The best dogs for anxiety, listed

Dogs bring us pet parents endless joy and , companionship, especially for pet parents suffering from anxiety. An animal for emotional support can be a real lifeline for many, but it's important to choose the right dog for your needs. We'll look at some of the best breeds for anxiety to help you choose your new best friend. Why are some breeds good for anxiety? If you're searching for the best emotional support dog breeds for anxiety and depression, then it's good that you are giving this some careful thought. Choosing the right dog will make all the difference, both for you and your new family member. The qualities that many anxious pet parents look for include: We recognise everyone will have slightly different requirements, with some pet parents preferring an active breed to help improve their mental health with more exercise, while others may look for more of a cuddly lap dog for emotional support. For this reason, there is no one best breed for anxiety, and it's important that pet parents weigh up factors like energy levels, grooming requirements, and compatibility with the rest of their household. We've put together our top choices, but remember, these suggested lists are not exhaustive. And technically, any dog could be the right fit for an anxious pet parent if the temperament is right. Best small dog breeds for anxiety Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Temperament: Sweet-natured, gentle, and calm Size: Small (5.4 - 8.2 kg) Energy level: Moderate (up to 1 hour per day) Barking level: Moderate Why they’re good for anxiety: These dogs are known to have a calm and affectionate temperament, slotting into most homes well. They are good companions and form strong bonds with their pet parent. However, pet parents must do their research, as these dogs are prone to a couple of health complaints, including mitral valve disease and syringomyelia. Shih Tzus Temperament: Calm, loving, and form strong bonds Size: Small (4.5-7.5kg) Energy level: Moderate (up to one hour per day) Barking level: Moderate Why they’re good for anxiety: These small dogs are adaptable and would suit pet parents who live in a flat . They tend to be calm in nature and make excellent companion pets. Pet parents should be aware that Shih Tzus need frequent brushing and regular trips to the groomer . Bichon Frisé Temperament: Happy, affectionate and playful Size: Small (3-6 kg) Energy level: Low (up to 30 mins per day) Barking: Moderate - high Why they’re good for anxiety: These little dogs enjoy learning tricks , and their happy-go-lucky attitude is very endearing; they form very strong bonds with their pet parents, and you can expect a deep, rewarding relationship with one. They'll need regular trips to the groomer to keep their coat in check, as well as regular brushing at home. Miniature or Toy Poodle Temperament: Clever, highly trainable, and playful Size: Small (Toy Poodles 1.8-4kg; Miniature Poodles 4.5-7kg) Energy level: Moderate (up to one hour per day) Barking: Moderate - high Why they’re good for anxiety: Poodles come in a variety of sizes, so pet parents can pick the one that fits their lifestyle best. These are energetic and very intelligent dogs, thriving on mental stimulation. They would suit an active pet parent who would like to get out more, do regular training exercises, or join classes, like agility training. Poodles do need regular trips to the groomer, so it's worth budgeting for this. Italian Greyhound Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and sensitive Size: Small (3.6-4.5kg) Energy level: Moderate (up to one hour per day) Barking: Low - moderate Why they’re good for anxiety: These little dogs enjoy snuggles but can also enjoy bouts of vigorous play and zoomies! They're clever, characterful and enjoy games, providing an excellent source of entertainment. They thrive on human companionship, meaning they can be very affectionate, but can verge on clingy. This suits many pet parents with anxiety, but it's important to still make sure you provide training so that your dog feels comfortable being left on their own for short periods too. Best large dog breeds for anxiety Labrador Retriever Temperament: Good-natured, playful, and trainable Size: Large (25-36kg) Energy level: High (two hours per day) Barking level: Low-moderate Why they’re good for anxiety: Labradors are known for their good nature, which is why so many are used as service dogs. They are food-motivated and eager-to-please, making them very trainable. As a working breed, they'll need plenty of daily exercise, which is a great excuse for pet parents to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air. Golden Retriever Temperament: Gentle, loyal, and friendly Size: Large (29-34kg) Energy level: High (two hours per day) Barking: Low Why they’re good for anxiety: The Golden Retriever is the fluffier alternative to the Labrador! These dogs are known for being sociable, patient, and gentle in nature. They're also easy to train, and again, many are trained each year as service dogs. They'll need a bit more brushing than the Labrador Retriever, but their thick, soft coat is great for snuggling into. Newfoundlands Temperament: Calm, gentle, and good-natured Size: Giant (45-68kg) Energy level: Moderate (up to one hour per day) Barking: Low Why they’re good for anxiety: These are often described as 'gentle giants’ and are a good choice for pet parents with children. Their gentle and affectionate nature means they are usually sociable with visitors as well. Despite their large size and working background, these are calm, quiet dogs around the house. They also don't need copious amounts of exercise, but prospective pet parents need to be prepared for lots of slobber and hair! Great Danes Temperament: Loyal, clever and patient Size: Giant (50-80kg) Energy level: High (two hours per day) Barking: Moderate Why they’re good for anxiety: Great Danes make great guard dogs due to their size, which can be a comfort to some pet parents with anxiety issues. But they're usually gentle, easygoing, and affectionate with their family members. Their short coat means grooming requirements are low. But they'll need plenty of brisk walks to maintain their sleek, muscular appearance. Greyhounds Temperament: Placid, calm, and even-tempered Size: Large (26-35kg) Energy level: Moderate (up to one hour per day) Barking: Low Why they’re good for anxiety: Believe it or not, Greyhounds are couch potatoes! While they need the opportunity to run safely off the lead, they're also happy snuggled up on the sofa with you. Their calm nature around the house is appealing to many pet parents, but especially those with anxiety. They have a short, easy-to-care-for coat, but they will need regular teeth brushing to keep dental disease at bay. Can any dog be an emotional support dog? Yes. With the right temperament, training and socialisation, any dog has the potential to be an emotional support dog. If you’re looking for a therapy dog with particular training and traits, then there are organisations that may be able to point you in the right direction, such as Assistance Dogs UK. It’s worth noting that unlike some other assistance dogs, emotional support dogs do not have public access rights under UK guidelines. Don't expect to be able to take your dog everywhere with you. You should also try to be realistic when choosing your pet. Dogs can be a great way of relieving stress and providing companionship, but they also have needs of their own. It's important to make sure you can offer your dog a stable home environment, with consistent routine and regular vet check-ups . Find our list of the best emotional support dogs here. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Are some dogs “bad” for anxiety? Sometimes being a pet parent causes owners increased anxiety. Extremely active and boisterous dogs can cause stress, especially if training is challenging. For these reasons, a very active working breed like a Belgian Malinois or Border Collie may be the wrong choice for anxious pet parents. Also, dogs prone to health concerns can cause owners additional emotional and financial worries. Examples of dogs at high risk for health issues include English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs. Should I still get a dog if I have anxiety? Dogs can help many anxious or depressed owners, as long as they go into pet parenthood well informed. Only you can know whether you would be able to handle the responsibilities that pet parenthood brings, like daily walks, vet visits, and grooming care. It may be worth speaking with your doctor or counsellor for advice first if you're uncertain. What’s the calmest dog breed? It's hard to 100% guarantee any dog’s temperament, as genetics, social experiences and training will all impact how calm a dog is. However, there are some breeds that appear to be more laid-back than others, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Whippets, Greyhounds, and Newfoundlands. Meeting your chosen puppy's parents will give you an idea of what their likely temperament traits might be. Are small or large dogs better for anxiety? There's no right or wrong answer to this, as it depends on the breed of dog, their temperament, and the pet parent's personal preferences. Many small breeds can bark more and have higher grooming needs than large dogs, which may cause some pet parents stress. But large breeds mean proportionally larger food and vet bills, which can cause anxiety in cost-conscious pet parents. Larger breeds often need more exercise too. It's all about weighing up what's right for you and your family.

The best dogs for anxiety, listed

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