hanna

Profil

Pseudo

hanna

Vous êtes ?

Etudiant

Date de naissance ( J/M/A )

03/02/2026

Signature

 

The best dog breeds to keep as ESA

We’ve all heard that dogs are man’s best friend, this is often stated because they can protect you, play with you and give you lots of love. According to science, dogs are also beneficial for humans’ mental health. While all dogs can offer mental health support such as reducing anxiety and providing comfort, there are dog breeds who are born for this role. These are called ESA dogs or emotional support dogs. These dogs are usually gentle, calm, and trainable. If you’re curious about what breeds can provide emotional support, then the following are the top 10 dogs that are best suited to keep as an ESA dog.

At realesaletter we believe that the right emotional support animal (ESA) can make a world of difference in helping you manage your emotional and mental well-being. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best dog breeds to keep as an ESA, based on expert research and analysis. Our list includes popular breeds such as the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, and the Poodle, as well as lesser-known breeds such as the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Shepherd. Our team has taken into account important factors such as temperament, energy level, and trainability when selecting the best dog breeds to keep as an ESA.

We understand that everyone has unique needs and lifestyles, and our goal is to help you find the perfect ESA dog breed that’s a perfect match for you. With RealeSAletter, you can be confident that you’re choosing from the best options for emotional support dog breeds based on reliable and expert research. Let us help you find the perfect furry companion to enhance your emotional and mental well-being and provide a sense of comfort and stability. Trust real esa letter to be your guide in finding the best dog breed to keep as an ESA that fits your personality and lifestyle.

  1. Border collies

Border collies have an instinct to the herd, which allows them to constantly watch over their human needs. This is a dog that will encourage you to wake up and do your job. Collies are also capable of reading humans’ emotions; this enables them to provide the right action to calm down their humans in situations of a panic attack or an emotional meltdown. Collies have a long life span of 14-16 years. Over the years, collies have proven helpful with people suffering from emotional trauma, PTSD, depression, and other mental issues. If you are suffering from something similar, then a border collie is the best choice for you.

  1. German shepherd

German shepherds are versatile and intelligent dog breeds. German shepherds are kept for many purposes, which include being an ESA dog. They love to have a job, and with their eagerness to please, the german shepherd is a favorite as a canine companion. However, due to their strong protective instincts, german shepherds should be properly trained to behave in public spaces. For this purpose, they need to be trained and socialized, or else they can show signs of aggression. Also referred to as velcro dogs, german shepherds love to stick around their humans; they are responsible dogs who enjoy being challenged, allowing them to be capable for different purposes. Their big size also allows them to lend physical support; like most large dogs, german shepherds need physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep themselves healthy and happy german shepherds have a life expectancy of 9 to 13 years

  1. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas have a variety of temperaments, but with proper socialization and training, they can easily form adorable personalities, which makes them an outstanding emotional support animal. Chihuahuas are the living examples of you don’t have to be large to be able to perform the role of a support animal. They are high in intelligence and alert in their personality. Chihuahuas can easily be trained with visual commands and tricks on our list. Owners must have an ESA Letter on them at all times as proof that this is an emotional support animal and is permitted by the law to accompany the owner.

  1. Cavalier King Charles spaniel

Cavalier King Charles spaniel is also known as the comforter spaniel and the cuddle bug. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is known for being a friendly and loyal dog named after king Charles the second of Britain. This breed has provided companionship to

Nobles and royals. This experience allows them to be great emotional support dogs.

  1. Yorkshire terrier

Despite being small Yorkshire, terriers are born with big and lovely personalities; they are proven to relieve symptoms of depression through their ability to create strong connections with their owners. If you constantly travel and lead an emotional support animal, then Yorkshire terriers are your best friend. Their compact size and ability to adjust well to different environments allow them to be versatile emotional support dogs.

  1. corgi

Corgis are one of the rare breeds that can serve as amazing ESA dogs. They are intelligent, fast learners, and obedient dogs, so it will be easy to train them. Originally bred to hurt on farms, corgis now excel as therapy dogs. They are experts at picking up on their human emotions and are always alert to their surroundings which allows them to help their families in times of emotional distress and other mental issues by calming them throughout the situation.

  1. Pug

Pugs are known to have lively personalities and are always happy to cuddle with their families; because of this, they make wonderful emotional support animals. Although they are small, pugs are born with a personality trait that will make people feel better if properly cared for. Pugs can be lifelong companions for 12 to 15 years.

  1. Golden retriever

Golden retriever, another popular retriever dog breed, makes an exceptional emotional support animal and a family companion. Golden retrievers also need daily exercise and mental stimulation with proper care; they are sure to give you only happiness and entertainment, helping you forget about your worries and problems; they are easy to train and considered as one of the best mental health support dogs in the world like the labs golden retrievers can live for 10 to 12 years.

 

  1. labrador retriever

A labrador retriever is a breed that will encourage you to get out of your bed when you don’t start your day right. Not only are they sweet, but they are also very intelligent, which makes them excellent emotional support dogs. They are especially good at helping disabled people and those who suffer from a disease called add and autism. Labs are also interested in exploring the world. This versatile dog requires daily exercise, so it’s a perfect exercise buddy for anyone who wants to live a healthy life. These qualities are the reasons why Labrador retrievers top the list of the most popular dog breeds; every year, labrador retrievers have an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

  1. Pitbull

Pitbulls are one of the best emotional support dog breeds. As opposed to popular beliefs about bullies, pit bulls excel at being emotional support dogs provided that they are properly trained to start from their younger years. Pit bulls are devoted canines who have nothing to offer but love, affection and protection for you and your home. They are sweet and would enjoy cuddling with you. Pitbulls can live for 12 to 14 years. You can take your ESA dog anywhere with you, but an ESA letter for housing must be with the owners at all times, as documentation proving that the dog is an emotional support animal.

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Can a landlord verify an emotional support animal letter?

ESA housing letter requirements for landlords

Are ESA letters easy to get?

Emotional support dog – basic requirements and tra

Can a doctor write an ESA letter for me?