These 17 Empathetic Dogs Have a Special Connection to Your Pain

A recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that owning a dog not only made people suffering from mental health issues feel better but also made them more likely to help others.¹

The presence of a dog can significantly reduce stress levels, enhance overall mental well-being, and offer valuable support for mental health issues, making pets an invaluable asset for individuals facing depression and anxiety.

Here are 17 empathetic breeds of dogs that have an uncanny ability to tune into your feelings and offer a paw of support when you need it most.

1. Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers are not only one of the most popular dog breeds but also among the most empathetic. Their gentle disposition and friendly nature make them excellent companions for those seeking emotional support. 

Labs have an innate ability to sense and respond to human emotions, making them ideal for families, the elderly, or individuals with special needs.

Interacting with Labrador Retrievers can lower stress levels and provide a sense of comfort. Their intelligence and trainability have also made them popular choices for therapy and assistance dog roles, where they excel in providing aid to those in distress.

2. Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers embody warmth and kindness, possessing a natural gift for empathy and compassion. Their sensitivity to human emotions allows them to excel as family pets and in therapeutic settings. 

Goldens are keen observers and often quietly sit by their owner’s side during difficult times, offering silent support.

Research has demonstrated that spending time with Golden Retrievers can reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness. Their versatility in roles ranging from assistance dogs to emotional support animals underscores their remarkable empathetic abilities.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the epitome of a lap dog with a heart full of empathy. Known for their affectionate nature and ability to form deep emotional connections, Cavaliers are particularly sensitive to their environment and the emotional state of those around them.

Their small size and gentle demeanor make them perfect companions for cuddling and comfort. 

Whether residing in a lively household or serving as a companion to someone with health challenges, Cavaliers bring a touch of gentle understanding and compassion to every interaction.

4. Poodle

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Poodles of all sizes (Standard, Miniature, or Toy) are highly intelligent and intuitive and known for their keen sense of human emotions. Their empathetic nature is complemented by their eagerness to please, making them responsive to the needs and feelings of their owners.

They excel at reading body language and can often sense distress or sadness, responding with affectionate gestures and a comforting presence. 

Their hypoallergenic coats also make them suitable companions for those with allergies, allowing them to provide comfort without causing sneezes.

5. Boxer

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Boxers are one of the most empathetic dog breeds despite their muscular build. Known for their loyalty, protective nature, and ability to sense emotions, Boxers are particularly good with children, displaying patience and gentleness.

These dogs have an uncanny ability to read and respond to the emotional well-being of their family members. Their playful nature can bring joy during happy times, while their comforting presence provides solace during moments of sorrow.

These qualities make them excellent emotional support animals.

6. Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas may be small in stature, but they have big personalities and even bigger hearts regarding emotional support. These loyal companions love nothing more than being with their favorite person, following them from room to room.

Due to their portable size, Chihuahuas make great therapy dogs for those who want a constant companion by their side. 

They are highly attuned to their owner’s emotions and snuggle up close whenever they sense their human needs some extra love and comfort.

7. Pug

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While Pugs may not be the first breed that comes to mind for therapy work, these charming little dogs can make fantastic emotional support animals.

Pugs are known for their loving, affectionate nature and desire to be close to their humans.

Although too small for certain service dog tasks, Pugs excel at providing comfort and companionship. Their expressive faces and silly antics will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face, making them wonderful therapy dogs for lifting spirits and easing anxiety.

8. French Bulldog

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French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies,” have soared in popularity recently, and it’s no wonder why. These compact, muscular dogs are not only adorable but also make excellent emotional support animals.

Frenchies are known for their even temperaments, adaptability, and affectionate nature. They love nothing more than snuggling up close to their humans and providing comfort with their warm, sturdy presence. 

Their small size also makes them ideal for apartment living and travel.

9. Bernese Mountain Dog

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On the opposite end of the size spectrum, we have the gentle giants known as Bernese Mountain Dogs. These large, fluffy dogs are known for their calm, patient demeanors and ability to provide security and comfort.

Berners are incredibly intuitive and seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to their human emotions. They are happy to provide a shoulder to cry on or a warm hug whenever needed. 

Despite their size, they are gentle and loving, making them wonderful therapy dogs for children and adults.

10. Collie

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Collies, both the rough and smooth varieties, are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and emotional attunement to their humans. As herding dogs, they have a natural instinct to nurture and protect their “flock,” which translates well to providing emotional support.

They are skilled at picking up on cues from their humans and are quick to offer comfort when they sense something is amiss. They thrive on human interaction and love nothing more than being by their owner’s side. 

While they require regular exercise, this can benefit those who need a gentle nudge to get out and about.

11. Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are known for their luxurious coats and charming personalities, making them excellent emotional support companions. These small, affectionate dogs excel at forming strong bonds with their owners and providing comfort through their gentle nature and willingness to be close.

Skilled at sensing their owner’s moods, Shih Tzus adapt well to various activities, from playtime to relaxation, making them versatile therapy dogs. 

Their playful antics and soothing presence can be a source of joy for individuals undergoing therapy or needing a furry friend.

12. Yorkshire Terrier

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Affectionately known as Yorkies, Yorkshire Terriers make great emotional support animals thanks to their charming personalities, low-shedding coats, and convenient size. These loyal companions boast an unwavering affection toward their humans and friendly demeanors that make them perfect for therapy environments.

With their keen intelligence and endearing appearance, Yorkies are easy to train and respond well to commands. 

Their small size also makes them suitable for various living situations, from apartments to nursing homes, where they can provide comfort and companionship to those in need.

13. Irish Wolfhound

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Another breed known for their gentle giant status, Irish Wolfhounds are loving, sensitive, and highly attuned to their owner’s emotions. They may have a strong prey drive as sighthounds, but their devotion and affection toward their humans are unmatched.

Irish Wolfhounds have a calming presence and provide a sense of security due to their impressive size. Their empathetic nature allows them to form deep bonds with their owners, making them ideal companions for those seeking emotional support.

14. Lhasa Apso

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Lhasa Apsos may be small in stature, but they have big personalities and an even bigger capacity for empathy. These loyal companions are highly intuitive and seem to have a sixth sense of their owner’s emotional state, often guiding them toward the right course of action in certain situations.

Easily trainable and highly demonstrative, Lhasa Apsos are perfect for individuals needing emotional support. 

Their portable size allows them to accompany their owners wherever they go, providing constant comfort and companionship.

15. Bichon Frise

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Bichon Frises are known for their cheerful disposition and adaptability, making them excellent emotional support animals. These small, fluffy dogs are highly affectionate and thrive on human interaction, always eager to provide love and comfort to their owners.

With their hypoallergenic coats and friendly demeanors, Bichon Frises are well-suited for various environments, from homes to hospitals. 

Their playful antics and gentle nature can help alleviate stress and bring joy to those struggling with mental health issues.

16. Greyhound

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While often associated with racing, Greyhounds make excellent emotional support animals due to their calm, sensitive, and affectionate nature. These gentle dogs tend to bond easily with their owners and provide a comforting presence with their soft coats and soulful eyes.

Greyhounds are known for their adaptability and can thrive in various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards. 

Their quiet demeanor and intuitive nature make them ideal companions for those seeking a supportive and understanding furry friend.

17. Maltese

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Maltese dogs are small in size but big in heart, making them perfect for providing emotional support. These gentle, affectionate dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty and desire to be close to their owners, often following them from room to room.

With their hypoallergenic coats and compact size, Maltese dogs are well-suited for apartment living and can easily accompany their owners on various outings. 

Their loving nature and ability to form strong bonds make them excellent companions for those needing emotional support and comfort.

Source:

  1. PubMed Central
davin
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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.