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Living with a disability of any nature can be challenging, and the support of a well-trained service dog can make a huge difference to a person’s quality of life. But not all dogs make good service dogs; some breeds are better suited to the task than others.
In general, service dogs need to be smart, trainable, and good with people since they can accompany their owners into busy public spaces, restaurants, and even airplanes.
In addition to these key traits, there are other characteristics that make good service dogs. For example, they should be clean and should also look friendly so as to put strangers at ease.
FUN FACT: I raise guide dog puppies and we used to have black and tan labradors in the program. They stopped breeding for this trait because as I heard it they were often mistaken for Rottweilers which made people in public uncomfortable.
In this article, we will go through all the characteristics that you should be looking for in a good service dog, and provide a list of the 10 breeds that best meet these criteria.
SPOILER ALERT: Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are our top pick breeds for service dogs.
What Are Service Dogs?
Service dogs are individual canines that have been specifically trained to work with people with a disability or special needs.
Types of service dogs include guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, mobility assistance dogs, seizure response dogs, and mental health service dogs. These dogs must be allowed into public places, businesses, restaurants, hotels, and airplanes in order to assist their owners.
Emotional support dogs and therapy dogs are not considered service dogs and they do not have the same freedom of access as service dogs. You can find out more about emotional support dogs here.
For more information about the definition of service dogs, you can consult the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Characteristics Of Service Dogs
While any dog can be trained as a service dog, some breeds are better suited to the task than others. This is because service dogs need to possess particular characteristics. These include:
Intelligent And Trainable
Service dogs are often going to be asked to complete complex tasks, such as navigating busy streets full of traffic and picking up on the signs that their owner is having a seizure.
For this reason, they need to be more intelligent than your average dog that can’t stop barking when it sees itself in a mirror because it thinks it is another dog.
Service dogs will also need to be specially trained to complete a variety of complex tasks, so they need to be highly trainable.
There are intelligent dog breeds that are still notoriously difficult to train, as they are highly willful (a bit like a cat), so while smart, these dogs don’t tend to make good service animals.
The difference between an intelligent trainable dog and a lovable derp is that the first can learn a new command within five repetitions and will then respond correctly at least 95 percent of the time.
Lovable derps may need to be shown a command one hundred or two hundred times before it imprints on them, and even then, they may only get it right 60 or 70 percent of the time.
Friendly And Calm Disposition
Service dogs get access to public spaces where other dogs can’t go. This might include shopping centers, which are full of curious children; restaurants, where other patrons aren’t that keen on the presence of a dog; and airplanes, where disruptive behavior can be more than just an annoyance.
As a result, service dogs need to have a calm and friendly demeanor. They can’t be snapping at people who give off a whiff of fear or barking at curious children that get too close.
They can’t get excited and start following other dogs that cross their parts or bark at every cat that they see.
Service dogs should be quite docile and good at getting to know people.
Strangers shouldn’t touch service dogs while they are working, especially without their owner’s permission, these dogs need to be trained for the unexpected.
Clean
Normally, if you have a dog that is a bit of a shedder, you can keep them out of certain areas of your home to prevent it from becoming infested with dog hair.
The same thing goes for droolers. You can keep them off the couch and have a special towel on hand to wipe their face before coming in for cuddles.
Service dogs need to be around their owners pretty much 24/7, and where their owners go, they go.
For that reason, dogs that shed a lot of hair (or a lot of drool), don’t make good service dogs as they can bring a lot of mess into both their owner’s space and the spaces of others that they visit with their owner.
QUICK TIP: As a service dog puppy raiser we groom our dogs daily to minimize the amount shed. Regular bathing and daily grooming helps to reduce the amount of fur off the floor.
Strong Work Ethic
While service dogs certainly aren’t working all the time and need to stop for a belly scratch and a play as much as any other, they can be required to work quite long hours; for example, accompanying their owner to work and they need to be switched on all the time.
While they might not technically be working when relaxing at home with their owner, service dogs will still be trained to look out for certain warning signs and respond accordingly if the unexpected happens.
As such, dogs that enjoy work and find completing tasks fulfilling and stimulating make the best service dogs. A dog that looks at you with a lazy yawn when you suggest a walk probably is not going to be up for the job.
Builds Strong Bonds
Not only do service dogs spend a lot of time with their owners, but their owners are dependent on them to complete some of the basic tasks of living.
As such, dogs that quickly form strong bonds with their owners and develop loving and protective demeanors make the best service dogs.
Independent dogs that prefer to do their own thing and only show affection around mealtimes aren’t the best choice.
10 Best Service Dog Breeds
Exactly which breeds of dog make the best service dogs depends on what tasks they are going to be asked to complete.
More task-oriented dogs will do better as guide dogs as they are often required to work continuously for several hours each day.
Dogs that are more in tune with the emotions of their owner are better able to pick up on subtle changes in behavior and make better mental health animals.
But, as a general rule, the following 10 dog breeds all make excellent service dogs as they are intelligent, trainable, and personable and will enjoy the challenges and rewards of supporting an owner that they have developed a deep bond with.
Our list only includes pure-bred dogs as their characteristics are more predictable.
There are cross-bred dogs that also make great service animals, but this generally needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis as there is no predicting how character traits will manifest in crossbred dogs.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are highly intelligent and extremely friendly, a great combination for any service dog breed.
They will learn new tasks quickly and are always sure to conduct themselves well in public situations.
They also form strong bonds with their owners, so they will love being at their side all day, even if that means sitting under a desk for a few hours.
Labradors are a good choice for pretty much any type of service work, and they are one of the best choices for mobility-impaired owners.
This is because they have soft mouths, which allow them to pick up items for their human companions without damaging them.
If shedding is an issue, consider a Labradoodle, which shouldn’t shed much, but their characteristics are less predictable than those of pure labs.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers share a lot of the same characteristics as Labrador Retrievers.
They are smart, friendly, easy to train, and enjoy working with their owner, making them another great choice for pretty much any type of service dog work.
Dogs of the size of Labs and Goldens also make good service dogs as they have the strength to put in a full day of work with their owner.
Something else about Golden Retrievers is that they look friendly, so they are unlikely to alarm other people when out and about, which can be the root cause of any problems that do occur.
This is why Pitbulls haven’t made it onto our list. While they are highly trainable and have the temperament to do service dog work, a lot of people are afraid of this breed, which brings its own set of troubles.
We love Pitbulls, but a few years back we spoke to one service dog organization asking why they didn’t use Pitbulls in their program and they told us that their liability insurance would not cover the breed.
3. German Shepherd
While some people can find the size of German Shepherds intimidating, they still make great service dogs.
They are usually associated with being guard dogs or police dogs, functions that require many of the same characteristics as service dogs: they need to be smart, easy to train, and well behaved.
German Shepherds are a good choice when a larger dog is needed, for example, such as supporting a mobility-impaired person. Their owner can lean on them in case of emergencies.
They also have a great sense of smell, which makes them perfect for monitoring blood sugar levels and supporting diabetic owners.
4. Poodle
While popular culture might leave many of us thinking of poodles as little lap dogs that fussy owners like to dress up, they, in fact, make excellent service dogs.
Unlike many breeds that were developed to work, Poodles were bred to be companion dogs, so they are highly friendly, personable, and bond well with people.
They are also one of the smartest dogs around, making them simple and easy to train.
The other great thing about Poodles is that they come in a variety of different sizes.
If you need a dog to be on their feet all day working, a larger Standard Poodle is a great choice. But if you live in a small apartment and need a dog that can go around town with you, a smaller Miniature or Toy Poodle can fit the bill perfectly.
5. Border Collie
Border Collies have adorable smiles, which would be enough to make them an excellent service animal, but there is a lot more to these pooches.
These dogs are highly intelligent and a breeze to train, and they just love learning and having tasks to complete.
We will mention quite a few times in this list how service dogs need to get on in a crowd, but for some people, it is just them and their canine friend in a more remote setting.
Border Collies are great for this type of arrangement as they have high energy and are highly reliable.
6. Great Dane
Great Danes are big strong dogs that can complete tasks that others can’t.
This is why, like Dalmations, they are often used in roles such as fire dogs. They are intelligent, easy to train, and loving with a sweet demeanor.
This can make them excellent service dogs for individuals who need both physical and emotional support. They can rely on these loveable giants for both.
Great Danes also have an ability to remain focused on their owners and their task in the face of all kinds of distractions.
One organization called Service Dog Project uses Great Danes exclusively for their mobility assistance dogs.
7. Bernese Mountain Dogs
Whenever I think of a Bernese Mountain Dog, I think of a dog with a little cask of whiskey around its neck out in the snow saving fallen travelers.
Bernese can complete this task, but also may more. They are intelligent, trainable, and friendly, making them ideal for most service dog work.
While these dogs will struggle inside a small apartment, if you live in colder climes where snow is a part of life, Bernese Mountain Dogs make excellent service workers.
8. Bloodhound
As well as being intelligent, Bloodhounds are calm, loyal, and affectionate, making them ideal for service dog companions.
This is another breed with a very strong sense of smell, which means that they can detect problematic blood sugar levels for diabetics with ease.
The main downside with this breed is that they can be a little on the lazy side, so they are better suited to people with a less active lifestyle.
9. Boxers
Boxers are another breed that has all the characteristics to be great service dogs.
They are smart, trainable, and friendly, and they know how to behave in a crowd.
They aren’t often used in this capacity, again because of how they look. They just don’t put strangers at ease the same way as a Lab or a Golden, despite being incredibly good nature.
10. Pomeranian
These adorable balls of fur are probably not the first breed that comes to mind when thinking about service dogs, but these smart little dogs are great for performing tasks when owners don’t require physical support.
They love having a task to do and can be great support companions for diabetics or mild mental health sufferers.
They can be an excellent alternative for people who need support, but don’t have space for a large dog.
Service Dogs FAQs
What Conditions Can Service Dogs Be Used For?
Service dogs can be used for any person who has a disability, including visual or hearing impairment, mental illness (including PTSD), seizures mobility impairment, or diabetes.
Normally, owners must be at least 12 years of age, with the exception of some children with autism.
Do Service Dogs Require Identification?
Service Dogs DO NOT need to be officially registered, the handler is not required to carry any official identification for the service dog on a daily basis, and they do not need to wear anything that indicates that they are a service dog.
What Questions Can People Ask About Service Dogs?
In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability.
The Verdict
While any dog can be trained to perform the function of a service dog, they do need some key characteristics such as being smart, trainable, personable, and clean.
This means that some breeds are more well-suited to the job than others.
You will often see Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers working as service dogs as they have all the necessary characteristics.
They are also big enough to help their owner physically if necessary, and they look friendly, which means that they put strangers at ease.
There are a variety of other breeds that also make good service dogs, and these can be great choices for different situations.
For example, Poodles and Pomeranians are both highly intelligent and can be great service animals for people confined by compartment living.
Others that may need more physical support can benefit from the presence of a Great Dane or Bernese Mountain Dog.
The ideal working dog depends on the individual and their specific support needs.
Do you have a service dog?
If so, what breed is your service dog?
Tell us about your dog in the comment section below.
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Top Picks For Our Dogs
- BEST PUPPY TOY
We Like: Calmeroos Puppy Toy w/ Heartbeat and Heat Packs - Perfect for new puppies. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. - BEST DOG CHEW
We Like: Bones & Chews Bully Sticks - All of our puppies love to bite, nip, and chew. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. - BEST DOG TREATS
We Like: Crazy Dog Train Me Treats - One of our favorite treats for training our service dog puppies. - BEST FRESH DOG FOOD
We Like: The Farmer's Dog - A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh dog food and she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer's Dog.
For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining.com blog.
36 comments
I have a Pitt Bull for my service dog for my seizures disorder only bark when I will have a seizure he keeps me claim and the event that I have a seizure he will pull my down and lay on top of me so I don’t hurt myself until help comes he knows the difference between the police and EMT and let them do their job and stay clam while they work on me in the wagon and the ER also he is the second Pitt Bull I have as a service dog the first one pull me out of the water and roll me over so that the water would come out of me also know how to pull the emergency cord in the apartment for me it’s sad that me and my service dog were both born guilty but that’s the world we live in unfortunately
I’m glad your Pit Bull has been such a wonderful service dog. It sounds like both of your Pit Bulls have done an amazing job as your service dog. Thank you for sharing!
Awesome possum sauce!! That is a heartwarming and hopefully eye-opening
anecdote about what the truth ⁶⁶You have know idea how extremely happy that makes me!!! First, because you are getting the help you need almost before you need it. Secondly because you are one of the few people to not only recognize that the highly intelligent, loyal, caring, friends to the end Pitbull is not the monstrous, bloodthirsty, viscous killer the biased, uneducated and unwilling to learn, quick to Damn the breed and not the owner masses paint them out to be and are perfect, in my admittedly biased (because I finally became educated and now have the knowledge to be) opinion, as pets and working dogs alike.
And finally, last but definitely not least, because you are one the even fewer who have the moxie to prove to the self-righteous know-mothing’s exactly that. My hat is off to you.
I emphasize a little with you and your guilty verdict. I have PTSD, anxiety, and a couple other brain goings-on I prefer not to describe any further, and I tell my Gypsy, an 8 y/o Pitbull, that apart from her skills at keeping me on this side of the sanitarium doors, we are together because we are the misunderstood.
Thanks for telling us a little about the life of Brian, kudos!!
I have Rocko he’s a German Shepherd he’s cream colored everyone asked if he has wolf in his bloodline he’s a great dog no he’s not a dog he’s not my pet he is my best friend and my co-pilot
Our best friends had a cream colored German Shepherd too. He was a great dog. Thanks for sharing!
There is no such thing as a Service Dog registration. The federal law does not require such registration. There are fake registries all over the internet, so your comment on registration is misleading. Please do not tell people to buy these online registrations that are based out of Russia and Ukraine. There is no way tgat these fake registries can even know if the dog is trained. The federal law does not even require an uniform, vest, or labeling of a Service Dog. The dog should have extensive training, and should not bark, growl, act skittish, act afraid, jump at a person or another animal, should not pee or poop in facilities, should not eat at a restaurant, and must be on a lead at all times. A Service Dog goes under a bench or table where available, at a restaurant etc. They are taught to stay put until the handler needs them. A Service Dog should be very well behaved and totally controlled on a lead at all times. A dog that barks, acts agressive, or cowards should not be a Service Dog.
My spouses’ Service Dog is a Red Heeler mix. The dog is extremely attentive and intelligent. She was obtained from the pound at age 3 mos. Training started after she had all her shots. Two years later she has gone through TSA training, traveled on a train, goes to restaurants, stores, doctors, and has even accompanied her handler to hospitals when hospitalized. She goes where her handler goes and helps her handler live a more normal life in public.
Thank you for catching that. You are correct the post was supposed to say “DO NOT” require registration. I updated the post and it should be correct now.
My service dog is a border collie. He helps with my extremely poor hearing. Lets me know if someone is at the door, in the house, walking behind me or cars from behind.I walk slow due to disability. He helps socially, good with people and other dogs. Not agressive to other animals. We work together for each other.
I have a husky named Mania who is my service dog. I have heart problems and while most would say that a husky is to energetic she’s actually quite the opposite until she knows she’s needed to handle her tasks which included interrupting an attack, finding help incase I happen to go down while in any public place, or retrieving my medicine while I’m at home alone. She does amazing in stores and restaurants, never jumps up on strangers and behaves accordingly. Even as a puppy when I first got her she showed this type of behavior which for the breed isn’t that common. She’s my life line, my protector, I get attacks from time to time and every time she quickly responds and does exactly as she should. She’s saved me many times now and she’s only 2 years old.
I’ve known three Huskies very well that had the same temperament that you mention in your comment. I’ve also known many others that were probably too energetic to be considered for service dog work. Every dog is different even within a breed. Thank you for sharing your story.
I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year but with how bad I have been progressing the doctors wanted to rule out MS. There are a lot of things I now need help with that I can no longer do. I been researching service dogs but they are quite costly. Also I wanted to see if dogs would be able to pick up if someone might pass out. I am still in the works of researching. When I was able to work I worked in a pet store and one of the workers had a chocolate lab, that dog some how always knew the days I was depressed and came sat next to me. I have a special place in my heart for chocolate labs.
I have a Jack Russell as my service dog for seizures and fainting. She does alert about 5 minutes before. No one seems to know how they can tell but she hasn’t been wrong yet. I can work from home and lead a somewhat normal life because I have her. Yes, service dogs are expensive but most definitely worth it.
The thing that’s not right is that most people, doesn’t really have a Service dog, just wants to bring them into the building and during this time that we’re having with this virus no pet of any kind should be allowed in any building, there is no guarantee that they are clean or virus free, I work at a rest area and asfar as I am concerned, It’s not safe or anyone, cause theses pets or Service dog walk in the grass and there’s bugs and ants and then their in the building where there’s elderly people are.
I love my service dog here name is Luna
She’s a crosbride , a white German shepherd and a white goldenretrivar
Seriously service dogs don’t get bugs and ants abd bthen infect old people with COVID-19! I’m not sure if you understand how ants are different than viruses and how ants are not flea or ticks and that the peolpe who own service dogs have this stuff called flea and tick medication that keeps fleas ticks mosquitoes and interstitial parasites out of these valuable animals that cost more than your carbut seriously how about you learn a few facts about reality and stop being so prejudice towards disabled people, which by the way a great many elderly people are disabled and benefit greatly from service dogs in their lives! Who knows you might even benefit from a service dog one day!
All dogs know when you’re sad, happy, depressed… all emotions. They’re a lot smarter than people give them credit for. You should go to a large dog park when it’s crowded and observe all the different breeds that are there and see them in their element. The different colored labs have different personalities believe it or not. My dog for some reasons has issues with the chocolate labs but not any of the other colors. When I asked a friend of mine that works for the vets they said it’s because their energy level is so much higher and they tend to come into a group of dogs really hot… which breaks up the zen of the group. My dog is the peacekeeper and doesn’t like when it gets interrupted I guess?!?
I can’t remember which show I was watching but there’s a guy that takes shelter dogs and trains them for people that need them for their lifestyles and I know he trained a gorgeous silver lab for someone with a disability. I also have fibromyalgia, among other things. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this and I hope you find some relief.
My Dog Was A Rescue From The Animal Shelter, He Is German Pointer / Pitbull Mix, Helps Me Overcome PTSD All Day Long, Best Find I Ever Made
That’s an incredible breed you have and very smart! Both breeds are quick learning and have great attributes. You definitely picked a winner!
I have never heard of a black & tan lab. They are usually a solid color with occasionally some white one the chest. I would like to know more about this color combination.
There’s an article on the guiding eyes website that goes over some of the genetics of black and tan labs. Check out: https://www.guidingeyes.org/black-and-tan-labrador-retrievers/
My Celest Joelle is a Pomsky and is my service dog because I wear two hearing aids and have a learning disability.
Having heading aids and a learning disability are not qualifications for a service dog. If you are profoundly deaf that is another matter. If you have a dog and are calling it your service dog because of some heating aids and a learning disability I have no problem reporting you to the ADA. Too many people like you are making people like me have a shitty life because you want to bring your pet into a store.
WOW! You don’t know what kind of disability she has as far as learning disability. She may not of learned how to walk, take medication or something else for all you know?!?
Great selection of breeds! And great tips! Thank you! I am a mental health counselor and eventually I helped one of my client with PTSD choose the right breed for a psychiatric service dog. My client adores small breeds, so we chose a poodle and it’s appeared to be a perfect service dog for her problem. Here is a good description of tasks and traits that are desirable for PTSD service dogs, it can be useful for people facing the same problem: https://certifymypet.com/blog/psychiatric-service-dogs-for-ptsd/
If vest or tag is not required by law, what do you need to be allowed to enter establishment? When I did eat out, I would always make reservations and they asked that he be clearly marked so that other diners didn’t question.
That’s a good question! A lot do require that they have service dog on. They don’t need anything that shows they’re therapy dogs but they do need to have their license showing the passed in their collar. I was asked to make my dog a therapy dog before he was even a year old because he had such an incredible way with people. If he wasn’t afraid of every sound in the world… I probably would of. Taking him into see patients in hospitals, would freak him out with the IV alarms going off, blood pressure machines and alarms in other rooms. He’d be a shaking mess in the corner! I couldn’t even make him my service dog, which he is because I couldn’t take him on a plane. He’d be afraid of the engine noise. I’d be the one holding him like a baby. Telling him he’s kicking that engines ass… that he’s bigger than the noise and how he’s a big boy! Yes, this is what I do when motorcycles pull up beside us, trash trucks and school buses. Oh and my dog is an AmStaff. So much for the scary dogs!
I have a white Miniature Schnauzer. He helps alerting me of when I encountering organ dysfunction/failure which I do not feel. Miniature Schnauzers are very vocal but he has done great including long international flights.
“Friendly appearance”… No! Appearance should have NO bearing on evaluating a prospect! My first service dog was friendly looking and I can’t tell you how many times my PTSD was triggered because people saw her vest, saw her friendly appearance and immediately would walk up to her and start petting her without one word to me. My current service dog is a Rottweiler. I have weight-bearing tasks in addition to my PTSD and Labs, Retrievers and Hounds are not as suitable as Mastif breeds, German Shepherd dogs, Newfoundlands and Leonburgers. And quite frankly, with a Rottweiler, people are already thinking twice before now asking me if they can pet my service dog (to which I reply “Thank you for asking but no, he’s working”). As long as a prospect fulfills the physical, mental and emotional requirements as a suitable service dog, then appearance should never enter into the equation.
I don’t disagree with you. I also don’t think appearance should be a determining factor. That being said, a service dog school I worked with used to train black and tan Labs in their program. Unfortunately, they stopped training these beautiful dogs because service dog handlers were having more difficulty when entering public establishments. This really shouldn’t be an issue because as a service dog they should be allowed into these public places. However, because this was a problem, the school which bred their own dogs decided to stop producing black and tan Labs. Also, I think your point about “friendly appearance” is a very valid as I’ve seen and experienced people running up to working dogs and petting without asking. In the end I think it comes down to each individual handler and what they prefer in a dog. This is just a list of recommendations to help people get started.
They look absolutely nothing alike if a person knows the breed… that just kills me! It’s like when pitbulls or bully breeds get blamed for all the injuries that have been caused in dog bites or worse. ER Drs have even said that over 70% of them aren’t even pitbulls/bully’s… they just automatically say they’re that breed of dog and there’re so many other breeds that resemble them in appearance, that they get the blame for it.
I have a golden retriever as my emotional support dog and she is my best friend and hands down my absolute everything. Without her help and guidance, my anxiety would be totally out of control. Lola is 2 years old and is always by my side. She knows when my anxiety is in high gear, she puts her paw in my hand to distract me and also to let me know its going to be ok. She knows that I have nerve issues with both of my hands. She will sit right on my feet and look up at me, putting her head in my hands so I can touch her to distract from my pain or anxiety when I am feeling overwhelmed. I love her so much.
My SDiT is a Rottweiler. I struggle with PTSD but he will also be trained to provide a couple of weight-bearing mobility tasks. I would NEVER use a hound such as a Great Dane for such tasks, nor would I use a lab or retriever either as they are not suitably built for them. “should also look friendly so as to put strangers at ease” should NEVER be a requirement because their job is NOT to make other people comfortable with their presence but to help their disabled handler. If that means using a dog such as a Rottweiler because they are better suited for the job then so be it. Other people’s comfort is not a disabled handler’s responsibility. Also, with a friendly-looking service dog, you’re more likely to have people pet your service dog without them asking for permission (I can’t tell you how many times that happened to me with my previous service dog). Stick to the other requirements: intelligent, trainable, friendly, calm, clean and have a strong work ethic – those are the ones that are important.
I have used Manchester Terriers ( both Standard and Toy varieties) for decades with great success. They are smart, quietly loyal, and easy to keep well groomed. I am a SIDS baby who survived, and I require considerable intervention when my oxygen saturation falls into the low 70’s. They are also able to assist me with my diabetes. My dogs have alerted me many times when I stop breathing ot have a diabetic episode.
I’m Charlie
I have a Belgian Shepard ( Miss Heidi ) she is truly my best friend, I have walking and balance issues, Constant back pain and TBI with Anger. She pulls my shopping cart in the store, when out walking her loop leash keeps me moving, when she senses an angry person or me being angry she will place herself between me and others facing me and wooing to get my attention. People love seeing her, I do have a vest with a patch that says please ask to pet. I would not trade her for the world. If we go out to eat she is always welcomed and very well behaved staying under my chair or the table. I do need advice on one issue, we were at Wal-Mart and a little dog came from behind and bit her rear leg, now she is semi aggressive if a little dog come near us in public. How can I change this ?
My dog is a lab/ blue heeled mix. She is a rescue. She can detect my migraines before they start, I had a serious head injury when in the Air Force, so have both head and some physical issues (nerve damage). I am a 100% disabled Veteran with PTSD also, so she has been trained for that. Luna does not like other dogs, which is her only fault. She goes everywhere with me. I do sometimes allow children to pet her, she seems to love little girls. I use a walking lead and she wears a vest when working.
I’m surprised about some of the dogs that are in the list being that some are very hyper as pups to young dogs… well at least the ones I’ve come in contact with. I loved that the one has a pitbull as her service dog and personally they’d be amazing dogs. They’re smart, loyal, amazing with people and would protect their owner should someone try and hurt them. I’ve always had other breeds up until 7yrs ago when I went to my shelter to adopt a puppy and I adopted this cute black dog. I thought it was a black lab/pit mix. He’s actually an AmStaff/Chihuahua, very little Chihuahua but still. I won’t own anything but a bully mix. I’ve had Rhodesian Ridgeback, Norwegian Elkhound (great dogs) Australian Shepherd, Boxers (amazing) Mutts, etc… my Bully’s are they easiest to train and eager to please. There’re definitely some incredible breeds on here and some that normally would need a lot of exercise or stimulation. I just love that people have some that aren’t on the list and they work out incredibly for them.