These 5 Breeds Make the Best Service Dogs

What are the best service dog breeds? How do you know if a dog is good for you to train for service or let that dog just be a pet?

The development of service dogs has come a long way. Previous generations thought of these animals as mostly seeing-eye dogs for the blind to help with directions and safety when out in public, but there’s a lot more to these dogs now.

What are the Characteristics of a Service Dog?

Prettymuch any breed of dog, including mutts, can be turned into service dogs, but some breeds make better service dogs than others. For a dog to be considered for this type of work, they must possess specific characteristics. Let’s take a look at those right now.

Intelligent and Trainable

Dogs that can be used as companion animals, to detect cancer, to help the blind, or to assist with anxiety must be intelligent and trainable. These dogs are going to be asked to complete complex tasks and help their owners in times of need. Dogs that are trained for service must do everything from navigating busy streets to detecting signs of owners having a seizure.

Friendly and Calm

The best service dog breeds are going to be asked to be in public spaces with many people and in areas where other dogs aren’t welcome. This means being calm around children, friendly in shopping centers, and staying helpful on airplanes when owners decide to take them to these areas to spend some time.

Clean

Nobody wants a drooling dirty dog around them at a restaurant or when they go to a show. The breeds of dogs that make the best for service need to be clean and neat. These dogs need to not shed as much as some other dogs to be used for the activities their owners want to enjoy. Because these dogs go everywhere with their owners, they need to be clean.

Ready to Work

When you’re looking for the best service dog breeds, you want dogs that are ready to work and stay alert at all times. These dogs need to be ready to go from lying at their owner’s feet to action at a moment’s notice. The need to be ready to work and provide the service desired at all times, day, or night.

What Are the Best Breeds for Service Dogs?

Labrador Retriever

These dogs are highly intelligent and extremely friendly. Many people look for labs to be their pets but they also make extremely good service dogs. They learn quickly and are ready to behave properly in public. The bonds they create are strong with their owners, making them the perfect choice.

Golden Retriever

A cousin to the Labrador breed, Goldens are amazing dogs. These dogs share many of the same characteristics as labs and are ready to be at your service. They are smart, friendly, easy to train and work hard to do what their owners need. These dogs also have the strength to be at service all the time and can be great when you need a strong dog at your service.

German Shepherd

One of the largest dogs that can be the best service dog breeds is the German Shepherd. Some people are intimidated by the size, but these dogs are amazing. They are often used as police and guard dogs, but they can be easily trained to work as a seeing-eye dog or to perform any service needed. These dogs are extremely loyal and hard-working, making them the perfect choice.

Poodle

Don’t think of Poodles as only used as lap dogs, these animals are excellent as service dogs. They are smart and make the best companion dogs for those that need a dog for that purpose. They can work all day if needed, especially if you look at the Standard Poodle as the dog you choose. No matter the need, this is a dog that can handle the job and become the loyal companion and service animal you need.

Border Collie

If you want a dog that is super easy to train, Border Collies make some of the best. As one of the best service dog breeds you’ll find, you’ll love how intelligent they are and how willingly they comply to commands and get things done. They have a lot of energy and are extremely reliable. If you’re looking for a dog that can keep you company and help to take care of you, a Border Collie is an excellent choice.