What Is an Emotional Support Dog?
Though all dogs offer an emotional connection with their owners. However, to legally be called as an emotional support dog or an emotional support animal (ESA), the pet needs to be prescribed by a licensed or certified mental health expert to a person with a disabling mental illness aka Emotional Support Dog Certification. A therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist must define that the presence of the dog is required for the mental health of the patient. For example, owning a pet might ease a person’s anxiety or give them a focus in life.
With the stresses of this hectic world, most people find themselves craving the help of a furry companion. But an emotional support dog is so much more than just a pet.
Individuals who suffer from severe emotional or mental conditions have found that the presence of a loving, devoted furry friend is enough to help them traverse their way through the struggles of their condition. While all dogs can offer support, certain breed traits make a dog more likely to excel in the role.

Here in this guide, we will discuss some of the top emotional support dog breeds to help you choose your emotional support animal.

1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are said to be happy and energetic dogs. They will encourage you to perk up even when you’re not feeling too great. Due to their intelligence and gentle demeanor, they not only make good pets but are also good for people who need a companion out of their homes.

2. German Shepherd
According to PetGuide, German Shepherd is said to be a highly versatile breed. Just as their name, they are intelligence enables it to be trained for a variety of different purposes. Their intelligence and eagerness to please surely make then strong contenders as emotional support animals.

3. Poodles
Poodles have been well known for being show dogs, super social, great with kids, hypoallergenic, great at adapting to their environment, and typically live longer than most other dog breeds. However, this animal has much more to offer than fancy tricks. Poodles are very obedient and loyal. They also enjoy lots of physical activity and mentally stimulating games.

4. Yorkshire Terrier
Did you know that Yorkshire Terriers can help ease the symptoms of depression? Their intelligence and tendency to form strong bonds with their owners make them one of the most loyal, loving, and trainable breeds out there. Also, Yorkshire Terriers are a very small and cute kind of dog to have if you live in an apartment or are renting a housing room in a house.

5. Beagle
The Beagle is a small and friendly dog known for its floppy ears. They’re also very loyal and beautiful. These little furry canines are very active and entertaining and also content to cuddle up with. Beagles are a very social animal and they also tend to get along well with other animals. All these qualities make them an excellent therapy dog.

6. Corgi
Corgis can make excellent therapy dogs. A member of the herding group, the corgi is an even-tempered and affectionate breed. These short and sturdy dogs are known for both their obedience and friendly attitudes. Originally bred to be herders on farms, Corgis make excellent companion dogs for people in nursing homes or with disabilities.

7. Pug
Pugs are a small breed that is well-known for their wrinkled skin and big eyes. These guys are very energetic, and also have a natural desire to make people feel better. Pugs get along very well with individuals of all ages, though they work particularly well with children.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These lovely little guys are named after King Charles II of Britain according to MentalFloss. They were bred to be a loyal companion dog. These centuries of companionship have given King Charles spaniel lots of practice in providing comfort to their owners. That is why they are considered an Emotional Support Animal dog or a Service dog or even a therapy dog.

9. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a very small breed often preferred by aged individuals who need a companion at home. These cute little dogs require pretty little exercise but they take all the love and affection they can get from an individual.

10. Golden Retriever
Coming in at number one is the golden retriever, which is well known for being energetic, loving, and comforting. Their patient demeanors and overt friendliness make them a good fit for people with health issues.

Read more about Emotional Support Dog Certification here.