Dogs have an immensely positive impact on children with autism, from helping their mental health to encouraging communication. Countless psychological studies and personal anecdotes speak to how beneficial dogs can be to a child’s development and happiness.
That being said, not all dog breeds are as helpful as others; some, in fact, are best avoided due to behavior or health concerns. With this in mind, it’s best to do your research before picking a breed. Luckily, there are tons of breeds that are perfect for children with autism, in the form of either a certified service dog or a family pet.
Choosing the "best" breed is, of course, dependent on your child’s specific needs and wants. However, a few breeds are considered to be perfect matches for an autistic child.
Labrador Retriever
Retrievers, in general, are known to be the best dogs for service work, as well as great pets for children. Large dogs such as Labradors are brilliant at deep pressure therapy when a child is having a meltdown. It’s also difficult for a child to hurt such a large dog, so during meltdowns if they attempt to hit themselves, then the Lab can safely become a buffer. Labradors are incredible trackers, so if your kid ever wanders off, or if you just want to know where they are in the home, Labs will find them. Prevention is, of course, key, and tethering your child to their service dog is a safe and easy way to go for walks. Though playful and fun, Labs are a calm breed, so with training they can learn to pace themselves when tethered.
Border Collie
You only have to watch a single sheepherding video to understand how intelligent and hardworking the border collie is. They can be trained to do numerous different tasks, such as bringing pill boxes to your child, grabbing water bottles, and more. They’re also very emotionally intelligent and can sense and interrupt harmful behavior loops. For example, say your child is prone to skin picking, hitting themselves, or other obsessive-compulsive actions. Your dog can interrupt these actions by sitting on the child’s lap, bringing over a toy, or licking their hands. These incredibly fast dogs can also quickly run to help a child who is injured.
Golden Retriever
Another retriever — and one of the most popular breeds for service animals — the golden retriever is one of the smartest and most loyal dogs out there. They’re also easy to train compared to many breeds, with a calm temperament and cheerful disposition. Goldens are famous for their eagerness to please their owners and for their deep empathy, especially when it comes to children who are upset. Like many dogs, they can have high energy levels, which is perfect for when your child gets a little too hyperactive. Conversely, goldens always seem to know when it’s time to calm down and settle down for the night. This gentle and patient personality will come in very handy for children who tend to be quite grabby and enthusiastic, as retrievers tend to be a lot more patient than breeds like Chihuahuas and Akitas. In fact, many of them love the attention.
Poodle
Poodles are a surprising addition to the list, as they are mainly seen as cutesy fashion accessories by many. However, poodles are incredibly intelligent and adapt to new environments with ease, making them the perfect comfort dog when moving households or visiting new places. The hypoallergenic pup also comes in many forms — standard, miniature, and toy — which means it’s the perfect breed for homes of any size, and good for kids who are intimidated by larger animals. Poodles are known to have good tunnel vision and aren’t as easily distracted from important tasks as other breeds. These problem-solving pooches are more than just living teddy bears; they are attentive workers. See also: the labradoodle.
Samoyed
Samoyed dogs were bred to take care of people working in very cold, snowy, and dark conditions, so they are extremely loyal and affectionate pets. They’re particularly good for keeping you warm, thanks to their ultra-cozy and super-soft coats. Beware of epic shedding, however, so if your kid hates the feel of dog hair over their clothes, then maybe give this breed a pass. That being said, this very smiley dog is a loving and comforting animal, full of life and energy just like a young child. Children and adults alike can find immense comfort in simply stroking their fur and cuddling up for a nap.
