The Right Breed For You
At Ability Dogs, we understand that the right service dog can make a world of difference. More than anything we want you and your dog to succeed and certify. While any young dog can potentially become a service dog, certain breeds tend to excel in these roles due to their temperament, intelligence, and adaptability. Let’s discuss.
Labs and Golden Retrievers
Chances are you have probably noticed that Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are often top choices for service dog programs. Everywhere you go around this planet you’ll find them in service dog vests. The fact is, these breeds tend to have the highest pass rates, and for good reason:
Temperament: Labs and Goldens are naturally friendly and eager to please. Their gentle demeanor makes them well-suited for working closely with people of all ages.
Intelligence: These breeds are highly intelligent, making them quick learners. The ability to understand and follow commands quickly is essential for service work.
Size: These dogs have a suitable size that allows them to perform a variety of tasks without being too small or overly large. Their strength and height makes them versatile for different types of service work and easily manageable by handlers of various ages and abilities.
Attentiveness: Labs and Goldens strike a perfect balance of being attentive and codependent without being overly needy or protective. They stay focused on their handlers and tasks, providing reliable support without unnecessary distraction, but tend to not show aggressive or protective traits that can distract from their tasks.
Adaptability: These dogs are highly adaptable, thriving in various environments and situations. If you get a service dog you will take it everywhere you go. A dog with versatility is crucial for assisting individuals with diverse needs.
Love the Dog You’re With?
With respect to Labs and Goldens, the dog you already have might be the right dog for you. While we work with a lot of the dogs mentioned above, we believe in the potential of ALL breeds, shapes, and sizes. When you visit our group classes you’ll see a very wide variety of dogs working closely with their handlers. If you have a dog 3 years of age or younger, let us know. Your relationship with your dog is a big factor in its success. Our experienced trainers will assess their suitability for service work based on their temperament, behavior, and overall health.
Tips For Finding the Right Dog
If you are considering a puppy to train as a service dog, Labs and Golden Retrievers (surprise!) are excellent choices. Whether you go that route, or pick your own breed, we can give you some suggestions. When looking for a puppy it is important to do your homework and know the general characteristics of the breed you’re interested in. Here’s what you’ll want to research:
Trainability - the AKC is a great resource. You want to be sure your dog will learn quickly.
Size - if you have mobility issues this is especially important.
Temperament - highly important, as service dogs need to be calm in all scenarios. Some of the smartest dogs (e.g. Border Collies) sometimes don’t have the demeanor needed to be a service animal.
Health - Be aware of health concerns. Certain breeds are predisposed to specific issues. For instance, large breeds are often at risk of hip or elbow dysplasia. Dobermans are sometimes at risk of bleeding disorders. Each breed is a little different. The key is to find a dog that isn’t likely to have a condition that will limit its ability to help you.
Breeders - Be sure to ask your breeder if they have tested both sire (male) and dam (female) for these issues. They should have written results from a veterinarian. If the puppies are born, can you visit? The mother should be in the same room as her puppies. If not, that’s a bad sign. Look for how clean the facility is, and for mental stimulation for the puppies (e.g. toys).
Rescue Centers - We love rescues! If you go this route, look for a very young dog and find out as much about it as possible. Was it a stray? Surrendered? Does it have a history of biting? Then see how it responds to you, a stranger. Can it be handled without being afraid? Is it eager to make eye contact and interact? Turning a rescue into a service dog is a bit more complicated but with the right temperament they can be fantastic.
Let Us Help!
Our team at Ability Dogs of Arizona is dedicated to helping you find the right service dog. Whether you're evaluating your current dog or seeking a new puppy, we provide expert advice and support every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in finding or training the perfect service dog to meet your needs.