We know that dogs can improve mental health and keep seniors active in their twilight years. Dogs also make excellent companions for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Autism Society says most people with an ASD diagnosis, which includes Asperger’s Disorder, find social skills, nonverbal cues and verbal communication to be difficult or uncomfortable. While every ASD experience is unique, patients across the spectrum benefit from early diagnosis. The sooner specialists identify ASD, the sooner they can provide patients with resources to manage behaviors, self-regulate and communicate. One resource gaining popularity among families with an autistic child is emotional support dogs.
The 14 Best Dogs for Kids with Autism, According to Experts
What can't these lovable fluff balls do?
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Published Oct 3, 2024
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Meet the Experts:
- Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, B.Sc., D.V.M., is the Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover. She has 10 years of experience as an emergency veterinarian and is now the Chief Veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital in Ontario.
- Dr. Gabre Denton is a veterinarian and trainer with TeachMe.To. He performs veterinary surgery on all types of animals (including possums) and has been a practicing vet for seven years. Dr. Denton teaches people of all ages and levels how to train their dogs.
- Chrissy Joy is a world-renowned celebrity dog trainer and performer with over 20 years of experience. As the 2021 International Trick Dog Champion, she teaches workshops through BFF Pet Services. She calls her dogs The Joy Crew and you may have seen one of her pups getting Jimmy Fallon a beer out of a mini fridge on The Tonight Show. Catch Chrissy on DOGTV’s “The DogMoms,” as well as The DogMoms Podcast.
How Dogs Can Benefit Kids with Autism
Interacting with dogs has also been shown to lower blood pressure and anxiety. “[This] can be particularly beneficial for children who are more prone to feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed,” Dr. Greenstein says.
Plus, as any dog parent can tell you, dogs provide unconditional love, something that Dr. Greenstein says can build confidence.
Beyond unconditional love, kids with ASD often benefit from daily routines. Dr. Greenstein points out that “caring for a dog creates a sense of structure and routine that can be extremely comforting for children on the autism spectrum.”
Interacting with dogs has also been shown to lower blood pressure and anxiety. “[This] can be particularly beneficial for children who are more prone to feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed,” Dr. Greenstein says.
Chrissy Joy herself discovered the power of canine companionship as a child. She recalls suffering from agoraphobia, afraid to leave her house. Taking her pet beagle out on walks and practicing trick training alleviated her symptoms. Joy describes being with the dog as a form of meditation. “All the noise went away,” she says.
Since each individual’s experience with ASD is unique, the tools and resources that help one autistic person meet their goals may not work for another. Though the research is relatively new, several studies have shown that the bond between a dog and a person with autism can provide positive sensory experiences and boost confidence in social settings.
The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published a 2019 study in which researchers noted five themes among autistic subjects who had dedicated, reliable emotional support dogs. Those themes were “love and companionship, perception of ownership, comfort and calming influence, canine’s ability to assist the child with understanding their world, and challenging experiences.” Even having a family dog has led to decreased stress in households with at least one family member who is autistic, according to a study at the University of Missouri.
Service Dogs vs. Therapy Dogs vs. Companion Dogs: How to Choose the Right Dog for Your Child
Before you scurry off to the shelter or call up a breeder, it’s worth investigating the right type of dog for your child. Joy notes individual dog personalities can vary greatly within a breed, so investigating beyond breed is a good idea. Consider your kid’s needs, your family’s limits and what you’ll expect from a pet dog. This could mean adopting a service dog, which is different from a therapy dog, which is not the same as a companion dog. Allow us to explain.
Service Dogs
According to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks. Joy says these task-trained dogs either break cycles or perform prevention. The American Kennel Club gives the example of a service dog for a child with autism alerting their handler to repetitive behaviors, overstimulation or sensory triggers. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are legally allowed in public places.
Dr. Greenstein says service dogs are ideal for children who may be a danger to themselves or others. For instance, kids who experience seizures, thoughts of self-harm or explosive tantrums. Here, a highly-trained, skilled service dog is your best bet.
Dr. Denton agrees. “For a child with autism, going through an organization that trains service dogs is often the best choice,” he says. “While adopting or buying from a breeder can work, service dogs come with the benefit of specialized training that can provide more targeted support.”
Therapy Dogs
Think of therapy dogs as compassionate community members. These are well-socialized canines who thrive around other people and aren’t startled easily by external stimuli. They are usually trained, licensed and certified by a therapy dog organization to safely interact with people. The Alliance of Therapy Dogs says therapy dogs visit places like hospitals and schools to boost morale and provide comfort.
Most therapy dogs are volunteers whose guardians shuttle them between various venues, according to the AKC. They don’t have the same rights as service dogs, which means they aren’t automatically allowed in public spaces.
“Service dogs and therapy dogs are essentially working dogs,” Dr. Greenstein says. “[They] have been specially trained to have a wide array of competencies.”
Companion Dogs
Also known as emotional support dogs, companion dogs exist in a gray area. “Companion dogs provide emotional support just by being there,” Dr. Denton says. This means there is no special task training required. This also means they are likely not allowed in public places, including airplanes.
The beauty of companion dogs is you don’t need to jump through hoops to find one. “If your family is looking to introduce more straightforward companionship and routine to your child, then a credentialled service dog may not be necessary,” Dr. Greenstein says.
Since these pups don’t require task-oriented skills, your child can participate in the dog training process (including trick training), which can help establish a bond and build confidence.
14 Best Dog Breeds for Kids with Autism
Many organizations train dogs specifically to assist folks on the ASD spectrum. They’ve found some breeds are better suited for this type of bond than others. The ideal breeds are social, eager to please, affectionate and obedient.
Dogs for Good and Paws with a Cause, two organizations dedicated to providing support and service dogs to folks with a variety of diagnoses, primarily stick to Labradors, golden retrievers and crosses between the two for their clients. Dogs for Good also works with cockapoos, which is a crossbreed between a cocker Spaniel and a poodle.
If you prefer not to go through a specific organization or your child doesn’t qualify, Dr. Denton recommends looking for “calm, patient, trainable dogs that are gentle, social, and comfortable with routines and physical affection.” Think: Poodles, Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. “These are often recommended for kids with autism due to their gentle, patient, and friendly nature.”
Joy says any breed can train to become a service, therapy or companion dog, but adds that dogs with low prey drives, who aren’t going to follow their noses everywhere and who can control impulses, work well. Breeds who bark infrequently may help reduce overstimulation, too. She says an evaluation with a professional trainer is always helpful when choosing a specific dog.
On our list, you’ll find the breeds mentioned by our experts and a few more that meet the general guidelines listed above. These dogs enjoy play time (which can provide an opportunity for practicing motor skills and positive social interaction), have soft, cuddly fur (which can help alleviate anxiety and fear) and obey commands (which can boost communication and verbal skills).
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1. Labrador Retriever
- Height: 21-25 inches
- Weight: 55-80 pounds
- Personality: Outgoing, Fun-loving
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: High
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Labs love being around families, people and anyone willing to play fetch. As one of the most popular dogs in America, it’s easy to see why folks gravitate to these obedient and playful animals. Having a Labrador is a great incentive to get outside and practice commands or agility training. These dogs were bred to join fishermen on fishing trips in northern Canada, so they’re pretty much up for anything the wilderness throws at them.
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2. Labradoodle
- Height: 20-24 inches (Standard), 17-20 inches (Medium), 14-16 inches (Miniature)
- Weight: 42-65 pounds (Standard), 30-45 pounds (Medium), 15-25 pounds (Miniature)
- Personality: Intelligent, Dedicated, Joyful
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Labrador-poodle hybrid suits those with ASD because these pups are super friendly and super smart. Since poodles come in three sizes, it’s wise to ask for breeding information to know how big the resulting dog will be. No matter the size, Labradoodles are always up for cuddling and won’t overreact to mood swings. People with ASD may benefit more from animals with cheerful demeanors, so look no further than this affable sweetheart. They are also hypoallergenic and low-shedding.
3. Miniature American Shepherd
- Height: 13-18 inches
- Weight: 20-40 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, smart
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Pups like the miniature American shepherd know how to learn commands, follow orders and are eager to please their owners. Predictable, daily routines provide structure to lots of kids and adults with ASD, so trainability is imperative. These dogs are also known to be great with kiddos—in part because they love getting exercise and in part because they easily adapt to their family’s routine.
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4. Golden Retriever
- Height: 21-24 inches
- Weight: 55-75 pounds
- Personality: Friendly, Devoted
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: High
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Try walking down the street with a friendly golden retriever and not making a new pal. This breed is a terrific companion for social settings because they’re loyal and playful. The best dogs for kids with autism also often need to be able to withstand a little rough-housing—or at the very least, tons of playtime—and goldens are always up for anything.
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5. Golden Doodle
- Height: 20-24 inches (Standard), 13-20 inches (Miniature)
- Weight: 45-100 pounds (Standard), 15-35 pounds (Miniature)
- Personality: Playful, Smart, Friendly
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: High
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Similar to the Labradoodle, the golden doodle is a playful companion who enjoys being around people and other animals. A mix between a golden retriever and a poodle, these dogs are incredibly smart and know how to be extremely gentle in tough situations. Rather than reacting with barks or bolting away, these dogs stay cool in a crisis when trained to do so.
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6. Cocker Spaniel
- Height: 13-16 inches
- Weight: 20-30 pounds
- Personality: Gentle, intelligent
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Though cocker Spaniels are on the slightly smaller side, they bring big personality and an abundance of joy to the lives of their humans. These dedicated pups are always willing to meet new people but know when it’s time to remain calm and provide support. They do very well with children. Brushing their luxurious coats once a day to keep the cocker Spaniel coat looking its best could be an excellent bonding activity for someone with ASD.
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7. Cockapoo
- Height: 16+ inches (Standard), up to 15 inches (Miniature)
- Weight: 20-65 pounds (Standard), 12-19 pounds (Miniature)
- Personality: Alert, Friendly, Easy-Going
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
When you combine a poodle with a cocker Spaniel, the result is a cockapoo. One of the friendliest breeds out there, cockapoo families insist their dogs are incredibly good at knowing when their people are feeling sad. In fact, they’ve been known to save lives! These are great dogs for folks who live in apartments, too.
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8. Saint Bernard
- Height: 26-30 inches
- Weight: 120-180 pounds
- Personality: Charming, Watchful
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
The Saint Bernard is tremendously sturdy and an excellent canine to lean on when needed. They train well, are great with people of all ages and don’t bark a ton (according to the American Kennel Club). Barking can be startling, and many with ASD also experience noise sensitivity, so a pup on the quieter side is ideal.
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9. Newfoundland
- Height: 26-28 inches
- Weight: 100-150 pounds
- Personality: Friendly, Loving
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
These dogs are incredibly patient and devoted to their owners. Obedience comes easily, and these gentle giants only bark when necessary. Newfoundlands (and all the dogs on our list) also interact well with other dogs. It can be upsetting when a casual walk turns into a growling match between pooches. Avoid this by choosing a breed that plays well with others.
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10. Maltese Poodle
- Height: 8-14 inches
- Weight: 5-20 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, Energetic, Smart
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Big dogs are excellent for those with ASD, but tiny dogs also get the job done. Enter the Maltese poodle (often called a Maltipoo). A combination of the intelligent poodle and the fluffy, good-natured Maltese, this pooch is a great option for anyone with limited space or in need of an extra affectionate animal. The only drawback could be their tendency to be vocal—training them early to withhold barking is essential.
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11. Great Pyrenees
Height: 25-32 inches
Weight: 85-110 pounds
Personality: Calm, Sweet
Activity Level: Low
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Also known as a giant, mellow guardian, the Great Pyrenees can be very much suited for kids with ASD. Puppy training early is key, as they tend to be a little on the independent side. But as long as they understand sit, stay and chill, they’ll serve and protect unflinchingly. We’re not mad about that puffy white coat, either!
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12. American Staffordshire Terrier
- Height: 17 - 19 inches
- Weight: 40 - 70 pounds
- Personality: Highly Affectionate, Intelligent
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Talk about a sturdy dog. American Staffordshire terriers are built like a rock, yet they’re huge softies at heart. They love their families and are loyal through and through. Another highly trainable breed, this dog could be a huge confidence builder for anyone entering a new social setting. Train firmly and early to ensure commands stick for the long haul.
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13. Samoyed
- Height: 19-24 inches
- Weight: 35-65 pounds
- Personality: Sweet, Adaptable
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Train these ever-smiling dogs early and firmly, and you’ll have a four-legged pal that’s highly obedient and can retain commands—and is super cute and cuddly to boot. Bred in the arctic by the Samoyedic people of Siberia, living with humans is their favorite place to be, which makes them wonderful companion dogs for anyone—including kids and adults with autism.
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14. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 13-18 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, Friendly
- Activity Level: Low to Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Low to Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Routine can be important for kids with autism, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are happy—and ready—to match whatever their beloved human is doing with their adaptable, friendly energy. Since they’re typically non-aggressive with people or with other dogs (low-prey drive FTW), these sweet pups’ sensibility is a natural match for children with sensory sensitivities.
Summary: So, What's the Best Type of Dog for Kids with Autism?
Joy’s biggest piece of advice when choosing the right dog for your family? Think about whether the pet is beneficial to your kid and the animal. Will everyone be safe? Will you be able to provide energy outlets for a dog? Will all family members be able to keep up with training and obedience skills?
At the end of the day, it’s more about matching energies than anything else. “Sometimes an older dog from a shelter with a known history of being good with kids, without aggression or fear issues is best,” she says.
Want to help out the autism community and adorable hero dogs at the same time? Consider sponsoring a dog through Dogs for Good, donating to Paws with a Cause or volunteering with Canine Companions for Independence.
