Choosing the right service dog breed or mix is an important decision. While any breed can potentially be trained as a service dog, some breeds are more commonly chosen due to their temperament and trainability.
Popular Breeds: The “fab 4” is something you’ll hear a lot, but is a bit of a misnomer, as everyone agrees the first 3 are labs, golden retrievers, and poodles, but there’s no definitive fourth breed. Some will say collies, others will say German shepherd, and you might hear a few other breeds too. Personally, for me, #4 is doodles. That may ruffle some feathers, but retriever mixes are one of the most successful service dogs (advice on how to find a GOOD ETHICAL poodle mix coming soon!)
Off Breeds: Any breed can be a service dog, but some less common choices are more intense herding dogs, various mixes, companion breeds, or just about anything else!
People may choose an off-breed for various reasons, such as:
Size: Smaller breeds may be suitable for people who need a service dog for tasks that don’t require a lot of strength and need something they can pick up. Larger dogs may be needed for mobility jobs.
Specific needs: Certain breeds may have traits suited for particular tasks. A retriever for item retrieval, a Bernese Mountain Dog to help pull a wheelchair, a handler sensitive dog for alerts, etc.
Availability: Mixed breed dogs from shelters and resucues may be more readily available than purebred dogs. Some purebreds may be more accessible than others.
However, there are also some downsides to consider when choosing an off-breed:
Wash Rate: Dogs that don’t meet the temperament or training requirements for service work are sometimes referred to as “washouts.” Off breeds have a higher wash rate than popular breeds. Popular breeds are popular for a reason, but may not work for everyone.
Public Attention: Unusual breeds may attract more attention in public, which can be disruptive for some handlers. If you have high social anxiety, an off breed (or service dog in general) may do more harm than good.
Unintended Consequences: Id say the most common unintended consequence is people getting a handler sensitive dog, just to turn the dog into a mess because it’s taking on a lot of it’s owners anxiety. Ensure the dogs traits are not contradictory to your needs.
Ultimately, the best service dog breed is the one that best meets the handler’s individual needs and lifestyle. Consider factors such as the size and strength required for the service tasks, the dog’s temperament and trainability, and your own preferences. Have a plan for if the dog doesn’t work out. My current service dog is an off breed, but I was perfectly fine if he didn’t work out, as he was what I wanted regardless, but was likely to do well.
