Can dogs help with grief?
There has been a huge surge in the number of therapy dogs recently. Dogs that help with grief make up just 1 type of therapeutic dog.
But can dogs that aren’t specially trained to be emotional support animals help with grief?
Top 18 best companion dog breeds
Do dogs help support grieving owners?
It can feel like you’re drowning in pain after you lose a loved one. Having a friendly furry face there can help you cope with it. From simply keeping you company so you don’t feel alone, to offering a listening ear the way only a dog can. Pets can be a great help when you’ve lost someone.
Canines are known for being intuitive in picking up their owner’s emotions. This means that they’ll be more likely to pick up on your sadness and grief and be able to offer you comfort when you need it.
All dog breeds are man’s best friend, but some dog breeds might suit the role of emotional support dog more.
Small dog breeds that make good lapdogs
10 dog breeds that are good for grief
We’ve put together a list of dogs that are up for the task of offering emotional support.
Now you don’t need to search the internet for dog breeds that are good for grief, we’ve done the hard work for you!
1. Hungarian Vizsla
This is the perfect dog if you’re looking for a mixture of personality, activeness, and affection. They’ll bond deeply with their owners and are often sensitive to their needs.
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2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A Cavalier is the ultimate companion dog. Nothing makes them happier than being in the company of their family and offering plenty of affection.
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3. Labrador Retriever
This dog breed is well-known for being the dog next door. If you’re active and looking for a dog to help emotionally support you through your grief, then look no further!
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4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The American Kennel Club puts this dog breed forward as a perfect pet choice for grieving owners. They’re actually very loving and make great additions to a family.
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5. Maltese
A small dog breed option for those looking for emotional support animals. They love their life as lap dogs and often form deep bonds with their primary carers.
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6. Newfoundland
This hero dog breed is a great option for a companion canine. They’re extremely placid and patient which works well with owners suffering from grief.
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7. Irish Wolfhound
A real gentle giant. This big dog breed is able to offer tremendous support to its families when going through tough times. They’re often described as being adoring, warm and supportive.
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8. Standard Poodle
The biggest of Poodle variations, they’re incredibly intelligent and capable of providing a lot of emotional support to grieving owners. They’re also hypoallergenic, which helps if the grieving person has a dog allergy!
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9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
There’s a reason why this dog breed was our recent Queen’s favourite. They’re positive, placid and playful puppies. They’ll certainly be able to put a smile on your face with their funny antics.
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10. Golden Retriever
Just like their Labrador cousins, they make a great breed choice for grieving owners. However, they do need a relatively active family to be truly happy.