Top 10 Service Dog Breeds

by Kate Barrington

Published: November 21st, 2019

When it comes to helping out humans, these service dog breeds are ready to serve, protect, and enrich the lives of the people who need them. These are deeply important doggos.

Unlike some popular animals (we’re looking at you cats!), dogs have always had a deeper purpose that mere companionship. In fact, dogs have helped us humans out for hundreds, even thousands, of years. These animals aren’t just our fluffy friends, they are useful members of society. When humans started using dogs to help us out, some types of doggos were specifically bred for a particular job or task. While times have certainly changed since then and these animals may not necessarily be needed for the job they were bred for, there’s still much work for them to accomplish. Dogs are our helpers, not just our buddies.

Thankfully for us, these special canine skills have translated to help people in need. Now we have a variety of valuable service dogs such as seeing-eye dogs, police dogs, and search and rescue dogs. These are incredible special animals and not all pooches are up for these important tasks. There are specific breeds of doggos out there who are particularly gifted at serving as service animals. Want to know which type of dogs we’re alluding to? Given that you clicked on this headline, it’s safe to assume you are hear to unlock that knowledge. So, let’s stop dilly-dallying and get to the good stuff. Here’s our list of the Top 10 Service Dog Breeds and what makes them such wonderful candidates for these special doggy jobs.

Labrador Retriever: Not only is the Labrador Retriever the most popular breed in the country, but this family favorite also makes a great service dog. Incredibly smart and exceptionably trainable, labs are commonly used as assistance dogs for the disabled, sniffer dogs at airports, search and rescue, and even tracking down certain bugs for pest control companies. So, while you may have merely considered these pooches to be perfect family pets, the truth is that they are actually talented workers as well. There’s almost nothing that Labrador Retrievers can’t do! They are truly good boys and deserve all of our love and affection. (Photo credit: Capture Light/Shutterstock)

Greyhound: The Greyhound may not be what you picture when you think of a service dog, but this breed much more than quiet and affectionate family pets or high speed racers. This breed loves to spend time with people and they are a highly sensitive breed, likely to pick up on even the most subtle social cues if something is not right. That’s why they make invaluable companions to veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other health issues that limit mobility. So many of our revered veterans would never have been able to thrive back home were it not for the love and care of Greyhounds. So the next time you see a Greyhound marching down the street, feel free to salute them. These dogs deserve it. (Photo credit: nathanclifford/Bigstock)

German Shepherd: As one of the most intelligent and trainable dog breeds out there, the German Shepherd is highly versatile as a service dog. Want to know why? Well, this breed boasts natural protective instincts, making him a popular choice for police and military duty. The German Shepherd is as gentle as he is loyal, which means he’d also make an excellent Seizure Alert and Guide dog. Quite frankly, it’s tough to think of a service dog position that a German Shepherd wouldn’t succeed at. So if you’ve got a fresh flock of German Shepherd pups and have been thinking about donating one to the service dog industry, definitely go for it! Your pup is practically guaranteed to do you proud by serving someone in need. (Photo credit: lisafx/Bigstock)

Rottweiler: The muscular build of this doggo breed sometimes makes it look a little intimidating. You might think that these large and active animals might be a little too rough to serve as a service animal. However, that’s just not the case. In fact, Rottweilers are calm and gentle in disposition, as well as being smart and easy to train. Once used to guard a farmer’s herd, the Rottweiler now takes his role in the K9 police and military service seriously. These animals aren’t a danger to society. Quite the opposite, actually. Rottweilers are gentle giants who serve and protect us all! (Photo credit: Lilun/Bigstock)

Beagle: He may be small, but the Beagle is a versatile breed. Still popular as a hunting dog, the Beagle’s excellent scent detection (combined with athleticism and stamina) makes him perfect for the role of a scent detection service dog – he’ll sniff out bombs, drugs, and illegal agricultural products. These aren’t simply cute little pups who put smiles on faces. They are also dedicated service animals who sniff out criminals and keep us all safe. (Photo credit: L. Nagy/Shutterstock)

Pomeranian: Due to his small size, this breed is probably not what you would think of as a service dog. These seem more like cuddly teddybears than any sort of dog who can accomplish difficult tasks. But don’t let the diminutive stature and adorable face fool you, the Pomeranian can be trained to alert owners of impending effects brought on by chronic medical illnesses. This breed is also being used to aid people who are hard of hearing, alerting them to sirens, fire alarms, and door bells. So believe it or not, these little cuties are actually quite valuable members of society. (Photo credit: Jakkrit Orrasri/Bigstock)

Saint Bernard: The Saint Bernard has to be one of the most well-known service dog breeds. He puts his natural protective instincts and patient attitude to work as a search and rescue dog on the ski slopes, and is often called upon to help the wounded after an avalanche. However, if you ever see a Saint Bernard out to help your in the slopes, don’t expect him to arrive carrying a barrel of brandy. That is a pop culture myth. You’ll have to get drunk on your own. This dog is only there to help you out, not double as your bartender. (Photo credit: swisshippo/Bigstock.com)

Border Collie: Widely regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Border Collie has been gaining popularity as a service dog. Taking advantage of their natural herding instincts, this breed is used for search and rescue missions, Seizure Alert Dogs, PTSD and anxiety disorders. Move over Lassie, there’s a new helpful Collie in town! (Photo credit: Bigandt_Photography/Bigstock)

Poodle: The Poodle is an all-around excellent dog breed, thanks to their gentle temperament and ability to learn. Poodles are also a lifesaver for people who need a service dog with a hypoallergenic coat. They are happy to help out anybody with mobility issues and can warn their owners about emergencies before they happen. (Photo credit: OneToRemember/Bigstock)

Golden Retriever: Like the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever is a natural when it comes to serving others. Their gentle demeanors makes them naturals to work with children who need a calm and understanding furry support worker. These dogs can also be trained for a variety of duties including search-and-rescue, seeing-eye, and hearing dogs. There’s next to nothing the Golden Retriever can’t do. These aren’t just gorgeous animals. They are here to help! (Photo credit: Eastimages/Shutterstock)

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Folliculitis in dogs is a disease which causes infection or inflammation of hair follicles. It is one of the more common skin diseases amongst dogs and is caused by bacteria, fungal infections, skin irritations, or  parasites. What is more, it can affect dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, so if it happens to your four-legged friend unexpectedly, it is best to know how to treat this pesky skin issue.What Is Dog Folliculitis?The symptoms and causes of dog folliculitis can vary. In most cases, the healthy follicle is “compromised”, which leads to the accumulation of bacteria that are otherwise normally found on your pet’s skin. The end result is great discomfort for your dog, and it should be treated as quickly as possible. But how will you know that it is dog folliculitis and not some other health issue? Well, one of the foremost symptoms to look out for is red and inflamed skin. This condition causes excessive redness and even swelling in certain areas of the skin. This should be a telltale sign that something is amiss. Together with this, you could notice pimples, also known as pustules. They are small raised bumps and often contain pus. Of course, your dog will show signs of discomfort as well. They will try to itch and  lick the affected areas, in hopes of relieving the discomfort and making themselves more comfortable. This can all be accompanied by hair loss, mostly in the directly affected areas of your dog’s coat and skin. Ultimately, in the most severe cases, open sores, scabs, and skin lesions may appear. At this point, veterinary care is needed immediately.If you suspect your dog has folliculitis, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform diagnostic tests, such as skin scrapings or cultures, to identify the specific cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. It is crucial that you do not attempt any solution on your own. Self-diagnosis and do-it-yourself treatment can lead to complications or ineffective outcomes, so professional guidance is essential. Based on the evaluation, your vet can introduce a number of treatments and solutions – here’s what to expect.How Is Dog Folliculitis Treated?Topical antibiotics and antifungal creams are the most common treatment options. They are applied directly to the affected areas and are most efficient in early and moderate cases of dog folliculitis. Of course, if the case with your dog is more serious, your vet could propose an oral treatment. This consists of special medications that work to eliminate the infection at the core. Another possible solution is using special medicated shampoos that work to heal the follicles through gentle washing. 

Pet Obesity Study Shows Promise and Surprising Links With Humans

If you thought that your chubby doggo is incredibly cute, you might want to consider what’s hiding behind that adorable exterior.  Pet obesity is a real thing, and it is a major health hazard that many dogs experience in their lifetime. And, sadly, a lot of it is connected to improper care and diet. To show us just how big of a problem it has become, the latest study from the  Association for Pet Obesity Prevention revealed that in the U.S. alone, around 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were overweight or obese! However, recently conducted research shows that there might be a way to battle the obesity pandemic – with certain strains of probiotics that can help curb pet obesity, especially when dogs are in question. A research team from Seoul National University's Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, conducted a study investigating the effects of probiotics on canine obesity. They discovered two strains that appeared to have weight-reducing properties in obese dogs. To assess the probiotic potential of these strains, the researchers employed a lifespan analysis using Caenorhabditis elegans, a genetic model known for its simplicity in genetic manipulation and shorter lifespan compared to other animal models. Their findings were detailed in a  paper published in the Microbiology Spectrum journal.Thanks to the positive outcome of this research, a new hope was discovered for doggos struggling with excess weight. The use of Caenorhabditis Elegans offers “interventions aimed at enhancing metabolic health in various mammals”, according to the research team. What is more, the effects could be applied to cats, humans, and other mammals, since C. Elegans “serves as a human homolog model”. In general, this whole study could prove to be beneficial to several animal species, as well as humans, making its significance multifold. However, the exact way that bacteria affects weight is not entirely understood. Even though some studies show that certain strains will slow weight gain, researchers were still unable to find a connection between bacteria and weight.Nevertheless, the study is proving to be a major leap forward when pet obesity is considered. There is plenty of potential in this study, and further efforts could change the way dog obesity is experienced – or possibly even root it out for good! 

How Do I Choose the Best Muzzle for My Dog?

With the news of the recent American Bully XL ban in the UK, conversations around dog muzzles have been popping up all over social media. The growing discussion has opened the door for dog owners in the United States to consider the benefits of using a muzzle for their own dogs for many reasons, including scavenging, reactivity, and even short-term use for veterinary and grooming appointments. But with so many different styles of muzzle on the market, how do you choose the best muzzle for your dog? We have you covered! In this guide, we will discuss the different muzzle types available, what each type is best suited for, and the proper fit of a dog muzzle. Plus, I will share which muzzle we currently use with our reactive dog, Lucifer, and why. Let’s get started… Things to Consider When Shopping for a Muzzle for Your Dog When selecting a muzzle for your dog, there is no singular “best option” that will work for every dog and situation. On one hand, this can be frustrating as it leaves you feeling overwhelmed navigating the wide assortment of options. On the other hand, it means you can purchase a muzzle uniquely suited for your dog’s needs. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision: MaterialThere are several materials to consider when shopping for a muzzle, including metal, plastic, rubber, vinyl, leather, Biothane, fabric, silicone, and more. To determine the best option for your dog, there are a few critical deciding factors: Do you need a muzzle that can prevent a determined dog from biting? Will your dog be wearing the muzzle outdoors in the elements? Is weight a factor for your dog? Does your dog engage in “muzzle punching” when wearing a muzzle (ramming into people with the muzzle)? Will your dog likely shove the muzzle into the dirt while trying to smell the ground? It is important to note that most muzzles are not considered “bite-proof.” This means they shouldn’t be relied on to prevent a bite from occurring. If you are muzzling as a safety precaution due to a bite risk, the best options are vinyl or wire basket muzzles. Ease of Use Like harnesses and collars, some dogs make fastening a muzzle easy, while others can make the process a challenge. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the muzzle or aren’t properly conditioned to the muzzle. For example, if our boy Lucifer is overly excited about going somewhere, he sometimes gets the zoomies. He usually will stand still to let us buckle his muzzle, but it’s hard to control the zoomies when they hit! A muzzle with a quick-release buckle will be your best option if that sounds familiar. This is faster to secure than a traditional threaded buckle. Airflow One primary concern for those considering muzzling their dogs is the airflow that they will offer, and for good reason! This is especially important if your dog is going to be active while wearing the muzzle. Wire basket muzzles are often a favorite for high-energy dogs, allowing for uninterrupted airflow and making it easy for your dog to drink while wearing it. In comparison, leather and Biothane muzzles, especially those designed to prevent scavengers from being able to pick up “goodies” on their walks, generally limit airflow. Carefully consider your dog’s lifestyle and the situations where a muzzle may be needed.

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