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13 of the Best Dog Breeds for Autism

Updated on March 11, 2024

There are few bonds stronger than the relationship between a child and their dog, primarily when the four-legged companion serves as a security shield and trusted protector.


While most kids benefit significantly from growing up with a family dog, it has been proven to be even more beneficial for children with autism. In one study published by the national institute of health, researchers found that 67% of families with autistic children had dogs, and of that 67%, 94% of the parents reported their autistic children had formed a special bond with the dog.


If you’ve decided to add a dog to your family for your child, you may be wondering, “What breed of dog is best for autism?”


Here’s a list of the top 13 dog breeds for a child with autism:


Golden Retriever Dog Breed for Autism | AngelSense


Golden Retriever


No list of family-friendly dogs would be complete without the Golden Retriever. This traditional breed is a top choice for service dogs of any variety and families with special needs children, specifically for children with autism spectrum disorder. Their happy-go-lucky personality, combined with a constant need to please their owners, makes Golden Retrievers an excellent choice for families with an autistic child. Gentle, patient, loving, and loyal Golden’s have great personalities making them incredibly easy to train. This gentle breed has a calm temperament and decent intelligence, which is why they’re often trained as emotional support or therapy dogs. Simply put, if you’re looking for a forever friend who can have a significant impact on your child, look no further than the Golden Retriever.


Best Dog Breeds for Kids with Autism | AngelSense


Saint Bernard


Most may recognize this gentle giant from the 1992 Box-Office hit Beethoven, but for the purposes of this list, the Saint Bernard has made it to the top of our lineup for his disciplined demeanor. The Saint Bernard is exceedingly gentle despite its large size. Although this breed might have a bit of a stubborn nature, Saint Bernards are also patient, gentle, and sweet with small children, making them an excellent option for families with autistic children. These dogs are loyal and simple tasks are a breeze for them. Saint Bernards are well suited to work as therapy dogs, but due to their large size, it would be difficult for them to be service dogs full-time as they may unintentionally overpower a small child.


Top Dog Breeds for Autism | AngelSense


Labradoodle


Bred as a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador, the Labradoodle is a popular choice for families of children with autism. Since most breeds on this list may shed excessively, Labradoodles or Goldendoodles are great options for those who don’t want a lot of excess hair around the house. While Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic, they are allergy-friendly, boosting their appeal to families who have respiratory sensitivities. This playful pooch comes in all sizes and colors, and they are rarely a 50-50 split of each breed, commonly resembling one more than the other. Either way, Labradoodles make great family dogs and are easy to train because of their high levels of intelligence. Thanks to these favorable characteristics, they are also a popular choice for therapy dogs. If you do go for this breed, be sure to account for brushing time and grooming costs.


13 Dog Breeds for Autistic Children


Collie


Lassie, is that you!? This loyal breed is the quintessential family dog, and their innate intelligence, along with their eagerness to please make them easy to train as therapy dogs for autistic children. Mild-mannered, gentle, and good with kids, the Collie has been bred to be highly aware of human emotions, which is an important trait for parents considering a dog for a child on the spectrum. This elegant breed is naturally playful but will not wander off from their owners, making Collies the perfect match for newbie dog owners.



Best Dog Breeds for a Child with Autism | AngelSense


German Shepherd


If a protector is what you’re looking for, then a German Shepherd is the dog for your family. Highly regarded as one of the smartest canines, German Shepherds are usually the first choice when it comes to recruiting for military and private security. German Shepherds are generally very focused and do not get distracted easily. Because of this, they will listen to their owner intently and can handle complicated tasks. Although they are cautious with strangers, German Shepherds are gentle and loyal. They can easily keep up with a kid’s energetic nature or tone down as needed.


Big Dog Breeds Best for Autism | AngelSense


Bernese Mountain Dog


Bernese Mountain dogs are another great family-dog breed. Their combination of size, calm temperament, and intelligence makes them especially practical as companions for a child with ASD. Bernese Mountain dogs are both eager to please and easy to train, not to mention their heartwarming presence that could put a smile on anyone’s face. They love being of service, and they are pretty sensitive, which means they need plenty of love and affection. This exchange of love will help foster an even stronger bond between pup and kid. Unfortunately, the breed is known for drooling and heavy shedding, which some families may find off-putting. Both of these, however, are minor issues for such otherwise-awesome dogs.

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The Best Dogs for Autistic Children | AngelSense


Samoyed


The Samoyed is an intelligent dog that is easy to train and eager to please, making them the perfect companion for your entire family, especially for a child on the spectrum. Fluffy and fun-loving, the Samoyed is one of those breeds that always look like they’re smiling. Just know that they can be highly energetic, so daily exercise and rigorous training are both a must.


Autism Dog Breeds


Newfoundland


Believe it or not, this massive breed is another top choice for autistic children toy. They are very friendly and easy to train, not to mention incredibly intelligent. Despite their size and imposing look, Newfoundlands are one of the sweetest breeds on this list. While they may be large, Newfoundlands aren’t particularly active dogs, so only consider adopting one if your child is less-energetic. Usually used as therapy canines for children with mood disorders and autism, this breed’s long history of serving children with special needs is a major assurance to parents. This fluffy pooch deserves very serious consideration by parents of children with autism.


Dog Breeds for Autism | AngelSense


Beagle


While Beagles may not be ideal for all kids with autism spectrum disorder, they may be precisely what some other families need. Unlike the other gentle giants on this list, Beagles usually max out at about 30 pounds! Rarely intimidating to anyone, this compact breed will often greet every person they encounter with a wagging tail and smiling expression. They are playful, loving, and gentle but beagles can be pretty vocal dogs as well. Their barking may be irritating to some kids, so be sure to take that into account especially if your child has sound sensitivities. Beagles are also independent by nature, so training them can be a bit challenging. They are smart dogs, but they care less about doing your bidding and more about playing and doing their own thing.


Family Dogs for Kids with ASD | AngelSense


Staffordshire Bull Terrier


Staffordshire Bull Terriers may have a conflicting reputation, but they have proved to be docile, trustworthy, and loyal companions. Referred to as “nanny dogs,” these Terriers are naturally inclined to be gentle around small children. What better friend could any child ask for? With the proper training and care, these dogs can grow incredibly close and devoted to their families. Affectionate, playful, and outgoing, these protectors can be the perfect fit for kids with autism.


What Dogs are Good for Kids with ASD? | AngelSense


Poodle


Much like the Golden Retriever, Poodles have earned an impressive reputation as both therapy and service canines. Thanks to this breed’s keen intelligence, they can be taught to perform complex tasks when needed. These pint-sized pooches are smart and obedient to their owners. Poodles are also hypoallergenic, which makes them the perfect dog for families with members suffering from allergies. Due to their playful yet gentle ways, Poodles make for the ideal companions to autistic children. Empathetic by nature, poodles become attuned to their owners’ feelings and can sense negative emotions as they arise, making them the perfect emotional support dog. If you want a support dog for your kid who prefers a small and less furry breed, Poodles are your best bet.


Children with Autism & Dogs | AngelSense


Great Pyrenees


Good luck finding a more devoted dog than the Great Pyrenees. The Great Pyrenees is gentle but with the fiercest loyalty to their human companions. This behavior trait makes them an excellent match for kids with autism who need a guardian and a dependable companion. If properly trained, this breed can be a full-time service canine. Due to their high level of intelligence, this breed can easily be taught to answer commands and perform specific tasks. Keep in mind that the Great Pyrenees needs ample exercise each day and continuous training to ensure they are properly disciplined.


So What’s the Best Dog Breed for Autism?


It really depends on your family and child with autism. Although these service dog breeds for autism are some of the most reliable and tested canines when it comes to helping children with special needs, it doesn’t mean other dog breeds and mixes aren’t going to be a good match. Just make sure to do your research to find a dog with a good temperament, ability to be trained, and the right maintenance and energy level for your family. And remember, before allowing a dog in your home and around your child, it’s imperative to match your child’s personality to the dog you ultimately choose. So… Which breed stands out to you?


Maximum Safety for Autism with AngelSense


We all want to keep your children with autism as safe as possible. AngelSense GPS Tracker for Autism is designed by autism parents for autism parents with some of the most advanced safety features available in a GPS tracker. Only with AngelSense offers intelligent, lifesaving iAlerts that proactively let you know of potential danger. It is also the only GPS device with an assistive speakerphone and SOS button designed for those with special needs. In addition, all wearing options are non-removeable and sensory friendly.


Keep your child with autism safe with AngelSense!



9 Comments

  1. 2 Pets Made a Difference - cozy with autism October 18, 2020 at 6:22 am - Reply

    […] 13 Best Dog Breeds for Autism Children & Families …www.angelsense.com › blog › best-d… […]

  2. Sandra Rees-Bowen April 30, 2021 at 10:15 pm - Reply

    Really helpful list on the best breed for people with autism. Appreciate your warning at the end about
    a family’s need to research the dog breed/mix they are interested in. Too many people impulsively chose a dog for their special needs child without making certain it is the right fit for their family, then give up the dog later because it did not fit their family’s needs.

    Sandra ReesBowen@itissaid

  3. Geraldine Gray June 23, 2021 at 3:07 am - Reply

    I have a four year old that has autism and he loves dogs I am trying to see what I need to do to try to get him a dog he is a very emotional person and he is learning how to speak

  4. Blanca Lorwnz August 11, 2021 at 5:47 am - Reply

    Would love to talk to someone about getting a dog for my son that has speech apraxia and dealing with teenage hormones?

  5. Susan December 15, 2021 at 6:36 pm - Reply

    We have a mixed-breed Kangal from Turkey. (Kangals are very closely related to American “Anatolian Shepherd Dogs” here in the States.) We adopted her at 9 months old, and she is OUTSTANDING with my son. When he’s off his meds, he might pull at her ears, lay his head too hard on her stomach, trap her in his room, and she never does so much as make the slightest sound at him. In fact, I read one internet sources saying that Kangals are used as “Autism Dogs” in Turkey. I’d sure like to know more about that.

  6. Tina Johnson February 14, 2022 at 1:53 am - Reply

    Could you tell me the best place I can look for a service dog for my grandson he is 7

  7. hollie May 13, 2022 at 6:47 pm - Reply

    omg i have bad bad bad bad bad autism but my mum wont allow a theraphy dog even though i know it will help me loads.

  8. Diane June 30, 2022 at 1:09 am - Reply

    Thanks so much for the information I know have a couple of new breed to look at for my daughter

  9. Shaun Rose January 7, 2023 at 8:43 pm - Reply

    I’d like to add Havanese to this list!

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