best hypoallergenic dogs for autism

Guide to Getting a Service Dog

What is a service dog, and what do they do?

Service dogs are dogs that are specially trained to help people with disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), perform or assist tasks they may not be capable of doing themselves. Tasks include fetching medicine, sensing blood sugar levels, or leading a person with vision impairments. Service dogs are different from therapy dogs and emotional support animals, or ESAs. An ESA is typically trained to offer therapeutic support and comfort during a time of emotional instability, while service dogs are trained to do specific tasks in order to make sure their owner is safe and aware. Therapy dogs are typically personal pets who have been trained to provide emotional support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, or schools.

Which dog is the best fit for me?

In order to assess what breed would be best for you, you must first identify what you will be using the service dog for. There are a variety of dog breeds that are best suited for service. The most popular service dog breeds are golden retrievers and german shepherds, though some other common breeds include labradors, border collies, and pitbulls. If there are any allergies, a hypoallergenic breed such as schnauzers, poodles, or goldendoodles would be best. While most breeds can perform the same tasks, some may be better at certain tasks than others. For example, according to an article in The Association of Professional Dog Trainers Chronicle of the Dog magazine, golden retrievers tend to be easier to train and are ideal for emotional support, while border collies are high-energy and are best for a job that is more physically demanding.

However, service dogs do not have to be a certain breed. Since the Americans with Disabilities Act does not require professional training for a dog to be considered a service dog by law, you can even train your pet so that you do not have to purchase and train another dog. It is important to take into consideration the nature of your dog, as a dog that is not good around strangers, other animals, or in public places may not be suitable to be a service dog. The ideal service dog is friendly, hard-working, and mild-tempered. How you adopted your pup is not indicative of how they will do in training to be a service dog. According to the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science, there is no significant difference in the ability to train puppies versus adult dogs from shelters as service dogs, so there is no need to worry if your dog is not a puppy or if they came from a shelter.

When looking for a service dog, you must also take into account the dogs needs. Different dogs require different diets depending on their size and nutritional needs. The general costs of veterinary care may also vary depending on the breed, as some breeds are more prone to medical problems than others. It is best to conduct your own research on the breed you are thinking of adopting as a service dog to ensure it does not make you go over your budget.

How to pick a service dog - Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

• What is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
• How to Choose the Right Hypoallergenic DogforYou
• How much do Hypoallergenic Dogs cost?
• What are the worst dog breeds for people with allergies?
• The best hypoallergenic dog breeds
  • 1. BichonFrise- these will make a great, friendly companion dog. They dont shedunless it is stick in their undercoat. Therefore, they should be brushed and groomed regularly.
  • 2. Basenji these dogs are known as the Bark-lessDogs, which of course makesthem great Hypoallergenic Dogs.They also have short hair, causing them to shed less.
  • 3.Bedlington Terrier- these dogs have a unique, curly coat that doesnt shed.But it does grow fast, so it requires grooming regularly.
  • 4. Affenpinscher-these adorable, toy-sized dogs have low-maintenance coatswhichdont shed regularly.
  • 5.Chinese Crested-only some of these dogs have hair, and the coats they have dont shed. Therefore, they of course make good hypoallergenic dogs.
  • 6.Labradoodle- these dogs' coats produce very little dander, making it a great hypoallergenic dog. They're also supercute!
  • 7.Irish Water Spaniel- these are some of the largest hypoallergenic dog breeds there is, which could be ideal for some people(Peoplein need of a Service Dog for mobilityassistance).
  • 8. Xoloitzcuintli-this dog breed may be hard to pronounce, but they can make great hypoallergenic dogs. They come in different sizes and can be hairless or coated. The hairless ones, of course, dont shed and the coated ones shed very little. The hairless ones do require special skincare though.
  • 9. Poodles- these are excellent hypoallergenic dogs as they dont shed much at all. They are a great size and great companion or Service Dog.
• What are the Best Hypoallergenic Service Dog Breeds?

You may think because of allergies that you will never be able to have a pet dog or a Service Dog, but thats not always the case.No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but there is a large amount of dog breeds that are suitable for people withallergies.Here are some things you should know when thinking about buying a hypoallergic dog!

What is a Hypoallergenic Dog?

Dogs secrete a protein in their saliva, urine, and skinthat some people are sensitive to.All dogs will have this protein, but the hypoallergenic dogs are just less allergenic to people.Therefore, they dont shed or shed very little, which makes it less likely for allergies to be triggered.Depending on the severity of your allergies, even some hypoallergenic breeds could cause an allergy attack.This is whyit is important to do research about each breed before deciding on a breed.

How to Choose the Right Hypoallergenic DogforYou

There are a few things you should take into considerationwhen deciding.

There are breeds that shed a lot less than others, likeBichonFriseorLhasaApso.Mainly, smaller, short-haired dogs are going to shed a lot lessand be the best hypoallergenic dog breeds.Always keep this in mind.

You should try your best to get a pure breed dog. With mixed breeds, one breed could be less hypoallergenic than the other and could shed more, therefore you arent certain about what you will get. With a pure breed, you will know ifthis dog is going to shed a lot or not. Always do a lot of research about the specific breedyou'rethinking about.

Aim for a calm dog breed, as dogs that bark a lot will secrete a lot of saliva into the air which contains the protein that can be sensitive to some people.

Do you have a suitable living space for your dog to live in? Do you have the time to take care of a dog? Do you have the time to look after and train a dog, or a Service Dog? These are all things you must take into consideration.

It is also recommended you discuss with your doctor which breed would be best for you, or if you should even get a dog.

It can be a good idea to spend time with a dog that you considering buying before you take it home. If you can stay with this dog for longer than 30 minutes if being in contact, thats a good sign that this dog could be for you!

Again, every dog contains thisprotein,and every dog could cause an allergy for someone, but there is always a chance that you will find a hypoallergenic dog suitable for you and your allergies.

How much do Hypoallergenic Dogs cost?

The cost of your hypoallergenic dog will depend on the breed. Some can cost as little as $500, whereas others can be as expensive as $5000.

You should always shop around before deciding, as some breeders will up their prices for no reason.

What are the worst dog breeds for people with allergies?

If your allergic to dogs, your allergic to their saliva or their dander, or even both. Some dogs drool or bark more than others, spreading more saliva.

Dogs that drool a lot include:

Bulldogs

Saint Bernards

Bloodhound

Newfoundland

Bull Mastiff

Boxer

Great Danes

And many more.

Dogs that shed a lot include:

Shiba Inu

Siberian Husky

GermanShepherds

ChowChow

Corgi

Labrador Retriever

Bernese Mountain Dog

Alaskan Husky

Akita

And many more.

The dogs listed above may not be suitable for people with dog allergies.

The best hypoallergenic dog breeds

1. BichonFrise- these will make a great, friendly companion dog. They dont shedunless it is stick in their undercoat. Therefore, they should be brushed and groomed regularly.

2. Basenji these dogs are known as the Bark-lessDogs, which of course makesthem great Hypoallergenic Dogs.They also have short hair, causing them to shed less.

3.Bedlington Terrier- these dogs have a unique, curly coat that doesnt shed.But it does grow fast, so it requires grooming regularly.

4. Affenpinscher-these adorable, toy-sized dogs have low-maintenance coatswhichdont shed regularly.

5.Chinese Crested-only some of these dogs have hair, and the coats they have dont shed. Therefore, they of course make good hypoallergenic dogs.

6.Labradoodle- these dogs' coats produce very little dander, making it a great hypoallergenic dog. They're also supercute!

7.Irish Water Spaniel- these are some of the largest hypoallergenic dog breeds there is, which could be ideal for some people(Peoplein need of a Service Dog for mobilityassistance).

8. Xoloitzcuintli-this dog breed may be hard to pronounce, but they can make great hypoallergenic dogs. They come in different sizes and can be hairless or coated. The hairless ones, of course, dont shed and the coated ones shed very little. The hairless ones do require special skincare though.

9. Poodles- these are excellent hypoallergenic dogs as they dont shed much at all. They are a great size and great companion or Service Dog.

What are the Best Hypoallergenic Service Dog Breeds?

The most common hypoallergenic service dogs arePoodles!They are known as one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world!They will make especially greatD.A.Ds (Diabetic Alert Dog)and for people thatstruggle with vision/hearing impairments.Same withLabradoodles.These are the most recommended service dogs for people with allergies!

13 Best Dogs For Autism: Best Breeds

Best Service Dog Breeds For Autism

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have earned a good reputation and stand as the poster child for family dogs. This is thanks to their portrayals in the media, real-world encounters, and lots of research. They're superb additions to any home where there's a special needs person present, and that includes autistic people. Their outgoing personalities, persistent devotion to owners, and fierce loyalty to handlers place Golden Retrievers at the top.

2. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are some of the most disciplined dogs in the world. They're very gentle and great to have around all children, including those with autism and other related disorders. Patient and smart, Saint Bernards can be trained to carry out tasks for families and respond well to owners, even when they're not trained.

3. Poodle and Labrador Crossbreed

Sometimes referred to as a Labradoodle, this crossbreed is good for parents looking for a smart dog to spend time with autistic kids, yet don't want to worry about cleaning up lots of furs. Autistic children that have spent time with Labradoodles like the texture of their hair.

4. Collie

Collies are another staple family of naturally intelligent dogs. They're quick to react positively to different emotions that are displayed by humans. Collies like to stay close to the people they know and trust, making them good companions for ASD children with social problems.

5. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are very protective of their owners, handlers, and their families. They're also one of the smartest dogs, working alongside military and law enforcement. Tasked-oriented and not easily distracted, German shepherds are great when trained to be around autistic people and will take cues promptly with no confusion.

6. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are very calm, even when in situations that would leave other dogs stressed out. For this reason, they're great for autistic kids with symptoms that may include tantrums.

7. Samoyed

Samoyed dogs are easy to train and move to please their owners. As companion dogs, they're good around small children and adults that aren't accustomed to having dogs in the home. They can be caused commands by children, or learn on their own how to respond to certain exhibited behaviors.

8. Newfoundland

Newfoundland dogs might be large and bold in size, but they're incredibly docile and loving towards everyone, including friendly strangers, children with behavioral issues, and even autistic adults.

9. Beagle

Beagles are good for autistic people that have mild to few symptoms. At a typical maximum of 30 pounds, Beagles love to play around with kids and can keep young people occupied and increase sociability.

10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers are widely known for being great and kids. They're very outgoing and protective of small kids, knowing how to respond when they show agitation or exhibit anxiety. When properly trained, Bull Terriers can even cheer up kids that are noticeably upset.

11. Poodle

Poodles are smaller than Golden Retrievers but are just as smart and responsive. Being hypoallergenic, they're good for anyone that is allergic to the hair of most other dogs.

As they're so empathetic, poodles can help autistic children by bonding with them, possibly helping young people extend the same attitudes towards others.

12. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is fiercely loyal and makes great watchdogs. With their high intelligence and energy, autistic children will love the way they react and adjust to their own emotions.

13. Labradors

Labradors are a huge relief of anxiety for families that own them. They're bold and friends to people and show care in their behavior around children.

Labradors can be trained as service dogs, therapy dogs, or acquired as general family pets.

Service Dog Organizations

4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of children with disabilities and veterans by training and placing quality, task-trained service dogs.

Our mission at Autism Service Dogs of America (ASDA) is to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals living with autism.

Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is a coalition of not for profit assistance dog organizations.

Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

Custom Canines Service Dog Academy is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization of volunteer professionals and individuals.

How Dogs Can Help People With Autism

Dogs are incredibly loyal and useful companions for anyone to have in a home.

They're also able to take care of other humans, either from protection or through communication with other people, such as the parents of a child that's in danger.

Dogs are children who share connections of friendship and mutual understanding. For these reasons and more, dogs are great to have around autistic children. But which dogs are the best?

Before a dog is chosen for a child with autism, parents must understand which classification fits their child's individual needs best. Three categories of dogs could be suitable, which include service dogs, therapy dogs, and companion dogs.

Much research has been conducted attempting to understand all benefits that are associated with each dog category, especially as they relate to helping people that are autistic.

Some improvements all three can provide are better social abilities, support regarding a child's emotions, and lowered levels of anxiety.

Knowing the differences between each classification is needed. Service dogs undergo much training, a period that teaches them how to carry out tasks related to the assistance of their handler and whatever disabilities they possess.

They can lawfully go into public areas with handlers, typically places where other dogs and pets aren't allowed to go. Such localities include grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers. Service dogs' reasons for being with handlers are extremely specific.

As a result, many will carry notices on leashes with rules for anyone nearby to avoid petting them. This reduces instances of the dog getting distracted from carrying out tasks and interpreting cues from their owners.

Anyone that considers getting a dog primarily for friendship and affection would likely find a service dog a bad fit for them. But what about autism service dogs?

Autistic service dogs can be trained just like ordinary service dogs but in a way, that's sensitive to the needs of someone on the spectrum. They're helpful ways for the handler to increase their social confidence and interactions.

Additionally, they're a great asset for boosting the handler's motor abilities.

They're taught how to understand cues relating to self-harmful behaviors. In a circumstance where one with autism might feel overwhelmed, the dog can apply pressure to their handler, leaning towards them or placing their head on their lap to keep their anxiety levels in check.

Therapy dogs are another important classification, also great for people with behavioral disorders. They give psychological therapy to people, except the handlers themselves.

Giving healing and comfort to children, therapy can be taken to care homes, rehab centers, and various learning institutions. They're quite friendly and easy to get along with, including others close to their family and friends.

Primary roles for therapy dogs aren't all the same, with some helping children harboring learning disabilities. Companion dogs are best for parents seeking a family pet for their autistic child.

They're capable of giving affection and friendship to children and adults. Loyal to the core, companion dogs for people with ASD are at their best when trained correctly. This is crucial to the dog not triggering unwanted behaviors in young people, such as loud, aggressive barking.

How To Choose A Dog Breed For Your Autistic Child

The best way that parents can choose a dog is by first understanding the primary personalities of each dog breed they're interested in. This can be done through research or even taking a child to a local kennel. While there, they can ask to pet and briefly interact with the dog that responds well to them.

FAQs

What is the best service dog for autism?

Based on numerous studies, Golden Retrievers rank as the best dogs for autistic young people. They're safe to be around and have a good reputation for showing a lack of aggressiveness in their demeanor.

What pets are good for autism?

Cats and rabbits are good with autistic children as well, or even smaller varieties like guinea pigs and hamsters. Aquariums might also interest autistic people and provide them with a way to quickly reduce their anxiety levels.

What are autism service dogs called?

Autistic service dogs are called SSigDOGs. Spelled out, it reads Social Signal Dogs. These are dogs specially trained to perform orders for people with disabilities. They're also good for autistic people and can be trained to learn sensory cues.

Can service dogs help with autism?

Service dogs are a proven way to help autistic people, as they're thoroughly trained to take on the commands given to them by handlers and owners.

Can dogs sense autism?

Dogs are incapable of sensing autism in anyone. However, they can understand and pick up cues from one's body language, temperaments, outward behavior, and tone of voice.

Since the body language of people with autism is oftentimes different than others, dogs pick up the subtle difference and correct themselves to their observations.

Should an autistic child have a dog?

Yes, autistic children can have dogs, though the severity level of their autism could make parental supervision necessary when they interact with one another. For autistic people with mild symptoms, supervision may not always be required.

Can I train my dog to help my autistic child?

Dogs can be trained to learn cues that signal them to walk away or come close to someone that's on the spectrum. They can also be taught to behave in a way that puts someone in a good mood, such as coming close to petting.

What tasks can service dogs perform for autism?

Service dogs are capable of walking someone toward a destination safely. They can even be trained to bring small children back to their parents or stay in one spot when in a place that's crowded.