RedGage

When it comes to what potential a dog has as aservice dog, size or breed shouldn’t be the only consideration. Apart from Labradors, there are several small dog breeds that can carry out their duties just as effectively and reasonably. The 7 breeds below are a fine example:

1.     The Chihuahua

Chihuahuas make perfect therapy dogs due to their tiny size which enables them to be easily be lifted onto hospital beds. They are also attentive, intelligent and confident creatures that come in a variety of colors and type of coats.

2.     Poodles

Poodles are popular therapy dogs in schools. Some like Ariel, a therapy dog at Rodriguez Elementary School in Texas, are used to assist children with reading or to provide comfort to them whenever they struggled with an assignment. Being odorless and hypoallergenic, they’re also good for recovering patients.

3.     Corgis

These royal dogs, some of which have the beautifuldistinctive brindle patterningsuch as the Cardigan Welsh Corgi make excellent therapy dogs due to their even-tempered and affectionate manner. Originally bred to be herders these short and sturdy dogs are ideal as companion dogs for persons living in nursing homes or suffering from disabilities.

4.     French Bulldogs

Their muscular frames, heavy bone structures, and short faces may not at first glance appear like ideal features for comfort creatures. However, French bulldogs - also known as Frenchies - make exceptional therapy dogs due to their compact size and easy-going temperament.

5.     King Charles Spaniel

These majestic creatures are known for their warm and obedient nature which makes them perfect therapy dogs. Not only do they love to mingle with people of all ages, King Charles Spaniels work especially well with children. Their small size means they can visit children who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound with minimal discomfort. They’re also good for kids suffering from emotional problems or mental health issues.

6.     Beagles

Meet Uno. The only beagle to ever win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Cub in 2008 proved he’s not just a handsome face when he underwent training to become a certified therapy dog. Uno has grown accustomed to visiting people in hospitals, schools and nursing homes to cheer them up. Beagles, in general, are very sociable around other dogs and new people, making them excellent therapy dogs, and are capable of getting along with both children and adults.

7.     Bichon Frises

If you want a dog with a warm disposition and affectionate nature, Bichon Frises is just the dog for you. It’s for this same reason that these curiously named pooches make such excellent therapy dogs. They’re especially popular as assistance dogs for deaf people because of how easy it is to train them. The fact that they don’t shed fur is a big bonus for people who suffer from allergies.