Which are the best therapy dog breeds for autistic children?
Dogs are the only pure creatures on this earth and deserve nothing but everyone’s undying love and adoration. They’re comforting and beautiful and majestic and I want them all to know I am proud of every single one of them. Dogs are a lot of work, though. They’re basically like fluffy children, which can to some degree be the benefit. They instill a sense of responsibility in the owner because you have to feed them, take them outside, and make sure they get to the vet whenever necessary. There are lots of things to consider if you want to get a dog. I live in New York and I’m out a lot of the time, so it doesn’t make much sense for me to have a dog because it would end up being neglected. It’s the struggle of the middle class in a big city, but one day I think I’ll get a dog because I love them so much.
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What about those who have a special need for dog friendship?
One in 68 children and one in 42 boys are affected by autism. Japan tops the list of the 11 Countries with the Highest Rates of Autism in the World and it mostly occurred in boys than girls. There is a tendency for children with autism to feel isolated, as many are bullied and have behaviors that require a great deal of understanding. There are many different types of autism, but the common thread is a social impairment that can disconnect one from their surroundings.
Dogs are extremely loyal companions and are instant stress relievers. Many people get dogs to aid those with special needs. Parents tend to get dogs for their children with autism so their child will feel understood and comforted. It’s important when choosing a dog for your child to get one with a good temperament. The dog must be loyal, calm, and friendly. Those are the traits people recommend from sources like Quora, Autism Speaks, and Animal Wised. The best advice would be to consult nearby licensed service dog providers, especially if you want a properly trained therapy dog. You must also, of course, consider if your child and the dog are a good match and if the child needs adult supervision around the dog.
If you’re looking to add a dog to your family and need a specific breed, keep reading to find out the 11 best therapy dog breeds for autistic children:
11. American Pit Bull Terrier
Pit bulls are actually really friendly and get along well with children. The American Temperament Test Society shows the temperament of a pit bull terrier is about 87.4 percent. More about their methodology of analyzing dog breeds’ temperaments you can find here.
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10. Bullmastiff
These are quiet and calm and half a medium temperament, which is great for autistic children.
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9. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are intelligent and have a steady temperament.
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8. Labradoodles
Labradoodles are a mixture of labrador retriever and poodle. They’re highly social and hypoallergenic.
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7. Labrador Retriever
Labs are extremely friendly dogs and got a score of about 92.1 percent on the temperament test.
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6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, next on our list of best therapy dog breeds for autistic children are nicknamed “nanny dogs” because they get along really well with children. They got a 92.1 percent on the temperament test.
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5. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are excellent for detective work, but also around kids. They’re intelligent, friendly, and easy to train.
4. Samoyed
Samoyeds bring happiness to families and are really joyful dogs, which is why they rank on this list of the 11 best therapy dog breeds for autistic children.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are tolerant, calm, and patient. They score an 86.2 percent on the temperament test.
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2. Newfoundland
The second ranked on our list of best therapy dog breeds for autistic children are Newfoundlands that are versatile and friendly. They’ll do great around kids. If you remember Nana from Peter Pan, she was a Newfoundland. They score an 87.5 percent on the temperament test.
1. Golden Retriever
Everyone loves Golden Retrievers. They score about an 85.4 percent on the temperament test and they’re the classic choice for a family dog. As long as you’re not bothered by a lot of dog hair everywhere, they’re a great choice.
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That concludes our list of the 11 best therapy dog breeds for autistic children. Did any of your favorite breeds make the list and will you be adding a new friend to your family soon?
