Let’s be honest for a second, every dog can provide its
humans with comfort, cuddles, and emotional support. Yet, at the same time, we
have to admit that some breeds do it better than others. Simply put, they are
better therapy dogs.

According to the American Kennel Club, it is important to make the distinction between therapy and service dogs.

Here is their explanation, “Service dogs are trained to
perform specific tasks to assist a person with a disability. Therapy dogs
volunteer with their owners to provide comfort and support to people in
settings such as schools, hospitals, assisted living, and more”.

How do dogs help with mental health?

Any pet owner will tell you about the immediate joy that
comes with sharing your life with a companion animal. But we are often unaware
of the physical and mental health benefits that come from snuggling with a
furry friend.

Dogs have evolved over the years, going a long way from their wildlife, to their domesticated version. Nowadays, dogs have evolved and understand many words we use, and have attuned to our behaviors and emotions. They are great at interpreting the tone of our voice, body language, and gestures. Here are some ways that pets help with our mental health.

• Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression compared to people who do not own a pet
• People with dogs have lower blood pressure in stressful situations
• According to one study, people with borderline hypertension can lower their blood pressure by adopting a dog
• Playing with dogs can elevate your levels of serotonin and dopamine, or better known as the happy hormones
• Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, two main indicators of a heart disease
• Pet owners that have 65 years or more, are 30% less likely to visit their doctor and make fewer visits to their doctor’s office

And all of that because dogs fulfill the basic human need
for touch. Even hardened criminals show changes in their behavior after
interacting with animals.

How do pets improve our lifestyle?

One of the best ways that pets change our life is they
make us change our lifestyles. When you adopt a dog, you are more likely to
adopt a healthier lifestyle. Those changes include walking more, getting out of
the house more, and so on. With that in mind, here are some ways pets can
improve our lifestyle.

• We increase our exercise levels by taking our dog for a walk, hike, or run. Those are all fun and rewarding ways to get your daily exercise
• They provide companionship, and they can prevent illness or add years to your life. Isolation and loneliness can trigger depression, a disease that can reduce the quality of your life. Caring for an animal makes you feel wanted and needed and takes the focus away from your everyday problems
• You can meet plenty of new people by taking your dog for a walk. Pets are an amazing social lubricant for new owners, allowing people to create new and maintain friendships
• Dogs provide structure and routine to our days. They need regular feeding and exercising, and a consistent routine works for people as well

Can any dog be a therapy dog?

Yes, every dog can serve a role of a therapy dog. All
dogs provide comfort and support. But to be a certified therapy dog, that is
something different.

That requires special training, and not all breeds are
intelligent enough and eager enough to please to work as service animals.

Therapy dog training begins with basic good manners. Dogs are required to pass the Canine Good Citizen Test. Then, their skills that can work in a therapy setting, need to go through the specific therapy test. These commands and skills include leave it, paws up, bring it, drop it, say hello, and so on.

Best Therapy Dogs

Now let’s take a look at some of the best therapy dogs
that you can find in the canine world. As we said before, all dogs provide
comfort and emotional support. Some are just better at certain skills than
others.

Golden Retriever

Arguably the happiest pooch in the canine world, Golden
Retrievers have a unique happy-go-lucky nature and demeanor. They love all
people and are happy no matter what is happening.

Goldens are some of the best dogs for families, but also
some of the best therapy dogs. Their joyfulness is addictive and spreads like a
virus.

Labrador Retriever

Right next is the Labrador Retriever, the most popular dog breed in the world up until a year ago.

Extremely trainable and affectionate, they are kind,
gentle, and loving. You cannot go wrong with a Labrador, or any of its mixes.

Greyhound

Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Greyhound is now a
couch potato. Yes, while many people associate the Greyhound with racing, this
puppy is actually happiest when it sleeps on the couch. This is why many
trainers and experts recommend it as the best dog for elderly people.

Calm, serene, and friendly, these dogs are amazing around
children and other animals.

Poodle

No matter if you get Standard Poodle, Toy Poodle, or
Miniature Poodle, the result is the same. And that is a highly intelligent dog
that understands everything, from body language to voice tone and commands.

Poodles are a working dog breed, and they want to have a
task at hand. Providing support and companionship for their humans is a great
way to keep them occupied.

Newfoundland

While this large breed might seem daunting because of its
size, it is actually a gentle giant. Back in the day, it was used as a working
dog to pull nets for fishermen. Nowadays, these puppies make excellent therapy
dogs.

They are affectionate, and cuddling with them feels like
cuddling with a real-life teddy bear.

German Shepherd

One of the most versatile dogs in the canine world, the
German Shepherd can fill any role you ask of him. Primarily a herding dog, the
GSD can be a therapy dog, working dog, search and rescue dog, and everything in
between.

They are some of the most trusted partners for dog owners
around the world.

Bichon Frise

If you want to get some great cuddling pet therapy, look
no further. The beauty of this therapy dog is that it doesn’t shed.

Playful and gentle, Bichon Frise provides companionship
and love all day long. While they are not on the higher end of intelligent
dogs, they can still pass the therapy dog training easily.

Yorkshire terrier

Another therapy animal that doesn’t shed, the Yorkshire
terrier is small, happy, energetic, and lively, and will bring joy to your
household.

These puppies will do anything to make their humans
happy.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If there is one dog that can provide amazing emotional
support and mental health benefits, all while being kind, affectionate, and
gentle, that is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

This royal dog has been a popular choice for families and
people who are going through hard times for many years.

Pomeranian

There is a reason why Pomeranians have grown in
popularity in the past several years. One of those that is they were known as
the most beautiful dogs, thanks to the Internet sensation, Boo.

But these small dogs will fill all your therapy needs.
They are outgoing, but affectionate with their family and form a strong bond
with their owner.

Border Collie

You cannot have a list without the smartest dog in the
world. Developed to gather and control flocks of sheep, the Border Collie has
evolved into a versatile dog breed.

They can process any command and task and have an
unlimited reserve of energy and stamina.

Lurcher

A crossbreed between a Greyhound or other sighthounds
with herding dogs and terriers, they have been around for hundreds of years.

Their friendly and laid-back nature makes them a perfect
addition to a household. Relaxed and gentle, this puppy has a quiet temperament
and enjoys human contact.

Beagle

Our next dog on the list is Beagle, a perfect emotional
support animal. Small and compact, this happy-go-lucky dog works in a household
with children, elderly people, or young and active people.

They are way too versatile to ignore them.

Staffordshire Bull terrier

Part of the Pit Bull umbrella term, Staffies are some of
the most loyal, gentle, and affectionate dogs in the animal kingdom.

Ignore their reputation and history as being used in dog
fighting. And if you give them a chance, you will have a friend for life.