Best Therapy Dog Breeds

The best therapy dogs are calm, affectionate, patient, and highly trainable. They should be comfortable around strangers and in new environments. Top breeds include Boston Terrier, Whippet, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cavapoo.

Service dogs are trained for specific tasks to assist one person with a disability. Therapy dogs provide comfort and affection to many people in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Therapy dogs don't have the same legal access rights as service dogs.

Therapy dog certification typically involves passing a temperament test (like the AKC Canine Good Citizen test), completing a therapy dog training course, and registering with an organization like Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International. Dogs must be at least 1 year old.