Top 10 Best Dogs for Depression
Depression and anxiety are things that everyone experiences to some degree, from mild seasonal depression to major psychological issues that require slightly more help. However, it has been clinically proven that dog ownership substantially reduces stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. Here are some of the best dogs to help with this particularly important issue.
So Which Are the Best Dogs for Depression?
1. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are tiny, incredibly loving and comforting dogs that can provide their owners with near-constant companionship and affection. The French Bulldog is also quite low maintenance, making it easier to take care of them, and their size makes them uniquely portable. You can take them anywhere you need a pick-me-up!
2. King Charles Spaniel
King Charles Spaniels are yet another small lapdog that can provide a wonderful panacea against stress, anxiety and depression. Their trainability makes them perfect for doing what you need, and are great with kids so the whole family can enjoy them. One look down at their cherubic faces and you can almost feel the stress melting away.
3. Pug
Pugs are probably some of the most charming dogs on the planet, with their cute, smushed faces and high, bouncy levels of energy. If you get a pug, not only will you have an incredibly friendly dog for dealing with the stressors of everyday life, the pug’s hatred of hot weather makes for a great indoor dog to keep you company all the time.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labs are a bit bigger than most other great dogs for depression, but they make up for this larger size with an incredibly high-spirited, gregarious personality that is infectious to be around. Labs are extremely loyal and affectionate, usually able to tell when their owner needs some loving, making them great for people who need a little company.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers have a history of being therapy dogs; there’s the infamous tale of Smokey, the Yorkshire Terrier who helped boost the morale of wounded soldiers in World War II. These dogs are perfect for this kind of work: they form close bonds with their owners, making them really loyal (and cute to boot)! To that end, you could do far worse than the Yorkshire Terrier for a depression aid.
6. Poodle
Poodles make for great, versatile dogs for a variety of owners, mostly due to their portability and versatility. Poodles can adapt to a number of situations as long as they have company – which is where you come in! Poodles love being around their master, so you can count on not being left alone for very long with a poodle in the mix, making them great for treating depression.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
While Jack Russell Terriers are bit more in the ‘hunting dog’ vein than some of the smaller dogs on here, it is these qualities that may well make them the perfect candidates for owners with depression. Jack Russells are incredibly loyal and energetic, always encouraging their owners to play and have fun with them. What’s more, they’re incredibly adorable, making their infectious energy hard resist.
8. Viszla
If you’re more responsive to dogs of the big, floppy-eared variety, you might find your stress dissolving in the presence of a Viszla. Some of the friendliest dogs around, they (like the Jack Russell) are incredibly active and encourage their owners to do the same. They’re gorgeous and intelligent dogs, and always willing to go out and get you up and moving.
9. English Bulldog
Somewhere between a pug and a terrier, the English bulldog is a heavyset bundle of happiness that is great for owners with depression. Imminently adaptable, surprisingly quiet, and really low maintenance, the English Bulldog is incredibly endearing and will prove a devoted and comforting ally in your fight with depression.
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Finally, we have Staffordshire Bull Terriers. These little guys are great companions, with huge reserves for energy for getting you up and going. They’re also fantastic with kids, helping inspire you to include them as yet another member of your family. Add to that their easy level of care, you’ve got a dog that will bring you nothing but happiness and reduced stress and depression throughout your life.
