The Best Service Dog for Apartments

Service dogs, though typically associated with golden or Labrador retrievers, can be any breed of dog. Larger dogs are usually considered for service because they can physically assist with tasks such as pulling wheelchairs. However, for those with limited space, plenty of smaller dogs make suitable and useful service dogs. No one breed stands out among the rest as being better suited for service as the majority of breeds can be trained to provide assistance.

Service Dogs for the Visually Impaired

• People who are visually impaired require assistance finding their way around. Though many people who are fully or partially blind can get around with the help of a cane, using a guide dog can help ensure safety while moving about. In an apartment, which lacks space for a high energy dog to run, smaller dogs work best. Good breeds to assist visually impaired owners include dachshunds, poodles, cocker spaniels and corgis.

Service Dogs for the Hearing Impaired

• The help provided by dogs used in this capacity include alerting owners when a telephone rings, when someone is knocking at the door or a fire alarm has gone off. Because the dog requires a keen sense of sound and must be a loyal companion, good breeds for small living quarters include miniature schnauzers, shih tzus, papillons and malteses.

Service Dogs for Mental Health

• Service dogs can be used to help people with psychological conditions such as agoraphobia, post traumatic stress disorder and autism. When used in this capacity, small breeds such as a Boston terrier, pomeranian or beagle work well for those living in an apartment. Service dogs used for helping patients live with mental conditions and socialization limitations should be loyal dogs, trained to serve as a constant companion and guide.

Companion Service Dogs

• Companion service dogs are used to help patients get through the routines associated with everyday living. For those living in an apartment, without a fenced in backyard area, breeds such as terriers, poodles and chihuahuas work well in providing companion care. Though smaller dogs cannot assist with pulling a wheelchair, for example, they can be trained to help patients remember to take medication and alert owners when danger is present.