​Mission:
Service Dog
The Fab 4
The top 4 dog breeds to use for service work
Labrador Retrievers
This breed has been used for many, many years as Service Dogs and Guide Dogs and it's for a good reason!
Labs are known to be one of the best breeds for service work because of their eagerness to work and how biddable they are!
Most have the size for mobility (depending on the task), as hunting dogs they have great noses, making them fantastic for medical alert such as diabetic alert, allergies, and many more!
Having been bred to gently retrieve a bird, they are great at retrieval tasks!
Labs have very sweet demeanors and they enjoy a nice cuddle. But being a hunting breed they can sometimes be way too hyper sometimes depending on their lines. While we want a dog with the drive to work, too much drive makes them harder for disabled individuals to handle.
Collies
Collies aren't as popular as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Standard Poodles, which makes them a nice hidden jem in the service dog world.
Collies are very eager to work for their handlers and learn very quickly! Unlike most other herding breeds, this breed has a fantastic off switch! They can go from working hard whether it's herding sheep, alerting to a high heart rate, or making sure their livestock is safe, to just chilling on the couch or in the shade.
Their intelligence makes them great for most service dog jobs, they have good noses for medical alert and can do most mobility tasks. The joy of this breed is you have two coat types to choose from. Smooth Collies definitely work best for service work because they require less grooming, but even the Rough Collies are still very capable of doing the job, you just have a bit more grooming to stay on top of.
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers tend to be the most well known and chosen breed for service work so lets talk about why! Golden Retrievers are highly trainable and quick learners. They excel in understanding and executing a wide range of tasks, making them versatile partners for individuals with various needs. Their friendly and calm demeanor makes them well-suited for interacting with people of all ages, including children and seniors. They provide comfort and support in a gentle and compassionate manner. Golden Retrievers are known for their consistency and reliability in performing tasks. Whether it's retrieving items, providing stability, or alerting to medical conditions, they can be counted on to assist their handlers effectively. These dogs adapt well to different environments and situations, making them ideal companions for both indoor and outdoor activities. They thrive in various settings and are adaptable to the needs of their handlers.
Poodles
Standard Poodles are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners when it comes to training for specific tasks. Their cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills are assets in assisting individuals with disabilities. These dogs excel in a wide range of tasks, from mobility assistance to medical alerting and psychological support. Their versatility allows them to adapt to the specific needs of their handlers, providing tailored assistance. Standard Poodles have a hypoallergenic coat, which is beneficial for individuals with allergies. This makes them suitable companions for a wide range of people, including those with sensitivities to pet dander. Standard Poodles are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They form strong bonds with their handlers and exhibit calmness and patience, essential qualities for providing comfort and support. As a medium-sized breed, Standard Poodles strike a balance between being sturdy enough to assist with tasks like stability and mobility support while remaining manageable in various environments.
