9 Service Dog Breeds That Are the Ultimate Helpers
There are two popular breeds we often associate with service dogs, particularly retrievers, but many other breeds are also well-suited for these roles. Types of service dogs include guide dogs, hearing dogs, and medical alert dogs who notify their humans when they might experience a medical emergency. Guide dogs, generally, need to be larger, athletic, and trainable while hearing dogs can be smaller and, perhaps, a bit more independent.
Learn more about these nine service dog breeds.
What is a service dog?
01 of 13
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are the gold standard for service dogs, especially when it comes to serving as guide dogs for the visually impaired. They can also do other jobs, such as helping those with mobility issues and helping veterans with PTSD. Smart, strong, active, and trustworthy, they're easy to train and bond deeply with their humans. That's the total package for a guide dog.
Breed Overview
02 of 13
Golden Retriever
The 1B to the Lab's 1A, the golden retriever is a prized guide dog for the same reasons as their retriever cousin. They're intelligent, not too big, and forever in love with their humans. They enjoy training and then having a job—just be sure you don't mind a bit of shedding.
Breed Overview
03 of 13
German Shepherds
The consummate working dog—they're search-and-rescue and police dogs, too—German shepherds can help humans as guide dogs, psychiatric assistance dogs, or hearing dogs. In fact, they were the first guide dogs during the 1920s. They need a job and love spending time with their humans, making them excellent service dog candidates.
Breed Overview
04 of 13
Standard Poodle
Ultra-smart poodles can excel as hearing dogs, pups who assist deaf or hard-of-hearing people by alerting them to certain sounds (doorbells, alarms, phones). Friendly and active, poodles can be trained to nudge their humans when they hear those sounds.
Poodles are hypoallergenic, so they’re less likely to trigger allergies in those who are allergic. Also, if you prefer smaller service dog breeds to help with hearing or vision impairments or medical disabilities, miniature and toy poodles can do well as service dogs, too.
Breed Overview
05 of 13
Cocker Spaniel
Another one of the smaller service dog breeds is the cocker spaniel. Despite their smaller size, this is a breed that can work as a hearing assistance dog. They're easy to train and very friendly, but any owner will need to pay enough attention to their grooming needs.
Breed Overview
06 of 13
Boxer
Boxers may work as service dogs in some cases. They're active and love their humans unconditionally, but they are bigger dogs who love to play. You may want to opt for a breed better known for staying on task.
Breed Overview
07 of 13
Dalmatian
This breed has quite a motor, meaning some dalmatians can be service dogs—perhaps a guide dog—but many more of them are better served remaining as pets. They're sweet, outgoing dogs, so they could get distracted while on the job.
Breed Overview
08 of 13
Border Collie
Border collies are another breed that can make a decent guide dog, but they shouldn't in most cases. They're especially active herding dogs who normally belong on a farm, but if you can harness the athleticism and smarts, you might have yourself a helpful service dog.
Breed Overview
09 of 13
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese mountain dog is worth considering when searching for service dog breeds because they are smart, loyal, and strong. They can support an adult, and are also capable of handling physical jobs like pulling wheelchairs.
Breed Overview
10 of 13
Great Dane
The Great Dane is sweet and gentle, making them a good choice when looking for a service dog. They are best suited for those who are mobility impaired, thanks to their height and size. These gentle giants are loving, patient, and calm even when in public.
Breed Overview
11 of 13
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is another small service dog breed. They are particularly good at alerting people to health conditions, so they can be great for those with conditions like asthma, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
Breed Overview
12 of 13
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire terrier, or Am Staff, is a type of pit bull. These medium-to-large dogs can handle both service and mobility tasks. They are muscular and strong, as well as brave, loving, and gentle.
Breed Overview
13 of 13
Mixed Breed
Service dogs don't have to be purebred dogs. Oftentimes, organizations that train hearing or psychiatric assistance dogs will pluck trainable mixed breeds from their local animal shelters. Each dog has their own personality, smarts, and traits, so don't discount a pup based solely on their breed.
Breed Characteristics
Generally speaking, service dogs—particularly guide dogs—come from smart, amiable, and trainable breeds who have enough endurance to work long hours. They should be able to remain calm and focused in all situations, regardless of who they’re around or what is going on, and they need to be responsive and reliable at all times. Dogs who direct their humans where to go are also on the larger side.
If you're looking for a service dog for yourself or a family member, do your research to make sure you find one from a reputable organization.
Remember this, too: the ADA doesn't require service dogs to be certified or registered, so beware of anyone selling certificates or registrations. Learn more here.
