The Best Service Dogs

A service dog is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as "any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal specifically trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability." A service dog is trained to help a person who is blind or deaf, or who suffers from seizures, diabetes, autism, arthritis or any other condition that causes a disability. The choice of breed for a service dog depends on the tasks the dog will have to perform and the preferences of the owner.

  1. Blind Guide Dog Breeds

    • Breeds commonly used as guide dogs for the blind are golden and Labrador retrievers and German shepherds. These breeds are considered intelligent and are large enough to lead their handler when he is using the guide dog harness. The dogs are also able to provide a degree of protection for the handler due to their size. According to the American Kennel Club's breed standard, the retriever's disposition is gentle, intelligent and adaptable with a kindly, outgoing nature. The breed is eager to please and non-aggressive toward humans and animals.

    Hearing Dog Breeds

    • Hearing dogs help deaf people by alerting them to sounds that they can't hear, such as the ringing of a doorbell or telephone, a clock or fire alarm, or a baby crying. These dogs are often mixed breeds from shelters and can be small to medium in size.

    Psychiatric Service Breeds

    • The choice of dog for a psychiatric condition is based on personal criteria. In an article about her autistic child on the Psychiatric Service Dog Society's website, Shanna Hollingsworth explains how the choice of a Newfoundland that can pull up to 2,000 pounds in weight gives her confidence that in the event of a fire, the dog will be able to evacuate her child safely. The dog's size also provides the opportunity for "deep pressure" therapy by giving the child a solid frame to hold onto when he is distressed.

    Using Smaller Breeds

    • Smaller breeds are capable of assisting their owners around the home, and their size makes them easier to manage for many handlers. Small breeds known for their intelligence and "trainability" include poodles and fox terriers.

    Training of Service Dogs

    • Guide dogs for the blind begin training as puppies of eight weeks old, when they are placed in homes with volunteer "puppy raisers." These foster owners teach them basic obedience and socialization. After they are adult dogs, they are ready for comprehensive training by a qualified trainer from an accredited Guide Dog organization.

      Hearing and other service dogs can be trained at home by a trainer or the owner. Training is focused on tasks specific to the owner's disability.

      The best service dogs are those that have been trained specifically for the role they are required to fulfill. Size may count, and while the breeds used for guiding the blind are selected for their temperament and "trainability," many service dogs from other breeds are working to support their handlers on a daily basis.