3 Breeds That Make Excellent Service Dogs

Posted by Radmin on March 18th, 2020

Are you looking for a service dog to employ? Read on to learn about 3 breeds that have the characteristics and qualifications you may be looking for.

Golden Retriever

Famous for its wavy, blond-colored, and soft fur, the Golden Retriever is a medium-large dog with a strong build. It's among the most popular breeds in the US partly because of its attractive appearance and friendly behavior.

Golden Retrievers have a unique characteristic. Their jaws are incredibly soft; any fragile object, like eggs or small balloons, they hold with their mouths will be left undamaged. This ability is rooted in their hunting background. They were traditionally tasked to collect injured small animals and bring them back to their owner.

This breed is loyal and quite intelligent. So, it isn't surprising that Golden Retrievers are often employed as service dogs. They're very serious workers, and they can guide those with hearing and visual impairments. Aside from assisting people with disabilities, they can assist in search-and-rescue operations during disasters.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a large breed. Males can grow up to 26 inches tall and weigh over 90 pounds. Females are only a bit smaller, reaching as high as 24 inches and weighing as much as 70 pounds. They also live longer. Some stay healthy and strong until they turn 8 or 9 years old.

German Shepherds are famous for their large, erect, and front-facing ears. They also have a long neck and bushy tail. Their eyes are shaped like almonds, and their noses are dark. These dogs have a double coat, which means that they have 2 colors. Usually, their fur is black around the back and blond near the tummy down to the legs.

They're pretty intelligent, too. It's easy for owners to get a service dog certification if they register a German Shepherd. This breed has the ability to perform complex tasks, like guarding properties and assisting in search-and-rescue operations. They also have the ability to identify unusual smells, so they often accompany police officers in sniffing dangerous items in public and crowded places.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Often shortened as Berner, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a huge breed. They usually grow up to 28 inches and weigh over 110 pounds.

Berners have a thick, silky coat that's often tri-colored: jet black on the back, brown on the tummy and legs, and creamy white on the chest. Their fur serves as proof that they once lived in the snowy Swiss mountains and helped people hunt for food. They have deep and charming eyes, too, and they seem to be always begging for affection.

Intelligent and loyal, Berners are often brought to the service dog registry office. They're trained to guide people with hearing and visual impairments. Assisting farmworkers in shepherding sheep and cattle is possible for this breed, too.