Here at Bully Max, we love all dogs of every shape, size, and color. There’s not a single dog breed out there that’s not unique and lovable in its own way. However, there’s just something special to be appreciated about medium sized dogs.

They’re big enough to play with, they’re small enough to take most places, and they just make such excellent family dogs. In this article we’ll discuss the 11 best medium sized dog breeds, and explore the reasons why they make such great pets.

What Makes A Dog Medium Sized?

So just what is it that makes a dog “medium sized?” It’s not necessarily rigid or set in stone, but medium sized dogs generally weigh between 20 and 50 pounds.

This accounts for a lot of different breeds!

Dogs can be divided into 5 categories relating to their size. These are based on height and weight, and some breeds may be on the fringe of two different categories. The 5 dog sizes include toy (2-10 lbs), small (10-20 lbs), medium (20-50 lbs), large (50-100 lbs), and giant (100+ lbs).

Our Top 11 Medium Sized Dogs

As we mentioned briefly, there are a ton of awesome benefits to owning a medium sized dog. They can embody the best qualities of both small and large dogs! They’re big enough to play with, while also being portable and convenient to travel with. They also tend to have longer lifespans than bigger dogs.\

So without further ado, here are our top 11 medium sized dog breeds.

Border Collie

Usually weighing between 30 to 50 pounds, border collies are loyal, spunky, and loving. They are also about as high energy as it gets!

Border collies are incredibly bright, often ranking as the #1 most intelligent dog breed. As a result they’re fast learners, and often employed as search and rescue dogs.

Just keep in mind that border collies require exercise and an active lifestyle. These dogs are not couch potatoes. They will be unhappy and may even act out if this important need of theirs is not being met.

Beagle

Beagles have the sweetest, most playful and affectionate energy. They usually weigh between 20 to 30 pounds, which is a very versatile size. They’re easy to travel with and manage in smaller homes, yet they still make great companions to play with or take on adventures. 

In the past they were sought after as hunting dogs, but now more often than not they end up in the role of fun family dog. If you’ve spent time around beagles you know what excellent companions they make. They also sure do love to eat!

Poodle

Poodles are wonderful family dogs. These highly intelligent doggies usually weigh between 40 to 70 pounds. They’re also quite athletic. They also don’t shed much fur, making them easier to clean up after (although their coat does require routine maintenance). Finally, poodles are playful and relatively easy to train.

Springer Spaniel

Springer spaniels have a reputation for being charismatic companions. (They’re great with kids.) They’re playful, relaxed, and sensitive to their owner’s needs. Weighing in at 40 to 50 pounds, they were originally bred for bird hunting—and they thrive in an active, social lifestyle. They also get along quite well with other dogs. Springer spaniels do well with large families, and they love to feel included. A picture says a thousand words. Just look at those eyes!

Labrador Retriever

It’s not hard to figure out why Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the United States: they’re smart, hard-working, fun, relaxed, and adaptable. Labs really seem to think that they are humans!

Weighing 50 to 80 pounds on average, they’re strong enough to make excellent service dogs. Labrador Retrievers are loyal, and sure to bring a smile to your face. ‘Nuff said!

American Eskimo Dog

Isn’t that coat gorgeous?

You might be surprised to learn that the American eskimo dog is in no way related to the eskimos—although they do have an interesting background. Prior to World War I, these cute canines were known as the German spitz. 

Because of their intelligence, beautiful appearance, and high trainability, they’ve been used historically for various trained-dog acts (including working with traveling circuses). Pierre, a famous American eskimo dog from the 1930s, was well known for walking tight-ropes! Eskies are outgoing, friendly and relaxed. These lovable pups weigh typically 25 to 40 pounds.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland sheepdogs, AKA shelties, are loyal, playful dogs with heaps of energy. They weigh 15 to 25 pounds, yet they’re still quite athletic for their size. A loving and versatile dog, Shelties originated in Scotland. They’re herding dogs, and they require an outlet for their near boundless energy.

They make excellent family dogs, though they can be shy around strangers. Shelties are dependable and very alert and aware of their surroundings. They make good watchdogs. Just be sure that you can provide them with the exercise and sense of purpose that they thrive on.

Hungarian Pointers

Hungarian pointers are highly adaptable and make for great companions. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they weigh generally 50 to 70 pounds. They’re social creatures, and they do well with kids and other pets. Hungarian pointers are known to form very strong bonds with their owners.

Golden Retriever 

Another hugely popular breed, golden retrievers are joyous and life-affirming dogs—not to mention intelligent, kind, relaxed, and hard working. They’re also accomplished hunters. 

Golden retrievers are natural swimmers, and they seem to maintain some element of their puppy-like nature well into adulthood. Hailing from Scotland, this breed is an absolute classic.

They also make for exceptional service and support dogs. (If you are interested in getting an emotional support dog for anxiety, check out our article on service dog breeds for PTSD and anxiety.)

Keeshond

Another highly intelligent breed, it’s hard not to appreciate the keeshond’s relaxed yet social nature. Adults will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, though they appear larger than they really are because of their thick coat. (Which will require some maintenance.) 

Hailing from Holland, Keeshonds share common roots with the other spitz-type breeds such as the samoyed and pomeranian. Their trademark feature is their “spectacles,” the markings around their eyes that look like stylish glasses. This gives them a smart and sophisticated appearance. Keeshonds are fast learners, and they make for great companions and excellent family dogs.

American Pit Bull Terrier

American pit bull terriers are amazing dogs. These people-pleasers are quite friendly and playful. They have been stigmatized by the media as dangerous and even mean-spirited, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. They’ve even been given the nickname “nanny dogs” because of the gentle and loving way that they interact with children. 

The pit bull terrier’s weight can vary more than most other breeds, as they can weigh in at anywhere between 30 and 90 pounds. They’re one of the most athletic dog breeds out there, and they require lots of exercise, proper training, and plenty of socialization. You could not ask for a better companion. APBTs also tend to live longer than other dog breeds of a similar size and weight.

Treat Your Dog Right With Bully Max Nutrition 

When it comes to family-friendly medium sized dogs, there are a lot of really great options. If you do plan to get a medium sized dog you might consider adopting from your local animal shelter.

And to ensure that your pup lives a long and healthy life you’ll want to provide high-quality, balanced nutrition for your dog. Our top-rated high protein dog food is an all-natural, all-life-stages formula with full label disclosure. Your dog is sure to love it, no matter what their size.

My Dog Stinks. Why Does My Dog Smell All the Time?

“It seems like my dog stinks no matter what I do!”

If you’ve ever said these words, we can relate. It’s frustrating and sometimes even embarrassing when your dog emits a nasty odor. Especially when it happens consistently, and try as you might, you just can’t seem to figure out why it’s happening or how to fix it.

There are a number of different causes for stinky puppy syndrome. It’s often an easy fix, though sometimes a nasty odor can be a symptom of an underlying health issue. Clean and healthy dogs are not supposed to smell terrible.

Read on, and we’ll discuss potential reasons why your doggy stinks, and what you can do to remedy the situation.

6 Reasons Why Your Dog Smells So Bad

It’s often easy to determine why a dog smells. Some dogs are known to roll around in gross stuff—when this is the cause, all your dog really needs is a good bath.

The awful smell that results from being sprayed by a skunk is also distinct and easy to identify. Fortunately, there are special products made specifically to help alleviate skunk odor. 

Other smells are not so obvious, and the cause can vary from dog to dog. There are certain things to look out for when diagnosing an odor. Here are 6 of the most common.

1. Dog Dental Health

Bad breath is usually a consequence of plaque and odor-causing bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Tiny pieces of food get stuck in the teeth and produce tartar and not-so-good smells. This is pretty common. There are also certain breeds that can be more susceptible to dental issues.

(Read more about small dog teeth problems.)

Try brushing your dog’s teeth. It’s also beneficial for your pup’s dental health to make sure you’re providing them with healthy, balanced foods. Minimize ingredients such as corn and wheat in their diet, since they have a greater tendency to get stuck in your dog’s teeth.

Though bad breath is usually caused by dental problems, it’s possible it could be the result of an underlying health issue like diabetes or liver problems. If your dog’s stinky breath proves to be persistent or especially bad, visit your veterinary doctor to rule out something more serious.

2. Canine Skin Infections

Poor diet and allergic reactions can lead to skin infections and inflammation of the skin. Your dog could be suffering from yeast infections, fungal infections, or even hormonal imbalances.

This is often described as a musty, almost cheesy smell. These issues may be especially present in the overlapping folds of your dog’s skin, which can be fertile environments for odor-causing bacteria.

The natural oils secreted through the skin can get knocked out of balance. Skin that is too dry and flaky is problematic, and the same is true for skin that is too greasy. Look over your pup; does their skin look red or irritated?

Try increasing sources of healthy protein in your dog’s diet, and reduce highly processed ingredients like corn and soy. It’s also vital to keep up on hygiene. Routine grooming and bathing is super important. Check out our homemade dog shampoo recipe for a healthy homemade cleaning agent.

It’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause of skin issues in dogs, so it’s definitely important to contact your vet if it doesn’t clear up soon. They can prescribe medicated shampoos and pills that may be necessary to cure the infection.

3. Anal Glands

There are two glands on your canine friend’s rear end. Dogs use these glands to leave a “signature scent,” and to mark their territory. However, when they’re healthy they should not stink.

Sometimes, however, these glands can become “impacted,” meaning that the natural secretions become clogged and build up. This manifests as an unpleasant, fishy type of smell. This also usually causes pain for your poor puppy, and you may notice your dog scooting, or dragging her bottom across the ground.

This is a serious issue, and you’ll need to speak with your vet about solutions. They can prescribe medications and supplements to heal your dog’s glands.

4. Ear Infections

If you find that the yucky smell is emanating only from the dog’s ear, and not elsewhere, it could be due to an ear infection. Ear infections sometimes have a yeasty, rotten-milk kind of smell.

There are a number of different causes for this, from water being trapped in the dog’s ear to a simple lack of cleaning. Again, this is a relatively common problem. Dogs with larger, floppier ears may be more prone to ear trouble.

Cleaning your dog’s ears and keeping them dry is an important aspect of good hygiene. If the smell is mild, a basic cleaning session may remedy the issue. If the odor is severe, you should contact your veterinary office as soon as you can.

5. Dog Allergies

Dog allergies can vary, as they are unique to individual dogs. They can be triggered by dietary or environmental factors. One of the most common ways for dog allergies to present themselves is through symptoms related to the skin.

The response to allergens can cause inflammation in the skin. This can cause intense itchiness and violent scratching can lead to secondary infections and other issues. A basic bathing session will not be sufficient to treat an allergic reaction.

Dog allergies is a massive topic, and you will need to seek the counsel of your veterinary doctor for solutions. There are myriad ways to treat allergic responses depending on your dog’s particular situation, and your vet will be able to guide you to the appropriate course of action.

6. Gas 

Are you telling the truth when you say, “The dog did it”?

A little gas every now and then is totally normal. But if it’s severe, and/or seems to happen constantly, it could be a sign of underlying issues. You won’t be surprised to know that it’s usually caused by something they ate.

High-fat diets and milk products can contribute to flatulence. The same is true for soy products, as well as expired or spoiled foods. Be extra attentive to what your dog is eating.

If there is an underlying health condition, it’s likely that your dog would also be experiencing other symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea. That being said, if it seems severe and excessive, you should absolutely talk to your vet about it.

What To Do About a Stinky Dog

There are a number of things you can do to keep your four-legged friend smelling fresh and clean. Most of them are related to good hygiene and a healthy diet.

If you’re not already, start regularly brushing your dog’s coat. Getting into a routine with hygiene practices is important. Consider making a schedule. You could give your dog a bath every other Tuesday in the summer, and perhaps once a month in the winter.

A healthy diet is also crucial. You might try switching to a different dog food. Here at Bully Max, we offer a high protein dog food that fits the bill perfectly. With full label disclosure, it’s full of natural, minimally processed, human-grade ingredients and no corn or soy. It’s balanced just right to remedy the not-so-pleasant smells that may be related to your pup’s diet. We’re confident that you and your dog will love it.

Wondering how to get a therapy dog for anxiety? Therapy dogs can be game-changers for people who are suffering from things like anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other mental issues.

The calming and innocent presence of these furry friends can work wonders in providing comfort and alleviating suffering—which is why we created this guide to help you learn how to get a therapy dog.

Therapy dogs and their owners often work together as a team to uplift and comfort people in various high-stress environments. From nursing homes to schools and more, therapy dogs can be tremendously helpful. So you want to know how to get a therapy dog? Let’s get into the steps you can start taking now to get a fully certified and licensed therapy dog.

What is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is a dog that is taught to provide comfort, affection, and emotional support. These pups are specifically trained to aid people who are experiencing mental suffering and trauma. Dogs have a purity and kindhearted innocence that can be truly medicinal in dispelling sadness and nervousness.

They often work in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and even schools. In the aftermath of a disastrous situation, for example, therapy dogs can be introduced to console and love up people who are under intense stress.

Generally speaking, therapy dogs fall into one of three categories: therapeutic visitation dogs, animal assisted therapy dogs, and facility therapy dogs. Here’s a brief description of each:

Therapeutic Visitation Dogs

Therapeutic visitation dogs visit hospitals, schools, and mental health centers to cheer up and comfort patients and visitors. The effectiveness of therapeutic visitation dogs has been proven many times over the years. This type of therapy dog is the most common.

Animal Assisted Therapy Dog

Animal assisted therapy dogs are used in rehabilitation clinics. They can improve patients’ quality of life in a variety of ways. They help people to cope with mental conditions, and they can aid in educating and motivating people, as well as providing recreation.

Animal assisted therapy (AAT)  is also implemented, under the supervision of a therapist, to help people restore their mobility through motor-control exercises.

Facility Therapy Dog

Facility therapy dogs are most often used in nursing homes. They offer much-needed companionship to the residents. Along with providing treasured company, they can be trained to alert the staff about medical emergencies or issues.  

The Difference Between Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs

You may hear the terms used interchangeably, but therapy dogs are not service dogs. The ADA’s (Americans with Disabilities Act) definition of a service dog is a dog that is specifically trained to perform certain tasks for an individual with a disability.

Service dogs perform tasks such as guiding the blind, assisting people in wheelchairs, and alerting deaf people of important noises such as fire alarms and doorbells. The jobs performed by a service dog must directly relate to the disability of the dog’s owner.

Service dogs must be focused on their specific job. They are trained not to interact with people or animals other than their owner while they are working. Therapy dogs, by comparison, are encouraged to be friendly and to calmly interact with many different patients. 

There are places and situations in which service dogs are permitted and therapy dogs are not. This is because therapy dogs are not included in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

How to Register Your Dog as a Therapy Dog?

So you want to own a registered therapy dog? Good thinking! The process is pretty straightforward. Of course you’ll first need to adopt a dog and give them the training they need to work as a therapy dog. Some dogs receive formal training from professional trainers, and some are effectively trained at home by their owners.

After checking off a few prerequisites, the process of getting your pup registered involves passing an exam that will prove your dog’s ability to be an effective and well-behaved therapy dog. 

Let’s dive in and explore the process in more depth.

Step 1: Adopt a Dog

First things first, adopt a dog! Your therapy dog must be friendly, well-behaved, and they must enjoy human contact. Any breed has the potential to excel here, given the right temperament and the right training. Some breeds especially well-suited to therapy work are Labs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Golden Retrievers.

We always suggest adopting dogs from the shelter rather than purchasing them from a breeder. Younger dogs can be easier to train and easier to bond with, but keep in mind that there are always exceptions. Some older dogs at the shelter can be wonderful in therapy roles.

You’ll want to spend time with the dog and pay attention to the nature of these interactions. If the dog has a gentle and friendly temperament, it will make for a good therapy dog.

Step 2: Train Your Therapy Dog

Your best option for therapy dog training is to hire a professional to aid you in the process. There are certain organizations, as well as private trainers, that offer these services. That being said, it’s not uncommon for people to successfully train their dog themselves.

It’s important that you begin training your dog early on in the formation of your relationship. There are various behavior patterns you’ll need to encourage and others you’ll need to discourage.

For example, to be effective for therapy work you’ll need your pup to be obedient, friendly, outgoing, and relaxed. Jumping on people, barking, chewing on inappropriate things, or behaving aggressively are all big no-nos. At the other end of the spectrum, a dog that is too timid, skittish, or antisocial is also not well-suited for therapy work. 

Your dog will be around a lot of different people, in a variety of environments. Exposure to some of these different situations, as well as the socialization process in general, will be a crucial element in your dog’s training.

In the next section we’ll discuss some of the specific requirements for therapy dog certification.

Step 3: Register Your Dog

There are different organizations you can go through to get your therapy dog certified. You’ll need to provide medical documents proving that your pup is up-to-date on their shots and immunizations. You’ll also need to verify that your dog is at least one year old.

Before beginning the registration process your dog must pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. By doing so your dog will prove that they are a well-behaved and trustworthy member of the community.

Your dog’s behavior will be observed and tested to see that they:

• Are well-behaved in a crowd setting.
• Respond to basic commands, such as sit, lie down, and stay.
• Politely greet friendly strangers.
• Come when called.
• Are comfortable being petted. 
• Are trained to walk on a leash without pulling.
• Are well-behaved and polite around other dogs.
• Don’t react inappropriately to distractions.
• Can be left with someone other than the owner.
• Are well-behaved and comfortable being groomed and handled (including paws and ears).

After passing the CGC test, you’re ready to register your dog with an officially recognized therapy dog certification organization. Your dog must be registered with one of these organizations to become an approved therapy dog.

You’ll either apply online or in person, depending on the organization you choose. Pet therapy organizations can also connect you with volunteer opportunities and appropriate facilities. You’ll be covered by the organization’s insurance. We encourage you not to volunteer without this liability coverage.

Maintain Your Therapy Dog Certification

There are a few things you’ll need to do to maintain your therapy dog certification. Always remember to keep your therapy dog neat, clean, and well-groomed. You’ll also have to make sure your furry friend is up-to-date on all their immunizations, including a negative fecal test once a year.

Having a therapy dog is a wonderful way to serve your community. It’s extremely rewarding, and is simply a win-win situation for everyone involved. A relaxed and friendly pup with the right training is a shoo-in for successful therapy work. Just follow this guide, make sure you’re prepared for your evaluations, and you’ll be all set.

If you do plan to get a therapy dog for anxiety, don’t forget to check out our top-rated high protein dog food. It’s a high-performance dog food you can trust, with high quality ingredients and transparent labeling. We know your therapy-dog-to-be will love it.

Well-trained service dogs are like four-legged heroes. They’re invaluable allies for a variety of mental, emotional, and physical health challenges.

Here at Bully Max, we know that many of you are also nothing short of heroic. We have a lot of customers who are veterans facing PTSD and other challenges.

Because service dogs can have such a positive impact on their owners’ quality of life, we decided to put together this guide to help you decide what breed of service dog is right for your unique needs.

From emotional support to medical response, from wheelchair assistance to hearing dogs for the deaf, there are a lot of different roles and jobs that service dogs can take on.

Let’s have a look at the different types of support dogs. We’ll also talk about what traits and breeds are best suited for the job.

What is a Service Dog?

A lot of people with disabilities use a service dog to better function and participate in everyday life. The ADA’s definition of a service dog is a dog that has been specifically trained to perform certain tasks for an individual with a disability. The tasks the dog performs are directly related to the person’s disability.

Different Types of Service Dogs

Though you may hear people lump them all together, support dogs actually fall into 3 different categories (with some overlap here and there). You have therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, and service dogs.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs help to relax people who are experiencing stress and anxiety. The best therapy dogs can really brighten a room and help those around them to feel more peaceful.

Therapy dogs are generally used to calm down other people, not the owner of the dog. You will often see them spreading their love at nursing homes and assisted living centers. Therapy dogs also visit hospitals to comfort patients and stressed-out visitors. You may even see them comforting travelers at airports.

Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional support dogs help their owners to cope with emotional difficulties, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The simple presence and company of a loving dog can have a healing effect.

Dogs have a beautiful innocence to them, and the natural companionship of an emotional support dog can be beneficial to those suffering from mental or emotional trauma. Some of the best emotional support dogs can even be trained to recognize when their owner is experiencing a panic attack or traumatic episode, and intervene with extra love.

Service Dogs

Service dogs are trained to carry out important tasks for people with disabilities. These tasks vary from helping to guide a blind owner down the street to alerting a deaf owner of important sounds such as fire alarms, doorbells, and ringing telephones.

It’s amazing, really, that certain dogs can be trained to assist their owners in so many different ways. Good service dogs can help those in wheelchairs with daily tasks like opening doors, and can even help in monitoring their owner’s blood sugar levels!

Of the 3 types of support dogs, service dogs are offered the most legal protection through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a result, people with service dogs can take them just about anywhere, and they cannot legally be denied access.

Top Traits to Look For in Service Dogs

Let’s have a closer look at some of the common traits that all good service dogs should have.

Friendly Nature

It’s important that your service dog be friendly and not overly protective.

Sometimes your dog will be required to navigate through crowded and potentially loud and chaotic environments. It’s important for your service dog to maintain composure and not get distracted while around other people and animals.

Strong Desire to Help

Some dogs, depending on their breed, have a strong drive to help out and be put to work. Some of the other cute canines out there, well, not so much. 

This is not always a big deal if you’re seeking an emotional support dog. However, if you’re looking for a service dog—which will be required to help out with crucial tasks on a regular basis—it’s important to select a dog with a strong desire to help.

Bonds Emotionally

You want a dog that will form a strong emotional bond with its owner. You and your service dog will depend on each other, and it’s important to choose a dog you can rely on.

Some dog breeds have a more independent nature. You wouldn’t want a pup that is overly protective, but it is important to select a breed that forms a strong bond with its owner.

Calm Behavior

Service or support dogs should be cool, calm, and collected. The best service dogs are not too excitable or reactive to other pets or people in public.

You never know how other people’s pets will behave in public settings. Good service dogs know to avoid other pets that are too hyper or distracting.

10 Best Service Dog Breeds

There are certain traits that make particular dog breeds really stand out when it comes to helping with various emotional or physical traumas and illnesses. Your specific needs will help you to determine what type of service dog breed is the best fit for you.

Here’s our list of the top 10 best service dog breeds, along with their common characteristics and the type(s) of service they typically provide.

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have a good work ethic and a calm, gentle nature. Thanks to their intelligence, they’re fast learners. Intelligence, of course, will be a recurring theme among the best service dog breeds.

They’re also very sweet, and non-intimidating for their larger size, which you may want to consider when it comes to a dog that will accompany you to all sorts of public places. Golden Retrievers are perfect for emotional therapy assistance. They are also really great with small kids and children. You won’t be surprised to hear that they are often used to assist with caring for autistic children. 

Gold retrievers are also one of the best service dog breeds for PTSD, and are often the go-to dog for veterans dealing with this condition.

One thing to keep in mind is that Golden Retrievers do shed a fair amount, so if you have allergies you may want to consider another furry friend for the job.

2. Pomeranian

As far as small service dogs go, the Pomeranian is perfect! You wouldn’t select them for tasks that require too much strength or size, but they are great for a number of support and service-related jobs. They excel as medical alert dogs, for example.

Pomeranians form strong emotional bonds with their owners and they’re very smart. Their small size can even have upsides. For example, in certain situations they can be more convenient to bring with you to public places. They also may do better than a larger dog in small apartments.

3. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for mobility service. They’re gentle and can also be quite strong. Friendly yet focused, they want to help you out in any way that they can. They’re highly intelligent, and they make versatile helpers.

Labs make excellent guide dogs, hearing dogs, and emotional support dogs. You won’t be surprised to hear that they also excel at retrieving objects for their owners, due to their light and gentle grip when fetching items.

The great thing about Labs is that they offer a wonderful balance between being calm yet driven and motivated to help.

4. German Shepherd

When you think of service dogs, German Shepherds might be the first breed to come to mind. German Shepherds check off essentially all the boxes of what makes a great service dog; they’re fast learners, intelligent, and form strong emotional bonds with their owners. 

They have proven to be great guide dogs, and they have a keen sense of smell—which is needed for monitoring their owners’ blood sugar levels. They even make wonderful psychiatric service dogs.

5. Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls make fantastic service and support dogs. You will be happy to hear that the unjustified stigma that used to surround Pit Bulls is finally starting to fade away. They are tremendously loving and kind animals, not to mention highly intelligent and hard-working.

They are fast learners, and when it comes to service dogs they are as versatile and as useful as it gets.

6. Border Collies

You will be hard-pressed to come across a breed more intelligent than the Border Collie. They are loyal, obedient, and as hardworking as they come. They are also valued as seizure alert dogs, as they have a knack for detecting seizures before they come on.

Border Collies are very high-energy, and they almost NEED a job to do. As a result, they make wonderful service dogs. They do have a restless nature, so they aren’t content with simply lounging around all day.

They are, however, extremely loving, so they would make a great emotional support dog, as long as you’re able to get them an adequate amount of exercise (which is a lot!).

7. Great Dane

Great Danes are strong and gentle giants. This makes them great with mobility support and helping their owners to stand up or walk.

They are also super loving, and they do well in public settings. They aren’t too excitable, and they are an excellent choice for a support dog.

(Just watch out for the drool!)

8. Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are another excellent option. Their combination of intelligence and strength is impressive. You certainly would not be disappointed with a Bernese Mountain Dog for a larger service dog.

They are ideal for wheelchair assistance, opening doors, and a variety of emergency medical situations. 

Just keep in mind that they are somewhat high-energy dogs, and they do shed quite a bit. They are typically better suited for cooler climates.

9. Poodle

Surprised to see poodles on the list of best service dogs?

In fact, poodles make for excellent support dogs. One of the top therapy dog breeds, they are also smart and hard-working. You would appreciate your poodle’s loyalty and their ability to learn complex tasks. 

Poodles are great therapy dogs and emotional support dogs. They are known for their keen sense of smell as well. They’re wonderful at helping to detect allergens.

And, perhaps surprisingly, they don’t shed much!

10. Boxer

Boxers are yet another great service dog breed that has all the vital traits of a great companion. They are strong, yet kind and self-aware. (And cute!) They’re eager to help. That being said, they are moderately high-energy dogs.

If you’re looking for a great support dog for your children, you should definitely consider getting a Boxer. Just remember that they do need a lot of exercise.

Do You Have a Support or Service Dog?

If so tell us about it in the comments section! We love connecting with support dog owners.

And there you have it. A good service dog can do so much to improve your quality of life. In some situations they can even mean the difference between life and death.

Keep in mind that although these are helpful suggestions, there is no set-in-stone code here, and it’s okay to stray from this list. Any breed of dog has the potential to be a good service dog, given they have the right temperament and the proper training.

If you do have a support dog, or plan to get one, you’ll want to check out our high protein dog food. Perfect for service dogs, it’s a high-performance dog food with 100% natural, human-grade ingredients (and full label disclosure). It’s suitable for dogs of any breed or age, and we guarantee that your support dog will love it.