Emotional support dogs have gained recognition as valuable companions for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. According to a study, emotional support animals can provide quantifiable benefits to people with serious mental illness, including reduced depression, anxiety, and loneliness.1
The American Psychiatric Association reports that 86% of pet owners say their animals have a mostly positive impact on their mental health.2
While not service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, emotional support dogs offer many of the same benefits, such as increased self-esteem and improved quality of life. As mental health awareness grows, so does the interest in these furry companions.
Here are 18 cuddly canines that are ready to shower you with unconditional love.
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the quintessential family dog, known for their friendly and patient nature. These intelligent pups excel at reading human emotions and offering comfort when needed. Their gentle disposition and eagerness to please make them ideal emotional support animals for people of all ages.
Care Guide:
- Daily exercise (1-2 hours)
- Regular grooming to manage shedding
- Positive reinforcement training
- Plenty of mental stimulation
2. Labrador Retriever
Labs are renowned for their outgoing and affectionate personalities. These versatile dogs are not only great family pets but also excel as service and therapy animals.
Their intuitive nature allows them to sense when their human companions are feeling down, often responding with a comforting nuzzle or a playful distraction.
Care Guide:
- Consistent exercise routine
- Weight management to prevent obesity
- Regular ear cleaning
- Socialization from an early age
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These regal little dogs are often referred to as “love sponges” due to their affectionate nature. Cavaliers thrive on human companionship and are content to cuddle for hours.
Their gentle temperament and portable size make them excellent emotional support dogs for apartment dwellers or those with limited mobility.
Care Guide:
- Daily brushing to prevent matting
- Regular dental care
- Moderate exercise needs
- Heart health monitoring
4. Pug
With their wrinkly faces and expressive eyes, Pugs are natural comedians who excel at lifting spirits. These compact companions are known for their devotion to their owners and their ability to sense emotional needs.
Pugs are particularly well-suited for individuals seeking a low-energy emotional support dog.
Care Guide:
- Temperature regulation (avoid extreme heat)
- Weight management
- Regular facial fold cleaning
- Moderate exercise to prevent obesity
5. Bichon Frise
These fluffy white dogs are like living teddy bears, always ready for a cuddle. Bichons are known for their cheerful disposition and affectionate nature. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them a great choice for allergy sufferers seeking an emotional support animal.
Care Guide:
- Regular professional grooming
- Daily brushing to prevent matting
- Dental hygiene maintenance
- Moderate exercise needs
6. Great Dane
Don’t let their size fool you – Great Danes are gentle giants with hearts of gold. These towering pups are known for their calm demeanor and affectionate nature.
Their imposing presence can provide a sense of security, while their loving disposition offers comfort and emotional support.
Care Guide:
- Proper nutrition for healthy growth
- Joint health supplements
- Regular exercise (but avoid overexertion in puppies)
- Early socialization and training
7. Collie
Made famous by Lassie, Collies are known for their loyalty and intuitive nature. These intelligent dogs form strong bonds with their families and have an uncanny ability to sense emotional needs.
Their gentle disposition makes them excellent companions for children and adults alike.
Care Guide:
- Regular brushing to manage shedding
- Mental stimulation through training and games
- Moderate exercise requirements
- Eye health monitoring
8. Pomeranian
These pint-sized pooches pack a lot of personality into a small package. Pomeranians are known for their vivacious nature and unwavering devotion to their owners.
Their portable size and affectionate disposition make them ideal emotional support dogs for those who travel frequently.
Care Guide:
- Daily brushing to prevent matting
- Dental care to prevent tooth loss
- Proper socialization to prevent small dog syndrome
- Regular nail trims
9. Newfoundland
Often called “nature’s babysitter,” Newfoundlands are gentle giants known for their patient and nurturing nature. These large, fluffy dogs have a natural instinct to comfort and protect, making them excellent emotional support animals for those dealing with anxiety or depression.
Care Guide:
- Regular grooming to manage heavy shedding
- Joint health supplements
- Swimming as a low-impact exercise
- Drool management
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies may be small, but their personalities are larger than life. These feisty little dogs are fiercely loyal and love nothing more than being close to their owners.
Their portable size and affectionate nature make them excellent emotional support animals for those living in small spaces.
Care Guide:
- Regular professional grooming
- Dental hygiene maintenance
- Proper socialization to prevent nervousness
- Moderate exercise needs
11. Bernese Mountain Dog
These striking tri-colored dogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature. Bernese Mountain Dogs form strong bonds with their families and have a natural instinct to comfort those in distress.
Their gentle disposition and patience make them excellent companions for individuals of all ages.
Care Guide:
- Regular brushing to manage shedding
- Joint health supplements
- Moderate exercise to maintain a healthy weight
- Early socialization and training
12. French Bulldog
With their bat-like ears and smushed faces, Frenchies are irresistibly cute. These compact companions are known for their affectionate nature and adaptability to various living situations.
Their low exercise needs and love of cuddling make them ideal emotional support dogs for less active individuals.
Care Guide:
- Temperature regulation (avoid extreme heat)
- Regular facial fold cleaning
- Moderate exercise to prevent obesity
- Dental hygiene maintenance
13. Poodle
Poodles are more than just pretty faces – they’re highly intelligent and intuitive dogs. Available in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, and Toy), Poodles can adapt to various living situations.
Their hypoallergenic coat and affectionate nature make them excellent emotional support animals for allergy sufferers.
Care Guide:
- Regular professional grooming
- Mental stimulation through training and games
- Daily exercise (varies by size)
- Ear cleaning to prevent infections
14. Boxer
Boxers are playful and energetic dogs with a deep devotion to their families. These muscular pups have a gentle nature and an intuitive understanding of human emotions.
Their protective instincts and affectionate disposition make them excellent emotional support animals for those seeking both comfort and security.
Care Guide:
- Regular exercise to channel energy
- Proper socialization from an early age
- Dental hygiene maintenance
- Temperature regulation (sensitive to extreme heat and cold)
15. Shih Tzu
Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus are natural-born cuddlers. These little “lion dogs” are known for their affectionate nature and adaptability to various living situations.
Their low exercise needs and love of lap time make them ideal emotional support dogs for less active individuals.
Care Guide:
- Daily brushing to prevent matting
- Regular professional grooming
- Eye and ear cleaning
- Moderate exercise needs
16. Irish Wolfhound
Despite their imposing size, Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants with a calm and affectionate nature. These tall, shaggy dogs have a natural instinct to comfort and protect, making them excellent emotional support animals for those dealing with anxiety or depression.
Their quiet demeanor and patient disposition make them well-suited for various living situations.
Care Guide:
- Regular brushing to manage shedding
- Joint health supplements
- Moderate exercise (but avoid overexertion in puppies)
- Heart health monitoring
17. Chihuahua
Don’t let their tiny size fool you – Chihuahuas have big personalities and even bigger hearts. These pint-sized pooches are fiercely loyal and form strong bonds with their owners.
Their portable size and affectionate nature make them excellent emotional support animals for those who travel frequently or live in small spaces.
Care Guide:
- Dental hygiene maintenance
- Proper socialization to prevent nervousness
- Regular nail trims
- Moderate exercise needs
18. Bulldog
With their wrinkly faces and stocky builds, Bulldogs are impossible not to love. These gentle giants are known for their calm demeanor and affectionate nature.
Their low exercise needs and love of lounging make them ideal emotional support dogs for less active individuals or those living in apartments.
Care Guide:
- Regular facial fold cleaning
- Temperature regulation (avoid extreme heat)
- Weight management to prevent obesity
- Moderate exercise needs
These 18 affectionate dog breeds offer a wide range of options for those seeking emotional support companions. While breed characteristics can provide a general guide, each dog is an individual with its own unique personality.
When choosing an emotional support dog, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle, living situation, and specific emotional needs. With the right match, you’ll gain a loyal friend who offers unconditional love and support through life’s ups and downs.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.