Index
Emotional support animals (ESAs) assist people that require help with mental and emotional issues. They could prove to be valuable for a lot of things like helping people feel calm in stressful situations, providing companionship to homesick individuals/ expats finding it hard to make it in a new country, etc.
According to Very Well Mind, Dogs and cats are the most common ESAs. Unfortunately, dogs tend to shed a lot, which makes some people feel sick and develop allergies. If you are in need of an ESA too but are somewhat allergic, there is a solution for you!
Some dog breeds are hypoallergenic, meaning that they have been bred with the purpose to be more compatible with people that are prone to allergies, as opposed to other breeds. In this blog, we have listed such breeds that make for great ESAs. So, let’s dive into it!
Related – Debunking The 5 Most Common Myths About ESAs
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Most Suitable for Being ESAs
First, let’s get a better understanding of “hypoallergenic”, as the term seems to be used a lot without proper context. The most important thing you must understand and remember is that no breed is entirely allergen free. The term hypoallergenic in itself means that the breeds are less likely to bring up allergies in humans.
So, getting a breed because it is hypoallergenic doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get an allergic reaction to your pet. However, the chances of it happening would be a lot lower.
Simply put, a hypoallergenic dog can either have a non-shedding coat, a coat with no hair, or a single coat with short hair. Some of these breeds are better at being ESAs due to their ability to get trained easily. So, if you are looking for a hypoallergenic emotional support animal, your best would be one of the following.
Related – Have Space Issues? These Small Dog Breeds Make for Great ESAs!
Poodle
Poodles are one of the most well-known dog breeds with a hypoallergenic coat. They are available in three sizes; known as Standard, Miniature, and Toy varieties. You can choose the size of your pet according to your preference when getting a poodle. This breed’s coat can also be maintained easily and kept well-groomed.
However, you must not neglect them as their fur can become matted easily. You don’t necessarily have to get them professional care, brushing their fur at home works too. Besides, they are smart, get along well with children, and are easy to train, making them the ideal family pets.
Poodles are energetic and can easily stimulate you to create positivity and confidence. For instance, if you have trouble getting up in the morning because you never feel like doing anything, a poodle would be perfect to give you that little push! They also love to socialize and greet people happily.
Shih Tzu
Are you looking for a friendly and adorable dog with a high level of intelligence? Shih Tzus are all that and more! They are perfect for being ESAs as they were bred to be companions. In the present day, they are bred for being cute lap dogs that provide love and support.
If you ever feel enveloped by a mental fog or are in a state of distress, your Shih Tzu will be right there to cuddle you and boost your serotonin. They are well-known for being loyal and compassionate, as well as friendly with most people. Their loyalty can offer great comfort to people going through depression.
Furthermore, they have a cheerful personality that can bring anyone out of sad thoughts and make them feel better. They will naturally try to uplift your mood if they see you feeling low. Shih Tzus are also calm dogs so you won’t find them overbearing or too much to handle on a rainy day.
Basenji
Basenjis are known for having an aloof personality, yet being very affectionate. Thus, you wouldn’t have to run after them when you are not in the mood, yet they still provide you the necessary love and affection an ESA should.
They usually get along with other dogs, but their friendliness increases when they get familiar with other pets and humans. Basenjis have excellent eyesight and a sense of smell. The best thing is their short coat that doesn’t let their fur shed as much.
Basenjis are sometimes even known as the “barkless dog” due to how calm they are. They exhibit independent behavior, along with being smart and easy to train. You can easily teach them a few tricks that enable them to help you physically/ emotionally. This breed also doesn’t get firstly easily or have a particular “dog smell” so you do not have to spend too much time on their maintenance.
Wire Fox Terrier
This dog breed isn’t that popular amongst the masses, but it makes for a great friendly pet with a cheerful personality and playful nature. Wire Fox Terriers stay alert and energetic, are brave so you won’t feel paranoid when going out with them, and are even excellent guard dogs!
So, if you are looking for a dog breed that is fun and loving, will protect you with loyalty and give you undivided love and attention, the Wire Fox Terrier is perfect for you! Furthermore, they are known for being smart and endearing, thus you can easily teach them useful tricks to make your life easier.
They have a fine undercoat that appears matted so they will require some upkeep, but in return, they will provide you an amazing companionship!
Bichon Frise
This is one of the most affectionate dog breeds you will come across! Bichon Frise are entertaining and prefers company so much, they will always make sure to cheer you up. They also get along well with children. Despite their small size, they make good watchdogs.
Bichon Frise is not only known for its lovable personality, but also for its cleverness. They are easy to train and can pick up on your mood, which makes them a great choice for an ESA. Furthermore, this dog breed is soft and cuddly, with a fur coat that doesn’t require too much maintenance. You will just have to brush them 2-3 times a week.
This dog breed also doesn’t have the need for a large house, gets along well with children, and is highly trainable with a high IQ. So, they are great in all aspects!
Conclusion
These are some of the best ESAs choices amongst hypoallergenic dog breeds. In order to classify your pet as an ESA, you will need to get an ESA letter.
My ESA Doctor allows you to do the same without even leaving your home. Contact us today to continue/ start living with an ESA and improve the quality of your daily life.
Leave a Reply