How to Select a Breed for a Service Dog

Choosing the right dog to bring into your home as a pet can be difficult enough, but choosing a dog that you will rely on as a service dog is even more complex. On top of ensuring that the dog will fit your personality, it also needs to be highly trainable and able to perform certain tasks.

Instructions

Make a Preliminary List Based on Breed Abilities

• 1

  Make a list of all of the functions that you want the dog to be able to perform.
  This list should include both physical tasks related to both physical disabilities and mental health issues that you may be trying to address. For example, the dog may need to provide physical assistance by fetching items for the handler, but may also need to provide a calming effect for the handler.

• 2

  Go over the list from with your doctor or health care provider. They may be able to suggest tasks that you forgot about or did not realize that a service dog could provide.

• 3

  Develop a preliminary list of dogs that you believe could perform all or most of the tasks on your list. You may find that you have to prioritize your list, especially if there are many tasks on it. A few things to keep in mind when making this list are the size and strength of the breed as well as the temperament and alertness, or any other trait that relates to the specific tasks on your list.

• 4

  Bring both lists, the one with your tasks and the list of breeds to a dog expert to look over and provide input and feedback. This may be a dog trainer, a veterinarian or a breeder involved in your local American Kennel Club (AKC) chapter.

Narrowing your List

• 5

  Consider your personal finances. Some dogs are more expensive to care for than others. Ask yourself questions about care for the dog. Will the dog require professional grooming services? What health issues are associated with this breed? How much food does this dog typically consume? If you find any issues that would keep you from being able to afford a dog on your list, cross them off of the list.

• 6

  Compare your physical abilities with the needs of the dog. Regardless of the size of the dog, different breeds have different activity levels, and the more active the dog the more you need to be able to exercise them. Again, any dogs that do not meet your capabilities should be removed from your list.

• 7

  Think about your personal preferences in a dog, especially if there are still several dog breeds left on the list. You should think about the things that you would want from a dog if your only goal was to have a pet. Does the dog shed? Is the breed attractive? Does the breed temperament match your personality?

• 8

  Look at the breeds that are now left on the list and talk to experts on those particular breeds. Find a highly qualified breeder through the AKC or talk to a trainer that specifically works with service dogs. These people will help guide you to your final decision.