The Best Breeds of Dog for a Person With Disabilities

Service and therapy dogs are trained to enhance the life of people with disabilities. For the blind, guide dogs allow them a chance to get around safely. For the deaf, a dog will be the ears and alert their owners when the phone or doorbell rings. Other service dogs are trained to fetch things, or simply be companions and offer comfort when their owners suffer anxiety or panic attacks. The breeds used are chosen specifically for temperament, a workable size, height and coat, and for their loyalty and intelligence. Though several breeds might be used as guide dogs, there are certain kinds that tend to be "favorites" for specific services rendered.

  1. Labrador Retrievers

    • The Labrador Retriever is a primary guide dog because of its size, temperament in getting along with people and its working ability. It also has a bit of a stubborn streak that trainers find beneficial. This quality causes the lab to take charge and refuse a command when emergencies arise, such as when the blind owner is about to walk into a dangerous situation: the dog will disobey the command to move forward and instead lay down and refuse to move. This is the gutsiness required in a service dog that needs to think for itself in order to protect its owner.

    Standard Poodles

    • Poodle breeds are being used more as therapy dogs because of their gentle temperament, intelligence and the fact that they love to please people. Those with psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, autism, Alzheimer's and other cognitive illnesses. The dogs help in calming their owners, along with encouraging patients in hospitals to become more active and responsive. The simple act of petting or hugging one of these dogs helps bring positive change to those who suffer with a mental illness.

    German Shepherds

    • One of the most intelligent breeds known is the German shepherd. They are easily trained in obedience and protection because they are so eager to please. They are also very loyal to their owners. In the past, German shepherds have been used as herd dogs, working with sheep. They also are a favorite with police departments and are generally the most widely used in K-9 units. However, they also make wonderful service dogs for the blind and for handicapped people who need help picking up items or retrieving things for their owners.

    Rescued Mutts

    • More service dogs trainers are turning to rescuing mutts from the pound. They professionally train these dogs to enhance the lives of those who are deaf. They carefully select dogs that show confidence, are easily motivated (usually by toys, treats and affection), and most important are people friendly. The dogs are trained not just for deaf individuals, but also for aiding in other disabilities as well. Some organizations which are using rescued mutts are Dogs for the Deaf, Hearing Dogs, Miracle Mutts and Harmony's Hounds.