Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds — our top picks
Vizsla
Elegant Hungarian pointer known as the "Velcro dog" for their close bond with owners. Athletic and affectionate.
Wirehaired Vizsla
Rare variety of Vizsla with weather-resistant wiry coat. Shares the breeds affectionate nature with added resilience.
Bichon Frise
Cheerful white powder-puff with hypoallergenic coat. Playful and adaptable companion with minimal shedding.
Border Terrier
Small British terrier with otter-like head. Good-tempered, affectionate, and excellent family pet.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle toy spaniel with silky coat and sweet expression. Perfect family companion with sporting dog heritage.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle, affectionate toy spaniel with a silky coat and friendly disposition. Known for their adaptability and excellent temperament with children.
Cavapoo
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle cross. Gentle and friendly with reduced shedding.
Cockapoo
Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross, one of the first designer dogs. Friendly and adaptable family companion.
Golden Retriever
Beautiful, gentle retriever with flowing coat. Outstanding family companion with high intelligence and eagerness to please.
Goldendoodle
Golden Retriever and Poodle cross combining best traits of both breeds. Popular family companion.
Havanese
Cuban toy breed with silky coat and cheerful disposition. Adaptable and social companion dog.
Keeshond
Dutch barge dog with fox-like face and spectacles markings. Friendly spitz breed with moderate exercise needs.
How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 343 breeds is scored on the traits that matter most for this lifestyle — energy, size, temperament, grooming and trainability — using our vet-reviewed breed database. Read more about our methodology, or take the free quiz for a ranking personalised to you.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- What is the best breed for an emotional support dog?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the Vizsla ranks as the top choice for emotional support, followed by the Wirehaired Vizsla and Bichon Frise.
- How was this list of dogs for emotional support chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for emotional support — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.