Although all dogs provide endless love and companionship, some breeds are more empathetic than others. From Labradors to Golden Retrievers, there are plenty of emotional support dog breeds that will excel at comforting you in times of stress — and understand just how you feel.
"Some dog breeds are particularly well-known for providing emotional support due to their friendly, gentle, loyal and affectionate nature," The Kennel Club tells Country Living. "Of course, it's important to note that any dog's behaviour and attitude depend on its training, socialisation and individual personality."
On that note, take a look at the six empathetic dog breeds below...
1. Labradors
"Labradors are adaptable and devoted companions," say The Kennel Club. "They are a versatile breed and because of this, alongside their friendly nature, they make great emotional support dogs for adults or children, and are well suited as guide and therapy dogs too."
2. Golden Retrievers
"These intelligent, confident and incredibly friendly dogs provide much support to their owners and are a true family favourite," the team say. "Their affectionate nature and soft coats make them a therapeutic four-legged friend. Similarly to Labradors, they have long been fantastic therapy dogs, providing emotional support to their owners."
3. Maltese
Have you considered adopting a Maltese dog? According to The Kennel Club, these empathetic pups provide excellent emotional support.
"A smaller breed, the Maltese can be a good emotional support and companion dog, particularly for those who are less mobile, due to their compact size, sweet nature and gentle characteristics. They tend to bond easily and love to have attention from their owners, too. Grooming their soft white coats can be very therapeutic."
4. Greyhound
"Whilst a little more on the independent side at times, Greyhounds tend to be affectionate, sensitive and docile, making them a supportive pet and best friend for the right owners," the Kennel Club say.
5. Newfoundland
"These gentle giants have been man's best friend for centuries, and in fact have lifesaving instincts. Calm, patient, devoted and loyal – Newfoundlands make fantastic companions."
6. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
"Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known as wonderful family pets and can provide much emotional support. They are highly intelligent, sensitive and affectionate - especially with children."
7. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a brilliant empathic dog breed, famed for having an uncanny degree of empathy. Often known as "gentle giants", they will know when you're sad, sick or feeling uneasy.
8. Great Dane
Great Danes are also considered gentle giants, with a moderately playful, affectionate and empathic personality.
The PDSA say: "Great Danes are a large, working breed loved for their giant size but gentle and sweet natures. They are an intelligent breed, making them easy to train in the right hands, but are still very playful and love spending time with their family."
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12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cosy
Keep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter's walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.
Designed to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.
Keeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints.
In a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back.
This thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology.
"Our reflective technology lining, combined with a hollow fibre core maximises the dog coats thermal properties," say petslovescruffs.com. "The thermal dog coat has a fleece collar and chest pad to provide greater comfort, improved fitment and allow unrestricted movement."
A warm pet coat is great to ward off the chill during winter. Not sure which one to pick up? We love this technical dog parka, which has been specially developed for short-haired dogs and dogs without an undercoat.
In olive green, this luxurious Barbour coat is ideal for dogs who like the finer things in life.
On the hunt for a warm knit jumper? To keep your furry friend extra cosy, why not pick up this Barbour jumper. Boasting a unique design with a roll neck for elite comfort, it's perfect for them to wear on a Christmas Day walk.
READ MORE: The Barbour Christmas advert 2021 stars Paddington Bear and his heart-warming family
Made from super-soft fleece fabric, this blue fluffy coat has teddy bear ears attached to keep your dog warm and cosy. It also has a stretch jersey fabric, making it easy to pull on and off.
William Morris fans will love this adorable reversible dog coat in the brand's classic print. With a water-resistant, waxed cotton outer fabric, it also helps to keep rain off.
OVER GLAM Medium faux leather sleeveless dog jacket
This sleeveless dog jacket looks so cosy! It has small holes for their legs and black poppers to keep them cosy.
In vibrant blue, this microfibre dog coat is light and absorbent to offer protection from getting cold. It has a click fastener on the back and openings for legs and tail.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
