English cream golden retrievers“Though the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t technically consider English cream golden retrievers a separate breed from the rest of the golden retrievers, this group—often featured among service dogs for veterans—is generally recognized by its lighter, creamy-colored coat and gentle disposition.”
Since it is National Pet Week (May 4 – 10), we want to shine a spotlight on an important topic: the best dog breeds for service work. Specifically in supporting Veterans dealing with PTSD. Service dog breeds helping veterans are not just companions. They can be life-changing for those who have bravely served our country, helping them reclaim their independence and confidence.
Jarod Walker, the Executive Director of Training Operations at Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB). It is dedicated to training dogs that provide essential support to Veterans. His insights on breeds that excel as service dogs will be invaluable. NWBB collaborates with various breeds, each chosen for their unique temperaments that empower them to assist and connect with their Veteran handlers effectively.
While Jarod typically prefers four types of dog breeds for their natural characteristics, the breed isn’t everything, he says. He also considers the social perception of dog breeds, individual personalities, and each dog’s compatibility with a particular Veteran.
The importance of breed when choosing a service dog
“Breed plays a very important role in service dog work for multiple reasons,” Walker said. Over the years, people have bred dogs for specific jobs, such as herding, guarding livestock, hunting, and protecting. Some of these work-oriented characteristics can help make a breed one of the best breeds of service dogs for Veterans.
There are exceptions to every rule, of course. But he said that quality-bred dogs genetically inclined for service work can make the process of training and maintaining performance much easier. Choosing the right breed for a PTSD service dog can help streamline the training process.
Best breeds of service dogs for Veterans:
“We have used many different breeds over the years, bBut these are the breeds we have chosen to implement in our own breeding program, as well as working with reputable breeders,” said Walker.
English Cream Golden Retriever
Though the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t technically consider English cream golden retrievers a separate breed from the rest of the golden retrievers, people generally recognize this group by its lighter, creamy-colored coat and gentle disposition.”
English Labrador Retriever
The American Kennel Club has recognized Labrador retrievers as a breed since 1917. Labs are known for active, friendly, and outgoing dispositions. Compared to their American cousins, English Labs are typically shorter and stockier, known for their calm temperament.
Labradoodle
Since Labradoodles are a mixed breed, they’re not officially recognized by the AKC. A mix of Labrador retrievers and poodles, these hypoallergenic dogs are known for being active, easygoing, and friendly, making them one of the best breeds of service dogs for Veterans.
Australian Labradoodle
Like the standard labradoodle, the Australian labradoodle is bred from purebred Labrador retrievers and poodles, with the addition of cocker spaniel. Like labradoodles, Australian labradoodle coats are low- to no-shed, making them a good choice for Veterans with allergies. They’re known for being naturally friendly and easily trained.
“We do train a variety of other breeds as well as mixes, but those are generally on a case-by-case basis,” Walker said.
Any PTSD service dog should have a social, confident, and teachable temperament, he said. Those characteristics are reflected in the breeds NWBB most commonly works with.
Other considerations for Veterans when choosing a PTSD service dog:
Social stigma
“One of the elements few people talk about is the impression on the public,” Walker said. While German shepherd dogs and pit bulls are great breeds, he said, they can come with some social stigma.
“Many of these Veterans we serve already feel like they have a spotlight on them and want to avoid confrontation,” he said. The friendly face of a golden retriever or Lab can help with that.
Compatibility
When choosing a PTSD service dog, breed plays a big role. But considering personality (of both the PTSD service dog and the Veteran) is just as important.
“Finding the right energy level and temperament is what I consider most when pairing our dogs with Veterans with PTSD,” Walker said. Someone older, with lower activity levels will do better with a lower energy dog that’s happy to snuggle all day, compared to an active person with a lot of high-energy hobbies, who would do best with a high-energy dog, he pointed out.
Walker and his team review applications from Veterans in the upcoming class, pairing dogs and Veterans based on lifestyle, job, living arrangements, energy level, and other factors. Then he leads the five-week Veteran training program, where service animals and their handlers bond and train together.
“All of our dogs task and mitigate the Veteran’s disabilities. But it’s very important that we pair the right dog with the right Veteran so they thrive,” said Walker. “The Veteran in my first example with the dog from my second example would struggle. Would it be doable? Very likely yes, but the synergy isn’t there. We want the relationship to be a cohesive exchange between the Veteran and the dog that promotes a better quality of life for both the Veteran and the dog.”
