Anyone who wants a dog for easing anxiety and depression has numerous options, which can be a problem, as you may not know where to look to find the best possible match. After all, even the independent-minded dogs bond strongly with their owners, impose routine on shapeless days, and provide touch when isolation sets in. They also bring fresh air with their routine needs and offer unconditional love day after day.
However, different breeds deliver these differently, and the dog that soothes one person’s anxiety can actually overwhelm another’s depression entirely. That’s why having a list of the best dog breeds for anxiety and depression, based on your individual needs, is critical to finding the right match.
In this article, we will list the best dog breeds for anxiety and depression across three different size categories: small, medium, and large. Continue reading to meet the best breeds for easing the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Best Dog Breeds for Anxiety and Depression: Small Breeds
Small breeds suit apartments, travel, laps, and fit the lives of those who want a lower-maintenance companion. Here are our top small dog breed picks for anxiety and depression.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The cavalier King Charles spaniel exists to be close to their person, settling against them for hours and following them everywhere from room to room. They are quiet, adaptable, and don’t demand much beyond moderate walks and daily affection. Although they can be prone to separation anxiety, cavalier King Charles spaniels can be excellent dogs for anxiety and depression for people who also seek constant companionship.
Shih Tzu
Bred for a thousand years to do exactly one job, which is to keep their owner company, the shih tzu remains one of the best dog breeds for anxiety and depression. They want nothing more than to sit next to their owner and require minimal exercise and mental stimulation. Shih tzus are overall low-maintenance dogs, aside from their coat, that make excellent dogs for people struggling with anxiety and depression.
Best Dog Breeds for Anxiety and Depression: Medium Breeds
Medium breeds balance substance with manageability. They are big enough to hug, walk, and build a routine around, but not so large that they need a lot of space or cost as much as a large dog.
Cocker Spaniel
The cocker spaniel pairs a soft, affectionate nature with just enough liveliness to structure a day. They are fairly active dogs that can keep up with an active owner, as well as an owner who gets active only from time to time, which makes them adaptable in this regard. Cocker spaniels are gentle with children, eager to please, and famously devoted, making them great dogs for anxiety and depression, especially for people living in large families.
Corgi
The corgi is a charming dog for people whose anxiety and depression can benefit from an enthusiastic dog who bonds strongly with their loved ones. They bring a comic presence that lifts a household’s mood and alertness that keeps their person engaged with the world around them. However, the corgi’s herding heritage means that they need daily exercise and mental stimulation to thrive, which can actually be perfect distractions to get your mind off things.
Best Dog Breeds for Anxiety and Depression: Large Breeds
Large breeds offer weight, warmth, and steadiness in exchange for more space, food, and exercise, but there are breeds that can be therapeutic to own, which takes all the possible downsides away. Here are our top picks.
Golden Retriever
The golden retriever’s reputation as an emotional anchor is earned daily in thousands of households. They are highly social and friendly dogs that keep attuned to their owner’s feelings and often arrive at their side before the owner admits anything is wrong. They build routine naturally through their love for walks, playtime, and shared activity, serving people with depression and anxiety better than many other breeds.
Labrador Retriever
To round out our article, Labrador retrievers meet hard days with enthusiasm, and their cheerful attitude has real therapeutic value. They are steady rather than sensitive and resilient rather than delicate, which suits owners who want a mood-proof companion that doesn’t absorb the household’s stress. While these are beneficial, keeping their weight and activity in mind will ensure you make the right choice.
The Best Dog Breeds for Anxiety and Depression: Conclusion
While there are many breeds that can help with anxiety and depression, note that if your condition significantly affects your daily life, the right dog may qualify as an emotional support animal. This secures your ability to live together, even in no-pet housing, after obtaining an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.
Many of the breeds that help with anxiety and depression can also work as therapy dogs, which are animals that provide comfort to people in need. If you’re new to these dogs, as well as emotional support animals and service animals, we recommend reading this therapy dogs guide from US Service Animals. It can help you pick the right form of assistance for your anxiety and depression.
