If you struggle with a mental illness—as nearly one in five Americans do, according to the National Institute of Mental Health—adopting a dog has been proven to benefit emotional well being. Welcoming a dog into your home is not a decision to be made lightly, but a loving dog can make a dramatic impact. That being said, some types of dogs are particularly well-suited to mental health concerns.
Lauren McDevitt, co-founder of Good Dog, founded the platform to help future dog owners find the perfect canine companion. The site allows users to log on, browse or search key terms like "good with families" or "great for allergy sufferers" in order to narrow down options to fit their lifestyle. From there, Good Dog helps with next steps of finding a breeder, rescue or shelter where users can find their new furry friend.
The benefits of owning a support dog have been proven in studies and anecdotally in the lives of those with mental illness. "Many scientific studies show that bringing a dog into your house can reduce depression, anxiety and stress," McDevitt explained to Newsweek. "Dogs provide companionship without judgment, offering unconditional love and acceptance that many people struggle to find in human connections. They bring true friendship to the table, along with a sense of security and, at times, a great deal of stress relief. Additionally, dogs can help their owners stay active and outdoors."
McDevitt listed three dog breeds that are specifically beneficial for promoting mental health.
Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bernese Mountain Dogs are some of the most emotionally supportive breeds, McDevitt said. These are not the only dogs, however, that can be specifically classified as "emotional support dogs." Any emotional support dog, or other pet, can be certified by a doctor of licensed mental health professional.
McDevitt explained these dog breeds all have loving and gentle characteristics, which makes them perfect for emotional health. Goldens in particular, she explained, are cheerful and loyal, while Cavaliers are calm and peaceful.
Good Dog aims to connect people with the breed that best suits them, while avoiding support of puppy mills and storefront pet shops. "Choosing the right dog and breed for you can be a long journey and it's critical to work with ethical sources along the way," McDevitt explained. "With the rise of online storefronts, it's becoming easier and easier to end up in the hands of a puppy mill or a scam. It can be difficult for people to identify bad actors, even if they know what to look for. All the sources on Good Dog are thoroughly vetted to meet our standards — our breeders, shelters, and rescues prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs above all else."
Other types of animals can also qualify as emotional support pets. "Although emotional support animals typically tend to be dogs, they can also be other types of common domestic animals such as cats, mice, rabbits, birds, mini pigs and hedgehogs," McDevitt said. "The type of animal will depend on your personal needs and whether the specific animal can give you the benefits that you seek."
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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