, well behaved, affectionate, and the reason you’ll want to get home from work early. However, don’t worry if you have to travel for days.
You can carry it in your fancy bag when traveling and allow it to treat your travel anxiety as well. Chihuahuas are definitely great for stress relief.
6. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is an alert, curious, cheerful, affectionate dog, and exceptionally sensitive to human feelings.
This dog is quietly discreet, yet “personal space” doesn’t seem to apply in his world. He will sit on your lap when he feels like he should.
7. Cavalier King Charles’ Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles’ Spaniel – the dog that is so good at loyal companionship that it was named after its owner! These canines make the best companions for human and offer great emotional support because they have been domesticated for a long time.
If you needs deep love and affection, the Cavalier King Charles’ Spaniel won’t mind sharing a little. These dogs are incredibly efficient at combating their owners’ depression.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers have helped people emotionally and mentally for years, including boosting soldiers’ morale when they were fighting in the trenches during World War I. These dogs may be tiny, but great for affection.
Don’t worry if you live in a small house; a Yorkshire Terrier can thrive in small spaces and you can easily take him with you, an advantage for people with emotional disabilities. Nothing would please a Yorkie more than to perch on his owner’s lap, something you can use.
9. Vizsla
Vizslas are sweet, happy, loving and will do anything to spend time with their owners outdoors and snuggle up next to them at night.
They are very athletic and love to stay active, so make sure you have a great jogging partner to help keep you emotionally and physically fit. Vizslas have cat-like grooming skills, which means they don’t smell like other dogs, and you’ll have an easy time cleaning them up.
10. Irish Wolfhound
It’s appropriate to include the Irish Wolfhound among emotional support dogs because these dogs are natural protectors and everyone knows it. Irish Wolfhounds are extraordinarily patient and so sensitive that they can listen to their humans’ moods and make everything change.
Known as the “gentle giants” of the dog world, these hound dogs are huge with equally big hearts, have plenty of love to share, and enough room for the longest hug that any emotionally challenged person can use.
However, due to the complications that accompany their enormous size, Irish Wolfhounds have a short lifespan of only 6-7 years, too early and extremely difficult for patients who are heavily dependent on their emotional support.