The 10 Best Dog Breeds for People with Autism

Dogs are known for their loyalty, companionship and unconditional love. This can be especially comforting for someone who is on the autism spectrum. They are also a great option to use as service animal or an emotional support animal. According to a study done by the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, interaction with service dogs has been associated with increased social skills for people with autism. Whether you are looking for a furry friend for yourself or for a loved one, it is crucial to know which breeds are suitable to your or your loved one’s specific needs. To help you find the perfect companion, here are the top 10 dog breeds for people on the autism spectrum.

Labrador Retriever

Labradors are one of the most popular breeds to be used as service dogs, and for good reason. They are known for their friendly and gentle nature making them a great choice for individuals with autism. They are also extremely intelligent and easy to train, which is beneficial when teaching them service techniques that an autistic individual may need, such as applying gentle pressure with their body weight to the individual to provide comfort and grounding to the person during moments of hardship.

Golden Retriever

Just like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers are loyal, highly intelligent and easy to train. They are also an incredibly social breed; not only does this breed get along well with children, they are also outgoing and welcoming towards strangers, both of the human and dog variety. For people on the autism spectrum who have noise or sound sensitivities, Golden retrievers may be the right choice, as they do not tend to bark that much. However, it is important to keep in mind that this breed requires some upkeep. Goldens have a long coat that is known to shed, and they must be brushed at least once a week in order to keep their coat from matting. If you want to keep your home free of dog hair, a Golden might not be the best choice for you.

Poodle

This adorable breed has more to them than their curly fur. Poodles come in three different sizes – standard, miniature and toy – which offers the perfect amount of flexibility to determine which size will best fit you or your loved one’s specific needs and living situations. In addition to being known for their gentle and affectionate nature, poodles are also known for their hypoallergenic coats. A study conducted by the Frontiers in Neurology Journal found that individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism are more likely to have allergies or some other form of immune disregulation. If you are the autism spectrum or know someone on the autism spectrum that is also allergic to dog hair, then a poodle may be the best breed for you!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you are looking for a small dog to keep you or your family company, you may want to consider the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed is known for their incredibly affectionate nature. They get along well with children and with other dogs, and they love to lay on the couch and snuggle with you just as much as they love to go on daily walks. Cavaliers are eager to please and easy to train, and their calmness and consistency can be very reassuring for someone with autism by helping to create a sense of security and routine.

Collie

Thanks to the classic 1938 movie “Lassie,” the Collie is among the world’s most recognizable and beloved dog breeds. They thrive on companionship and regular exercise, which is beneficial to individuals on the autism spectrum who may thrive in an active lifestyle with an active furry friend. One quality that sets Collies apart from other breeds used as service dogs is their high levels of empathy. Once bonded to you, your Collie will be by your side, for better or for worse, its entire life.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Although this fluffy breed may look big and powerful on the outside, Bernese mountain dogs are huge softies in nature. They are known to get along with everyone, humans and dogs alike, and they are particularly gentle around children, making this furry friend a great choice for parents who are looking for a service dog or a companion for their children with autism. However, Bernese mountain dogs are also known to shed a lot and sometimes slobber. If you’re considering adding this breed to your family, be prepared for some mess!

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are another large breed that are great for individuals on the autism spectrum. Although they can weigh up to 150 lbs, they are the definition of gentle giants. They are famous for their loyalty and well known for their lack of aggression. The American Kennel Club even nicknames this breed as “nanny dogs” because they are known to be great with kids. Another good thing about the Newfoundland is that despite its size, it is not a high-energy breed. If you or your loved one on the autism spectrum prefers to stay at home or play inside, the Newfoundland is an excellent pick.

German Shepherd

When you think of a working dog, does a German Shepherd come to mind? German Shepherds are one of the top dog breeds used in professional settings, like police departments and search-and-rescue teams, and for good reason. German shepherds are known for their intelligence and incredible focus, which makes them great for learning complex tasks. They are also extremely loyal and have an innate protective instinct to those they care about. These factors make German Shepherds ideal service dogs, especially for individuals with autism.

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is another large breed that is a great option for individuals on the autism spectrum. They are typically very patient, calm and sweet, especially around children. Saint Bernards can grow up to 30 inches in height and weigh up to 180 lbs, so if you or your loved one with autism benefits from deep pressure therapy, this hefty dog is the perfect addition to your home. However, their appetite is just as big, if not bigger, than their size, so be prepared to have a food budget to match!

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them a great choice for individuals on the autism spectrum who may benefit from a dog that can provide a sense of security. They are also highly trainable and thrive on mental stimulation, which can benefit those who may require specific training techniques. However, if you are a first-time dog owner, this breed may not be the best fit. Australian Shepherds are famous for their remarkable intelligence, and an innate impulse to herd anything – even kids. Make sure to keep them busy, mentally and physically!