Golden Retreiver
These dogs are the first breed that pops into your mind when you think of support dogs. This is for good reason! These dogs have fantastic temperaments which are great for children. They are also very loving and gentle which can have an impact on children with autism as it has been proven that they can lower anxiety. They are known for being mobility aids or aids for the sight and hearing impared but can be used as service dogs for any disability your child may have. The one drawback is that as a long haired breed they shed quite a lot of hair. But if you are prepared to clean up hair in return for cosy hugs then the golden retriever is the right choice.
Old English Sheep dog
This breed is super family oriented and are fantastic companions. Sheep dogs are smart and are great for any children who have autism as they have particular habits. They are a breed which is super hard working and are easy to train well. These dogs love play and so your child will have a great playmate and as they are a protective breed your child also gets a great protector. There are a few cons to having a sheepdog as a service animal. One is that they produce a lot of hair wherever they go, meaning a lot of clean up from you. As they leave hair they also need to be regularly groomed and brushed. They are also easily bored and need mental stimulation which can also be a con against having them. But with the right family these dogs can be a great addition to your child’s life.
Bernese Mountain dog
The Bernese are great dogs for children with mobility issues as they are easily strong enough to pull a wheelchair if needed. They also perform well under pressure and will alert people in a medical emergency. Austistic children will also love this dog breed as its gentle nature and loyalty will put them at ease. Bernese are easy to train and to please with a natural smile which will delight children. They also love to be pet which will strengthen their bond with their owners. The biggest con to choosing this breed is that they are drooly which can turn off some children.
Boxers
Boxers have been named one of the best breeds for children no matter their ability level. These dogs are excellent companions and are sweet, patient and loving to their owners. They also have a great temperament. Boxers are large dogs but are small enough to accommodate for normal family life making them feel small. Boxers also make friends easily and love to meet strangers which makes walks always fun and can help your child to meet new friends. Although they do need a lot of training as they have a tendency to jump on people when they are excited so make sure they have been properly trained, through residential dog training or any other training method. But they are great breeds to have with young children no matter the family.
Beagle
This breed is great for families who also want to get active with their children. They are very easy to maintain and are easy going temperament wise. As they only weigh around 30 pounds they aren’t intimidating like some bigger dogs but are just as friendly and gentle with children. They may not be ideal for every family as they are very active dogs needing exercise but this does give the kid some much needed vitamin D and get them outside even if it is just the back garden. They are also very loud dogs which can be triggering to children with sensory issues and can get easily distracted by scents.
Whatever breed you choose for your child’s needs, whether it is the 5 in this blog or another breed entirely you will notice the difference in your child’s life. A support dog is a great help day to day and rewards both child and dog at the same time. So research if a support dog is right for your family.
“Always give your dog the benefit of the doubt.
” — Martin Deeley
