This Popular Family Dog Breed Is the Most Common Service Dog
Whether they be used for therapy, medical assistance, or companionship, service dogs are truly remarkable creatures. And although it may seem that any dog breed can be a service dog, there are actually a number of preferred dog breeds out there that are more common than others.
Curious to know what the most common service dog breed is? We share the number one choice, plus others breeds used for pet therapy, ahead.
15. Pug
Pugs make great service dogs. | LexiTheMonster/iStock/Getty Images
With their people-pleasing personalities and ability to get along with both younger and older people, pugs make great service dogs. And are most commonly used to work with children who suffer from neurodevelopmental disorders and autism.
14. Welsh corgi
Corgis make wonderful companion service dogs. | Anna-av/iStock/Getty Images
Another small service dog breed? Welsh corgis. Although they are quite short and can’t be used as guide dogs, they can be useful as a hearing ear dog. Corgis also make great companion service dogs for those suffering from PTSD and epileptic warning.
13. King Charles spaniel
The King Charles spaniel makes a great therapy dog. | Carmelka/iStock/Getty Images
With a warm temperament and obedient nature, King Charles spaniels make great therapy dogs — particularly children’s therapy dogs. Thanks to their small size, this service dog breed can visit easily with children who are wheelchair-bound or bedridden. They also make great companions for children suffering from mental health issues.
12. Pomeranian
A Pomeranian can excel as a medical alert dog. | Tsik/Getty Images
If you’re looking for a dog with medical alert abilities, consider a Pomeranian. This service dog breed can warn you if you are having an asthma attack or heart attack, as well as let you know if you are hypoglycemic and diabetic. In addition, they make great hearing dogs, too!
11. Irish setter
The Irish setter excels as a hearing service dog. | Samlentz/iStock/Getty Images
Another dog that makes a great hearing service dog? Irish setters. In fact, they’re one of the most common hearing dog breeds.
10. Samoyed
A Samoyed has many skills. | AsyaPozniak/iStock/Getty Images
Samoyeds are new to service, but have quickly become a common assistance dog, due the great success Samoyed owners have had with training. In addition to working as a service dog, Samoyeds are best known for their ability to herd and pull sleds.
9. Sheltie
The Shetland sheepdog also works as a hearing dog. | yanjf/iStock/Getty Images
Favored as hearing dogs, shelties can make great companions. That said, the downside to using a sheltie as a service dog is that they can be overprotective, which can cause aggression in public. Shelties used as service dogs must overcome this instinct in order to work.
8. Dachshund
The Dachshund can help a wide variety of people. | Proxima13/iStock/Getty Images
Dachshunds make great therapy dogs, especially for wheelchair-bound or bedridden patients. Thanks to their affectionate personalities, they can also help children and adults suffering from autism, anxiety, depression, and even epilepsy.
7. French bulldog
The French bulldog makes a great service dog. | iStock.com/hedgehog94
Thanks to their loving personalities and goodnatured attitudes, French bulldogs make excellent companions and service dogs.
6. Poodle
Poodles can help people in a wide variety of ways. | iEudyptula/iStock/Getty Images
Another common service dog breed with an outstanding track record? Poodles. From standard poodles to teacup poodles, this highly intelligent dog breed can help detect food allergens for those with life-threatening allergies. In addition, they can also be trained to turn lights on and off and open doors for those with limited mobility.
5. Bernese mountain dog
The Bernese mountain dog is a big help in an emergency. | josianefarand/iStock/Getty Images
If you’re looking for a common service dog breed that works great in emergency situations, look no further than Bernese mountain dogs. These gentle giants can support their owner’s weight, which can help assist in case of a fall. In addition, Bernese mountain dogs can retrieve medications and get their owner help by opening the door for paramedics and other emergency services.
4. Collie
Collies excel as service dogs. | iStock.com/cynoclub
Thanks to their background in herding, collies make excellent service dogs, especially when it comes to search and rescue missions. In addition, they make great companions for those with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
3. German shepherd
A German shepherd can make a great guide dog. | keleny/iStock/Getty Images
One of the most recognizable service dog is the German shepherd. And although they may be best known for their police work, German shepherds also make great guide dogs.
2. Labrador retriever
The ever-popular Labrador retriever makes a great service dog. | sanjagrujic/iStock/Getty Images
Second in line for the most common service dog breed is the Labrador retriever. Used for all different kinds of service — including search and rescue missions and as guide dogs — these dogs are incredible smart and excel in training.
Ready to find out the most common service dog breed? We share the No. 1 pick next.
1. Golden retriever
A golden retriever also makes a talented service dog. | jonathandavidsteele/iStock/Getty Images
Golden retrievers may be one of the most common family dog breed, but they’re also the most common service dog breed. Commonly trained to work with children, golden retrievers can be trained to physically intervene when a child is causing harm to itself, be especially attentive and caring to children with autism, and even help distract a child from having a meltdown.
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