Hi all

Ok so there's something i wanted to ask and thought I will just go ahead and ask, I have a fascination with assistance dogs and think it's amazing what they dog for there people and in particular I have always wondered why labs , goldens, cockers, goldenrods, cockapoos are used mainly for children with autism? Why not other breeds like German shepherds, Bernese mountain dogs ect...

I can see why labs , Goldie's are mainly the breed for  guide dogs and disability dogs but why are they best for children \ people with autism?

The reason this interests me is because I know a few people with autism and they all own labs or labs x goldens. And the reason they all picked there breed was based on them being best with autism

One of the CRUFTS Best Friends winners was a Hungarian Wire haired Vizsla she was an unofficial support dog for a lovely young girl with Cerebral Palsy. Their bond was clear to see

GDBA used to breed their own GSDs at one time & in the USA the Seeing Eye dogs are GSD & Labs.

I think those responsible for producing the dogs prefer to use tried & tested breeds & like fairly easy options. I did read somewhere of a privately trained Cavalier & an severely autistic young man. It was the only breed he bonded with

There’s a member of the forum with autistic children and she has standard poodles who sound to be doing an excellent job.

Ha img had goldens for nearly forty years I can say with fair degree of certainty that they are endlessly patient have smiley faces and seem to attract everybody

So do you think it's to do with them being patient why there always recommend?

No idea. They are generally a very good natured breed and are very human focused which must help. Also seem very keen to help you and try and anticipate what you want. Easy to train to do all sorts of things not just basic sits and stays etc

The guide dogs association prefer to crossbreed labs and Goldens for their guide dogs, most of them are this cross

I'd imagine giant breeds are not normally considered due to the shorter lifespans, why spend all that time and money training an assistance dog if it's working life is expected to be shorter than average? Also their higher mantance costs for the owner

Then some breeds could also be out if they would not suite an average pet home, something with a very high working drive most pet homes probably couldn't cater for its needs.

Then you have some breeds are just more biddable and tolerant of certain things than others, something you would want in an assistance dogs espicaly in one for a child.