10 Therapy Dog Breeds for Depression and Anxiety

Do you know what are the best 10 therapy dog breeds for depression and anxiety or do you own one of these dog breeds? Keep reading to find the answer whether your dog breed found its way on our list.

Many people are questioning themselves, why are dogs so loyal to humans? Some say it is because we are giving them shelter and food, but I think there is something more beneath all that. For a long time, dogs have been known as human’s best friends. Every kind of pet will give you unconditional love every day, but there is something unique in the way how dogs are showing their love. Dogs are one of the most loyal, loving, and caring pets full of energy which will help you get through anything.

In today’s world, even dogs get the chance to have a job. This is just one more thing which shows us how intelligent dogs are. They are often hired as guide dogs, therapy dogs, acting, search and rescue dogs, detection dogs, tracking and hunting dogs. However, their most important job is – being our best friends. They have a very long history of being a man’s best friend and they enjoy doing all kinds of activities with their owner.

When you are feeling down, it takes one look at your pet to make you feel loved and supported. Today, there are countless stories how dogs helped individuals to fight their depression and anxiety. However, they are also improving the overall health. Some dog breeds are good for detection skills while others are good in helping their owner get better. If you want to adopt a dog as an emotional support, you should check our list of 11 Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds for Anxiety. This is the main reason why we created a list of 10 therapy dog breeds for depression and anxiety as well, to ease your research process and help you choose your new best friend. 

People who suffer from depression or anxiety, are avoiding contact with the outside world. It doesn’t matter whether the reason is fear or stress, the result is the same. Dogs are helping people who are struggling with depression or anxiety by offering them companionship and a sense of purpose in a way. By adopting a dog, you will immediately get a responsibility for their well-being, responding to their unconditional love.

In order to create our list of therapy dog breeds for depression and anxiety, we used Trial Join, Dogs Online, and K9 Of Mine  as our sources to see what are the therapy dog breeds for anxiety. On the other hand, in order to see what are the therapy dog breeds for depression, we used The Daily Positive, Here Pup, and Bustle. We collected the information from our sources and firstly we took the dog breeds which are good for both depression and anxiety. After we took the dog breeds which are good for both disorders, we took the dog breeds which were repeated the most times on our sources. Those dog breeds which were good for both disorders were ranked the highest on our list of therapy dog breeds for depression and anxiety, followed by dog breeds which are mentioned the most times.

10. Newfoundland

Newfoundlanders are very relaxed, calm, peaceful, quiet but strong dogs as well. You can take them with you in amazing places like rivers, beaches, lakes, and ponds where you can calm your nerves and mind. While you are at home, you can spend hours and hours cuddling with your Newfoundlander which will become your most loyal friend shortly. Dogs of this breed are very intelligent and they are requiring a lot of exercising. This could be great for you because exercising is one of the best remedies to fight anxiety.

9. French Bulldog

When we are talking about depression, you should know that French Bulldogs will give you all of their love and companionships. They are tiny and comforting dogs which mean you can take them everywhere with you. Also, French Bulldogs are requiring low maintenance which makes it easier to take care of them. French Bulldogs are also great in the presence of small children because they are so calm, peaceful and friendly.

8. Cocker Spaniel

If you are looking for another small breed, Cocker Spaniel would be your best option so far. They are very easy to train and they have a strong inner desire to please their owner. Cocker Spaniels are one of the relaxed, calm and friendly breeds. They won’t get alarmed easily which makes them even perfect for you if you are looking for a way to fight your anxiety. You can take your Cocker Spaniel everywhere with you because this fur friend will calm your nerves as soon as you look at it.

7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers, the next on our list of therapy dog breeds for depression and anxiety are one of the best dog breeds to adopt if you are suffering from depression. These dogs are full of positive energy and they will keep you up and running all day. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are great companions for children as well. This dog breed isn’t requiring so much for maintenance and all they will bring you is happiness, reduced stress, and depression from day to day. You can fight the battle with depression with your new furry friend who is ready to give you its whole love and support.

6. Vizsla

For people who just adore puppies with big and floppy ears, adopting a Vizsla will be the best choice. Vizsla puppies will reduce your stress just by being around you. Its presence exudes a positive vibe and they will bring nothing but joy in your life. This dog breed is very friendly, kind and energetic, and it is requiring its owner to be the same. Despite everything, they are also very intelligent and they will help you get through your depression by getting you up and moving.

5. Pug

Pugs are one of the most charming dogs on the planet with their smushed face, and it is definitely one of the best therapy dog breeds for depression and anxiety. Pugs also have a lot of energy in their tiny little body and they will shortly become your best friend. For people who don’t want to be exposed to hot temperatures by doing outdoor activities, Pugs will be their best companion because they hate hot weather as well. If you are looking for a loyal friend to help you fight your depression, you will find it in this little furry buddy.

4. Golden Retriever

In order to fight your depression, you will be in need of the unlimited love and devotion that only Golden Retriever could give you. Golden Retrievers, the next one on our list of therapy dog breeds for depression and anxiety are famous for their good behavior and loyalty. This dog breed is also very athletic and they love to play. They want to do all kinds of activities from swimming to running and fetching. Golden Retrievers are also great with children because they have a young and playful spirit inside of them, and are full of energy. However, they shed a lot meaning they could be a little hard for maintenance.

3. Poodle

We are continuing our list of therapy dog breeds for depression and anxiety with poodles are one of the most beautiful dogs. However, more importantly, poodles love to spend time with their owner and they have a pleasing personality. They will do everything in their ability and power to make you feel better. Poodles are intelligent, loving, caring, devoted and loyal and on top of that, great with children and they live more than any kind of dog breed as well which makes them as one of the best allies in the fight against depression. But, on the other side, they are requiring a serious grooming and a higher maintenance.

2. Yorkshire Terrier

It is needless to say how incredibly cute Yorkshire Terriers, the number two on our list of therapy dog breeds for depression and anxiety are. But, their cuteness isn’t the only thing which makes them your best friend during the fight with depression. Yorkshire Terriers are creating a strong bond between them and their owners which makes them loving, loyal and trainable breeds. They are also very intelligent and you can take them everywhere, considering their size. While we are talking about Yorkshire Terriers size, they are great for people who are living in tight apartments. A female Yorkshire Terrier was also one of the first documented therapy dogs.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are big and so sweet dogs. They are pretty much always in a good mood which is one of the reasons why many people are recommending them for people who are suffering from depression. Labrador Retrievers are very eager to please, loyal and easily trainable. They want to do all kinds of outdoor activities which will make you go up and going most of the time. Labrador Retrievers love to take walks which you can see as a motivation to get out of the house. If you decide to adopt a Labrador Retriever, you should know that you will have the most loyal ally on your side the whole time.

This was our list of 10 therapy dog breeds for depression and anxiety. We hope we managed to show you which are the best dog breeds and maybe help you choose what breed to adopt.