Dogs are amazing creatures, capable of so much more than many of us realize — they help ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Read on to learn more about 10 wonderful types of service dogs.
Have you had encounters with these or other types of service dogs? Post a comment and share your experience.
1. Police dogs
Popular breeds: German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retriever, Bloodhound, Beagle, Rottweiler
Informational websites: McGruff’s Dog Blog (kids), United States Police Canine Association (USPCA)
2. Fire Dogs
Popular breeds: Dalmatian
Informational websites: Sparky The Fire Dog (kids), Wilshire The Fire Dog (kids), NYC Office of Fire Prevention & Control
3. Search & Rescue Dogs
Popular breeds: Border Collie, German Shepherd, Bloodhound, Labrador Retriever
Informational websites: National Association for Search & Rescue (NASR)
4. U.S. Customs & Border Protection Dogs
Popular breeds: Sporting Dogs, Labrador Retriever,
Informational websites: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Canine Enforcement Program
5. Guide & Hearing Dogs
Popular breeds: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd
Informational websites: Guide Dogs of America, Assistance Dogs International, Annies’ Unite for Sight (kids), Patriot Service Dogs
6. Therapy Dogs
Popular breeds: Various
Informational websites: International Therapy Dogs, Inc., Library Dogs, Patriot Service Dogs
7. Seizure Alert Dogs
Popular breeds: Golden Retriever, Setter mixes, Samoyed crosses, Border Collie crosses, German Shepherd
Informational websites: Epilepsy Foundation
8. Physical Assistance Dogs
Popular breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever
Informational websites: Canine Companions for Independence, Paws With a Cause, Patriot Service Dogs
9. Dogs for Diabetics
Popular breeds: Various
Informational websites: Dogs4Diabetics
10. Military Dogs
Popular breeds: Dutch & German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois
Informational websites: Military Working Dog Foundation, Patriot Service Dogs
Additional working dog sites:
FBI Working Dogs (kids)
Nero — The U.S. Mint Police Dog (kids)
Service Dog Etiquette – Great guidelines for interacting with service dogs
