during the pandemic but also after. All over the world many people have decided to adopt a dog to have company in the darkest moments of Covid, and beyond. But many, too many, have also understood that that dog was not for them. Given that a little awareness of what it means to welcome a four-legged home is necessary in any case, the choice to adopt must also be calibrated on the basis of availability of your home and your specific wishes. Especially, if you choose to adopt a purebred dog: there are as many as 221 to choose from, in addition to the many infinite intersections. And not all of them are equally suited to living with a family. Much depends, for example, on the space available: if it is little, choosing a small dog is a must. And the goal is to find one dog that can support psychological well-being? Here are the most loving and empathetic dog breeds.
The 10 most affectionate and empathetic dog breeds
Dogs, science says, know how to smell our stress. Some breeds are particularly good at providing emotional support to their owners. Basically, they are also the most suitable for pet therapy.
There are small ones, perfect even when there is little space at home or the owner is an elderly person. And older ones, ideal if part of their job is to release anxiety together with their owner with nice and long walks. Here are the 10 most loving and empathetic dog breeds, according to theAmerican Kennel Clubthe largest purebred dog registry in the world.
The little ones, from Chihuahuas to Yorkshire terriers
1. Chihuahuas
Small dog but capable of providing emotional support at home and in most social contexts, the Chihuahua needs little space and relatively little exercise, so they are also perfect for people with limited mobility.
2. Yorkshire terriers
Hard to beat the Yorkshire Terrier in ability to express affection, especially among the mini dog breeds. For their size, Yorkies also make excellent traveling companions, and this makes them excellent mobile anxiolytics.
Labrador and Border Collie, the most famous
3. Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador Retriever is among the most affectionate dog breeds thanks to its innate ability to perceive the owner’s state of well-being. He is kind, friendly and eager to please. His cousin the Golden Retriever is also a wonderful pet therapy dog
4. Border collies
One of the smartest dog breeds, the Border Collie has honed its ability to sense and respond to cues from the sheep it has to tend. In the same way he senses when something is wrong in his human family, and knows how to quickly offer comfort in the form of… affection
Cocker and Corgi, for seniors, children and people with disabilities
5. Cocker Spaniels
Particularly used for pet therapy with children with mental health problems, the Cocker Spaniel is a sweet and present companion, with long, silky and… therapeutic fur
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Obedient and loyal, but not particularly demanding, Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgis are perfect companion dogs for nursing home residents and people with disabilities. They will stick to their owners like glue, always at their feet to provide support when needed
Anti-stress dogs, to be adopted for emotional support
7. Newfoundland
Gentle and easy-going, the huge and cuddly Newfoundland is a calming breed that can bring comfort to any stressful situation.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is nicknamed “the comforter spaniel” due to its habit of curling up on its owner’s lap. For hours and hours. He is an affectionate, sporty and undemanding family dog, friendly to everyone. From sensitive children to the most active seniors. He lives without problems with other pets
Affectionate and active, German Shepherd and Beagle
8. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are champions at everything from drug detection to crowd control, but they’re also highly emotionally intelligent and eager to please. They are particularly well suited as emotional support animals in public spaces
10. Beagles
The amiable nature of the Beagle makes this one of the most affectionate dog breeds and suitable for emotional support of owners in a bit of difficulty. He’s also very versatile: equally happy to run outside or snuggle inside, he’s loyal and affectionate
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