Best Breeds for Service Dogs: Essential Traits and New Breed Trends

In an evolving service dog industry, the demand for non-traditional breeds is rising. For decades, the service dog community has leaned heavily on a few classic breeds, like the Golden Retriever and Poodle, due to their proven temperament and trainability. However, the growing recognition of individual dog traits over breed stereotypes is paving the way for a more personalized and effective approach to service dog selection.

What are Service Dogs?

A service dog is a specially trained dog that performs specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate daily life with greater independence. These tasks can include guiding visually impaired individuals, alerting deaf individuals to sounds, providing mobility assistance, detecting seizures, or offering support for those with psychiatric or emotional conditions. Service dogs are highly skilled and are protected by laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which grants them access to public places where pets are not typically allowed. Service dogs are also trained to assist individuals with disabilities other than blindness or deafness, and are capable of performing a wide variety of tasks including but not limited to pulling a wheelchair, bracing, retrieving, and alerting to a medical crisis.

The Evolution of the Service Dog Industry

Traditional service dogs have long been invaluable companions to individuals with disabilities, enhancing daily life by performing complex tasks. But today, the industry is experiencing a shift. Dog enthusiasts, service dog trainers, and canine health professionals are beginning to explore lesser-known breeds, recognizing that exceptional service dog traits can be found beyond conventional choices.

Expanding Service Dog Breeds

Several lesser-known breeds are making waves in the service dog community, challenging the status quo, and providing exceptional assistance to those in need. By focusing on individual traits rather than breed stereotypes, more dogs are allowed to shine.

The Golden Mountain Doodle and Bernedoodle are two breeds that are gaining attention for their exceptional qualities and versatility.

The Golden Mountain Doodle combines the intelligence and adaptability of the Golden Retriever with the sturdiness and calm demeanor of the Bernese Mountain Dog. This hybrid is known for its friendly and gentle nature, making it an excellent choice for service work. Their hypoallergenic coats are a significant advantage for individuals with allergies, providing a comfortable option for those needing a supportive companion.

Similarly, the Bernedoodle, which blends the Bernese Mountain Dog’s affectionate and loyal traits with the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat, is proving to be an outstanding service animal. The Bernedoodle's high energy and eagerness to please make it well-suited for a variety of tasks, from mobility assistance to emotional support.

Both breeds are becoming increasingly popular due to their adaptability, trainability, and the added benefit of their hypoallergenic coats, making them ideal candidates for service roles.

The Evolving Roles of Canine Workers

Dogs have long been integral to various aspects of human life, initially bred for specific tasks and now fulfilling a range of important roles. The American Kennel Club (AKC®) highlights how dogs have transitioned from traditional jobs to modern-day roles, demonstrating their invaluable contributions both as pets and working animals.

Types of Service Dogs and Their Roles:

Guide Dogs assist individuals with vision impairments.
Mobility Dogs help with physical tasks like retrieving items, opening doors, and aiding in mobility and balance.
Hearing Dogs alert those with hearing loss to important sounds such as alarms or doorbells.
Medical Alert Dogs notify handlers of medical conditions like seizures or diabetic emergencies.
Autism Service Dogs support individuals with autism by providing stability and reducing challenging behaviors.
Psychiatric Service Dogs aid those with mental health conditions, including anxiety or PTSD, by offering constant companionship and assistance.

Examples of Working Dogs:

Borzois, originally hunters, now serve as psychiatric assistance dogs due to their intelligence and independence.
Labrador Retrievers, once used for fishing and hunting, now work as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and in narcotics detection.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, bred as companions, excel in therapy work with their gentle nature.
Beagles, known for tracking, are now used as narcotics detectors and bed bug sniffers.

Top Detection Jobs for Working Dogs:

Bed Bug Detection: Dogs are trained to locate bed bugs with their superior sense of smell. Common breeds for this task include Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, and Belgian Malinois.
Search and Rescue: Dogs aid in locating missing persons or victims in disasters. Breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are favored for their tracking abilities and resilience.
Explosives Detection: Dogs assist in identifying explosives for safety. Breeds such as German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are highly effective in this role.
Cancer Detection: Labrador Retrievers have been trained to detect cancerous cells by smelling breath samples, showcasing their remarkable olfactory skills.
Allergy Alert Dogs: Dogs trained to detect allergens like peanuts help prevent life-threatening reactions. Breeds used include Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Portuguese Water Dogs.

In summary, dogs continue to evolve in their roles, from traditional tasks to specialized work that enhances human safety, health, and well-being. Their ability to adapt and excel in various capacities underscores their invaluable role as both companions and crucial members of the workforce.

Beyond Breed Stereotypes: Focusing on Individual Traits

The shift toward valuing individual dog traits marks a significant evolution in the service dog industry. It emphasizes the importance of understanding each dog's unique characteristics and matching them with the specific needs of their handler.

Key Traits for Service Dogs

Regardless of breed, certain traits are vital for successful service work:

Intelligence: Dogs must learn and recall complex tasks to assist their handlers effectively.
Calm Disposition: A service dog must remain composed in various public environments, staying focused on their job without becoming distracted or anxious.
Reliability and Attentiveness: Consistency and a strong work ethic are crucial, ensuring the dog performs tasks reliably and responds to commands appropriately.
Willingness to Bond: A strong bond between the service dog and handler is essential for effective teamwork and protection.
Eagerness to Please: Dogs that enjoy learning and are motivated to please their owners are easier to train and maintain enthusiasm for their work. The drive for food makes the task more manageable.

Designer Dog Breeds and Service Needs

Designer dog breeds, often hybrids of popular breeds, are also finding their place in the service dog world. These dogs combine the best traits of their parent breeds, offering unique solutions for specific service needs.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that designer dogs are simply fashionable pets. In reality, their hybrid nature can provide genetic diversity, potentially reducing health issues and enhancing specific traits beneficial for service work.

For example, the Goldendoodle, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, possesses the intelligence and trainability of both parent breeds. With a hypoallergenic coat, they’re ideal for handlers with allergies, and their friendly demeanor makes them well-suited for psychiatric support roles.

Selecting Quality Service Dogs: Morphological and Health Considerations

Service dogs play vital roles in assisting individuals with various disabilities, such as mobility, vision, hearing, and psychiatric support. However, there is a significant gap between the demand and supply of well-trained service dogs, with training taking up to 18 months and costing between $10,000 and $20,000. Only about 50% of dogs in training programs meet the stringent requirements to become service dogs, often due to hereditary health issues or behavioral problems. Careful breeding and selection of dogs based on health and behavioral traits can help increase the availability of service dogs.

A study by the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, published in "Frontiers in Veterinary Science," confirms that mixed-breed dogs are generally healthier than purebreds. The research shows no significant difference in the rate of common health problems between the two groups, highlighting that the genetic diversity in mixed breeds provides greater protection against many hereditary conditions prevalent in purebreds. While some purebreds are more prone to breed-specific diseases, mixed breeds tend to have fewer overall health issues, debunking the myth that purebreds are always healthier.

Morphological and Health Considerations

Service dogs must possess specific physical and behavioral traits suited to their roles. Common breeds used include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Collies, and Cocker Spaniels, each known for their temperament, size, and specific abilities that make them ideal for various service tasks. Size and strength are crucial for dogs assisting with mobility, while smaller breeds may suffice for other tasks, such as hearing assistance.

Breeding for service work must also consider the genetic health of the dogs. Over 500 genetic diseases are documented in purebred dogs, including hip and elbow dysplasia, congenital heart disease, and cancers, which can significantly impact a service dog’s ability to perform their duties. These conditions are influenced by both genetics and environmental factors, highlighting the importance of careful breeding practices to minimize health risks.

Key Health Concerns by Breed

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Common in large breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds, these conditions affect joint health and can lead to pain and reduced mobility.
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): CHD affects breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, potentially limiting their ability to handle physical stress.
Cancer: Golden Retrievers, in particular, have a high incidence of cancer, which often develops later in life and can be challenging to screen for before breeding.

Choosing a crossbreed or hybrid known for its health advantages is an excellent approach when seeking a robust and reliable dog. Focusing on both physical and behavioral health in the breeding process is crucial, especially for dogs that serve vital roles, such as service dogs. Intentional crossbreeding can enhance overall health and reduce the prevalence of genetic issues, resulting in dogs that are not only healthier but also more adaptable and reliable. This careful breeding approach helps increase the availability of dependable service dogs while reducing the long-term costs associated with healthcare and training, making these invaluable companions more accessible to those in need.

Practical Advice for Selecting a Service Dog

When selecting a service dog, consider both the breed and the individual dog’s temperament, intelligence, and health. Here are a few steps to guide you:

Assess Your Needs: Determine the specific tasks your service dog will need to perform and any personal preferences you may have, such as size or coat type.
Evaluate Potential Breeds: Research different breeds and their typical traits. Consider both traditional and non-traditional options, focusing on those that align with your needs.
Meet the Dogs: Spend time with potential service dogs to assess their temperament and compatibility with you. Look for signs of intelligence, calmness, and eagerness to engage.
Consult Professionals: Work with experienced trainers who can provide insights into individual dogs and tailor training programs to suit your requirements.
Consider Health Factors: Ensure the dog is in good health and free from genetic conditions that could impact their ability to perform.

Best Service Dog Breeds: Insights from a UMass Chan Study on Canine Behavior

A recent study by UMass Chan Medical School, led by Elinor Karlsson, PhD, suggests that behavioral traits in dogs are only slightly influenced by breed. Published in Science, the study analyzed over 2,000 purebred and mixed-breed dogs using genome-wide association studies and pet-owner surveys. Surprisingly, the research found that breed-specific behavior, such as friendliness in golden retrievers, is not a reliable predictor of personality traits.

Karlsson and her team examined the genetic data from canine DNA samples and over 18,000 owner surveys. They identified 11 genetic regions linked to behavior, but none were breed-specific. This challenges the common belief that certain breeds have distinct temperaments or behavioral traits, such as herding, guarding, or trainability.

The study highlights that factors like life experiences and multiple genetic influences shape a dog’s behavior more than its breed. While certain behaviors, such as toy play, are more likely influenced by age rather than breed, physical traits like coat color were much more reliably predicted by breed.

In summary, the study concludes that while breed can play a minor role in behavior, it is not a strong predictor. For prospective service dog owners, this means that temperament and personality traits should be assessed on an individual basis rather than solely by breed, emphasizing the importance of training and environment over breed-specific expectations.

The Importance of Puppy Testing for Future Service Dogs

Selecting the right puppy for service work goes beyond just finding a friendly, adorable companion; it’s about identifying the specific traits and temperament that make a puppy suitable for the demanding role of a service dog. At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, our commitment to responsible breeding and thorough evaluation of each puppy is integral to this process. Using our specialized puppy testing methods, including BAB Puppy Evaluations and the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, we can pinpoint the most promising candidates for service work. Here's why this testing is crucial for those looking to adopt a future service dog:

Why Puppy Testing Matters for Service Dog Candidates

Identifying Ideal Temperament and Behavior Traits
Service dogs need to possess a balanced temperament, including confidence, focus, resilience, and the ability to handle stress. Our testing evaluates key traits such as assertiveness, confidence, nerve strength, and touch tolerance to ensure the puppy can thrive in various situations. For example, a service dog must remain calm in chaotic environments, be resilient under pressure, and be responsive to their handler’s needs. Puppies that exhibit these characteristics during testing are more likely to excel in service roles.
Confidence in New Environments
Service dogs are often required to work in unfamiliar or busy environments. Our testing includes observing a puppy's reaction to new surroundings, gauging their confidence and curiosity. Puppies that approach new environments with enthusiasm and minimal stress are excellent candidates for service work, as they are less likely to be overwhelmed by new or crowded places.
Assessing Nerve Strength and Resilience
Nerve strength is critical for service dogs, who must remain composed under stress. During testing, we evaluate how puppies handle unexpected stimuli such as loud noises or sudden movements. Puppies that quickly recover from startled responses and maintain a calm demeanor are more suited to the unpredictable nature of service work.
Motivational Drive and Human Focus
A service dog must be motivated to work alongside their handler, eager to please, and attentive to commands. Our evaluations test the puppy’s willingness to engage with humans, perform tasks, and follow instructions. High scores in these areas indicate that the puppy has the drive needed to undergo extensive training and perform tasks reliably in service roles.
Sensitivity to Touch and Sound
Touch sensitivity testing helps identify puppies comfortable with physical contact—essential for tasks like guiding or retrieving items. Similarly, assessing sound sensitivity ensures the puppy can handle sudden noises without panic, an important quality for service dogs working in public spaces.
Tenderhearted Nature and Emotional Resilience
For those needing emotional or psychiatric service dogs, the puppy's response to human emotions is critical. Our evaluations identify puppies that are tenderhearted yet resilient—dogs that can provide comfort without becoming overwhelmed by their handler’s emotional state. These dogs offer companionship while maintaining the stability required for service work.
Reducing Training Risks and Costs
Investing in the right puppy from the start reduces the risk of training setbacks or mismatches. By selecting puppies that naturally exhibit service-oriented traits, you can ensure that your investment in training yields a reliable service dog. This targeted approach saves time, money, and the emotional toll of rehoming a dog unsuited for service work.

Testing in Action: The Stokeshire Difference

Our testing protocols involve evaluating each puppy in a controlled environment and observing their responses to various tasks and stimuli. We look at everything from their social attraction to their ability to handle restraint, all scored to match the right puppy to the right home.

Testing puppies at the ideal age of 49 days allows us to make accurate assessments of their adult behavior, giving prospective owners the confidence that their puppy is well-suited for service work. At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, our dedication to thorough testing and evaluation means you can trust that your future service dog has the foundation needed for success.

Choosing a puppy with the right temperament is the first step toward building a lifelong partnership with a reliable, capable service dog. Through our rigorous testing process, we help guide you to the perfect match, ensuring your puppy has the traits necessary to excel as a service or therapy animal.

How to Get a Service Dog

Determine Your Eligibility: You must have a disability that significantly impacts your daily life. Common conditions include physical disabilities, visual or hearing impairments, epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.
Consult with a Professional: Talk to your healthcare provider about your need for a service dog and obtain documentation supporting your condition and how a service dog would benefit you.
Choose the Right Organization: Look for reputable organizations that train service dogs, such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited groups. You can also work with private trainers who specialize in training service dogs for specific tasks.
Apply for a Service Dog: Complete an application with your chosen organization, which may include providing medical documentation and an interview or evaluation of your needs.
Participate in Matching and Training: The organization will match you with a dog that fits your needs and lifestyle. You will typically undergo training alongside your new service dog to learn how to work together effectively.
Follow Up and Continued Training: Service dogs require ongoing training and regular evaluations to ensure they maintain their skills and adapt to any new tasks as your needs evolve.

Acquiring a service dog is a commitment that involves patience, time, and collaboration with trained professionals to ensure you receive a dog perfectly suited to your needs.

Working with a Breeder and Trainer for Your Service Dog

Select a Reputable Breeder:
- Research: Look for breeders who specialize in breeds known for their suitability as service dogs or those who have experience working with service dog candidates.
- Evaluate Traits: Ensure the breeder focuses on the traits essential for service work, such as temperament, intelligence, and health.
Choose a Trainer or Training Organization:
- Qualifications: Select a trainer or organization with experience in training service dogs. They should be able to work with the specific breed or type of dog you’ve chosen.
- Training Program: Confirm that their training program aligns with your needs and the tasks you require from the service dog.
Coordinate Between Breeder and Trainer:
- Communication: Keep open communication between the breeder and the trainer. Share information about the dog’s developmental milestones and any specific needs or traits observed by the breeder.
- Health and Temperament: Ensure the trainer is aware of any health considerations or temperament traits that the breeder has identified.
Initial Training:
- Basic Training: Work on basic obedience and socialization with the dog while waiting for formal service dog training to begin. This helps build a strong foundation.
- Early Preparation: Start introducing the dog to environments and situations they will encounter during their service role.
Formal Service Dog Training:
- Custom Training: Engage in a tailored training program with the trainer that focuses on the specific tasks and skills your service dog needs to learn.
- Bonding: Use this time to build a strong bond with your service dog, ensuring they are comfortable and responsive to your commands.
Ongoing Support:
- Follow-Up: Maintain regular contact with both the breeder and trainer for ongoing support and guidance.
- Adjustments: Be prepared to address any behavioral or health issues that may arise and seek assistance from professionals as needed.

By coordinating with both a breeder and a trainer, you can ensure that your service dog is well-prepared to meet your needs and excel in their role.

Training a Service Dog and Their Partner: Building a Strong Team

Training a service dog is a collaborative process that transforms a dog and their handler into a cohesive team, each relying on the other to achieve their shared goals. This partnership is crucial for the service dog to effectively assist their handler and for the handler to maximize the benefits of their service dog. Here’s an overview of how this training typically unfolds and why the team dynamic is so essential.

1. Initial Assessment and Matching

Before training begins, an assessment is conducted to ensure that the service dog’s temperament, skills, and needs align with the handler's requirements. This includes evaluating the dog’s behavior, health, and suitability for specific tasks. The goal is to match the dog and handler in a way that promotes a natural and effective partnership.

2. Basic Training

Obedience Training: The first step in training a service dog involves teaching basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel.” This foundational training ensures that the dog responds reliably to commands, which is crucial for more advanced service tasks.

Socialization: Service dogs must be comfortable in various environments and with different stimuli. Socialization training involves exposing the dog to different settings, sounds, and situations to ensure they remain calm and focused under diverse conditions.

3. Task-Specific Training

Customized Tasks: Once the dog has mastered basic commands, training shifts to teaching specific tasks that will aid the handler. This could include retrieving items, opening doors, providing balance support, or alerting to medical conditions. Training is tailored to the handler’s individual needs and the dog’s capabilities.

Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is used throughout task-specific training. The dog is rewarded for performing tasks correctly, which helps reinforce desirable behaviors and encourages continued learning and engagement.

4. Handler and Dog Integration

Team Training: Handler training is just as critical as the dog’s training. Handlers learn how to effectively communicate with their service dog, use commands, and manage the dog’s behavior. This training often includes practical scenarios where the handler and dog work together to perform tasks in real-life situations.

Building Trust and Bonding: A strong bond between the handler and their service dog is essential for a successful partnership. Training sessions focus on building trust, ensuring that the dog feels secure and is motivated to assist their handler effectively.

5. Practical Experience

In-Situ Training: As part of their training, the team will practice in environments where the service dog will eventually work. This includes navigating busy public spaces, handling distractions, and responding to real-world challenges. This practical experience helps the dog and handler adapt to their roles in everyday life.

Continual Assessment: Regular evaluations ensure that both the dog and handler are progressing well. Adjustments are made as needed to address any issues or refine the team’s performance.

6. Ongoing Support and Training

Refresher Courses: Even after initial training, ongoing support is crucial. Both the handler and dog may need refresher courses to maintain skills and address any new challenges that arise.

Adjustments: Over time, the needs of the handler may evolve, requiring additional training for the service dog. This dynamic aspect of service dog training ensures that the partnership remains effective and responsive to changing circumstances.

7. The Role of the Service Dog in Everyday Life

Seamless Integration: Once training is complete, the service dog becomes an integral part of the handler’s daily life. The dog’s assistance allows the handler to navigate their environment with greater ease and independence.

Mutual Support: The relationship between a service dog and their handler is built on mutual support and understanding. The dog relies on the handler for guidance and care, while the handler depends on the dog’s skills and companionship.

The training process for a service dog and their handler is a comprehensive journey that transforms them into a unified team. Through a combination of basic training, task-specific skills, and ongoing support, the service dog learns to perform their vital role effectively, and the handler gains the skills needed to harness the dog’s capabilities. This partnership enhances the handler’s quality of life, providing them with greater independence and support. By working together, the service dog and their handler create a powerful and dynamic team capable of achieving remarkable things and having a little fun along the way.

Why we Believe Crossbreeds Make Superior Service Dogs

Service dog breeding has traditionally favored purebreds for their predictable traits and behaviors. However, experience from trainers and breeders, like those at Stokeshire Designer Doodles, unequivocally shows that crossbreeds often surpass purebreds in adaptability and health, making them exceptional service dogs.

Adaptability: A Crucial Trait

Service dogs work in diverse environments, from busy city streets to quiet homes, requiring adaptability. Crossbreeds draw from a broad genetic pool, often resulting in balanced temperaments ideal for service work. They combine the best traits of their parent breeds, like the intelligence of a Poodle and the friendliness of a Golden Retriever in a Goldendoodle, making them highly trainable and approachable.

Health Advantages of Crossbreeds

Crossbreeds benefit from hybrid vigor, reducing the risk of inherited health problems common in purebreds. This often leads to healthier, longer-lived dogs, maximizing their service potential and minimizing downtime from health issues.

Embracing Diversity in Service Dogs

Choosing crossbreeds reflects a commitment to selecting the best dog for the job based on capability, not just pedigree. This approach enriches the service dog community, bringing a variety of skills and traits to the field.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of the service dog industry emphasizes the importance of individual traits over traditional breed stereotypes. This shift opens doors to a broader range of breeds, including doodles, that offer exceptional adaptability and health benefits. By focusing on the unique qualities that each dog brings to the table, we can enhance the effectiveness and diversity of service dogs.

If you’re considering a service dog, it’s time to explore beyond conventional choices. At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we specialize in breeding Golden Mountain Doodles and Bernedoodles with the traits that make them outstanding companions. While our focus is not on specific service dog training, we are dedicated to our comprehensive socialization protocol and preliminary training programs, which lay a strong foundation for a successful partnership.

Our socialization protocol ensures that our puppies experience a variety of environments, sounds, and social interactions, fostering their adaptability and confidence. Our preliminary training programs introduce essential skills and behaviors, preparing them for future specialized training. We would be thrilled to partner with you on this journey to help find and prepare the perfect match for your needs.

Reach out today to start your journey toward a transformative partnership with a service dog.

Sources:

American Kennel Club. (2017). American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/public-education/resources/general-tips-information/service-therapy-work-dogs/

Morrill K, et al. Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics challenges popular breed stereotypes. Science. Online April 28, 2022. DOI: 10.1126/science.abk0639.

Parenti, L., Wilson, M., Foreman, A. M., Wirth, O., & Meade, B. J. (2015). Selecting Quality Service Dogs: Part 1: Morphological and Health Considerations. The APDT Chronicle of the Dog, 2015(summer), 71–77. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699317/

Stokeshire Designer Doodles Position Statement on Canine Legislation: Misuse of Service Dogs

At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we recognize the essential role that service dogs play in assisting individuals with disabilities. These dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks and work for those with recognized disabilities, and we fully support public policies that accommodate their use.

However, we strongly oppose any misuse or misrepresentation of service dog status. It is imperative that dogs are not falsely characterized as service animals to exploit their status or benefit individuals who do not have disabilities. Such actions undermine the true purpose and value of service dogs and can create challenges for those who rely on them.

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Training, Service, Therapy, Education, Dog BreedsJames StokesSeptember 4, 2024Service