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.
Be sure to read: Service Dogs: To pet or not to pet?
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
