When you’re looking for the perfect service dog or emotional support animal (ESA) breed, there are plenty of factors to consider. You need to consider their temperament, size, and care needs, as well as whether they can comfortably live in your home. However, one often overlooked factor is a breed’s health.
Health is especially important if you’re considering a dog for ESA purposes. Ill health isn’t just a costly expense; it can be incredibly distressing emotionally and exacerbate your disability’s symptoms. This can ultimately prevent your ESA dog from serving the very purpose you brought them into your life for: therapeutic relief.
While no breed is immune to sickness, choosing a breed that is less susceptible to health issues gives you the best chance of having an assistance animal who will lead a long life by your side.
The 5 Healthiest Dog Breeds
No one wants to say goodbye to their canine companion early, especially if they rely on them for emotional support. Read on to learn more about the healthiest dog breeds around. We’ll discuss their lifespans, susceptibility to health issues, and most importantly, why they’re also well-equipped for ESA or service dog work.
1. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian cattle dog isn’t just famous for their prowess at herding cattle (and our hearts); they’re also widely regarded as one of the hardiest breeds in the world.
Though they have an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years, many Australian cattle dogs have been known to live for much longer than this. In fact, the longest-living dog in the world was an Australian cattle dog known as “Bluey,” who lived for 29 years and 5 months.
Australian cattle dogs are still prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hip dysplasia, but both conditions can be screened for with appropriate genetic testing.
Even when these health issues do crop up, they’re relatively easy to manage and rarely affect the cattle dog’s overall lifespan. PRA is painless, and most dogs adapt well to the vision loss, while hip dysplasia can often be managed with lifestyle changes and physical therapy.
Australian cattle dogs can also make fantastic emotional support animals because they’re devoted, intelligent, and affectionate with their loved ones. However, they are work-oriented and have high energy levels. They’re best suited to people who are active and gain therapeutic benefits from exercise.
2. Border Collie
Working breeds have been selectively bred to be robust, so it’s no surprise that the next breed on our list is another famous working dog: the border collie.
The border collie has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They can be prone to certain eye issues (e.g., collie eye anomaly) and joint problems, but again, proper care and early screening can help reduce the chances of them developing these issues later in life.
Just like the Australian cattle dog, the border collie fares best with an active owner. They are also adaptable, confident, and friendly with everyone; all qualities that can help their owner feel secure and at ease.
The border collie is an especially good ESA or service dog for those who value trainability. They are widely regarded as the smartest dog breed in the world, and are able to pick up practically any command effortlessly, whether basic obedience or advanced agility tricks.
Training a dog can also give you a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment. The border collie’s receptiveness can make this all the more rewarding (and therapeutic).
3. Poodle
The poodle has an average life expectancy of 10 to 18 years. They come in three sizes: Toy, miniature, and standard. Toy and miniature poodles tend to live longer than standard poodles, but all sizes are robust and easy to care for.
Considering this, you’ll want to pick the size that best accommodates your lifestyle and space. Toy and miniature poodles are ideal for those who prefer an apartment-friendly companion. Standard poodles are better suited to people who want a hiking partner.
Poodles can be susceptible to bloat due to their deep chests, especially standard varieties. However, bloat is rare, and measures can be taken to reduce the risk. This includes avoiding feeding them immediately after strenuous exercise.
Besides their robustness, poodles have plenty of other qualities that make them well-suited to ESA or service dog work. In fact, they’re one of the most popular service dog breeds! Poodles are intelligent, extremely affectionate, and people-oriented. They are also able to adapt well to changes in routine and life circumstances, so they’re a particularly great ESA for those who have an inconsistent schedule.
The poodle’s curly coat does need regular upkeep, but its low shedding frequency may make them easier on people with allergies. Just make sure to meet them in person first to see if you have any allergic reactions.
4. Papillon
The papillon may get their name after the French word for “butterfly,” but their physique certainly isn’t delicate by any means. They’re tough, healthy, and surprisingly athletic considering their small stature.
Most papillons live for 14 to 16 years on average. They often escape most serious health issues, but, like any dog, they’ll still need regular vet checkups and a nutrient-rich diet to thrive.
Papillons also need to be treated with care and respect, especially during puppyhood. While generally hardy, their small size means they can get injured from boisterous play or rough handling.
As a service dog or ESA, the papillon provides therapeutic support through their larger-than-life personality. Their admirable confidence can provide security, comfort, and reassurance. It can also help ease hypervigilance, especially since the papillon often navigates unfamiliar settings as comfortably as it does at home.
The papillon is also extremely affectionate and will instinctively comfort their owner through licks and hugs when they sense that they’re down.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahua have been known to live for more than 20 years. While your pup may not quite reach that age, you can certainly expect them to still live for a long time. The average life expectancy for the Chihuahua is between 14 and 16 years.
Much like the papillon, the Chihuahua is surprisingly tough for its small size. They are also well-equipped to handle various lifestyles, homes, and climates, making them great for taking in public. They can even tolerate hot weather, provided you give them access to fresh water and shade.
The Chihuahua can be a great assistance animal breed for those who appreciate an energetic yet manageable-sized companion. They are loving, protective, and loyal at heart. Their fiesty, playful escapades can even help distract their owner from intrusive thoughts. Plus, their short coat is easy to maintain.
That said, Chihuahuas aren’t for everyone. They tend to have a stubborn streak, so they need an owner who is prepared to put time into their training. They can also be more vigilant around strangers than other breeds. This cautiousness may exacerbate certain mental health conditions rather than ease symptoms (e.g, post-traumatic stress disorder).
If you struggle with hypervigilance or anxiety, a breed like the poodle or papillon may be better suited.
Helping Your ESA or Service Dog Lead a Long Life
While the breeds above are generally robust and susceptible to fewer health issues than other breeds, that doesn’t mean their health requires any less attention. You still need to ensure you give them the care they need to thrive.
Some measures you can take to help your dog lead a long life include:
- Feed them a high-quality diet that is specifically formulated for their needs and size
- Take them to regular vet checkups
- Exercise them, play with them, and train them daily
- Monitor their behavior and appearance for any abnormal changes
- Puppy-proof your home to keep them safe and to prevent accidents
- Buy pet insurance to ensure you can cover the cost of health issues if they crop up
- Groom their coat and clean their ears regularly to prevent ear infections
If you’re looking to buy a puppy, work with a responsible breeder who prioritizes their puppies’ well-being and screens for breed-related genetic conditions.
The Healthiest Dog Breeds: Finding Your Perfect Companion
Any dog can become an ESA. However, choosing a healthy breed makes for a reliable ESA who can be by your side for years to come. The breeds above can all be great choices, though the best fit will ultimately depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and home.
Papillons can be good choices for those who live in apartments, for instance, while Australian cattle dogs are ideal for active people who find therapeutic relief from exercise.
Once you’ve got your heart set on a breed, the next step is to speak to a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) to discuss the ESA process and whether you’re eligible. Here at Emotional Support Animals, we facilitate telehealth consultations with LMHPs and can provide additional guidance and legal advice. Give us a call or contact us via email to learn more about how we can help.