Hey everyone

What would you recommend as a good calm breed for a support dog?

For a family friend with autistic kids

Thanks

It is difficult to advise when you don't give any information on the family. So things that would be useful to know are have they had a dog before, what experience have they with dogs, do they have a garden, also how many children, ages and how severe is their autism? I have two severely autistic grandsons who adore my flat coated retriever and she them in equal measure. But a flat coat is not for a first time owner who may live in a flat. So some background info would help.

Thank you - sorry I didn't think to give more info. Family with 1 child, not severe autism but prone to frustration. Big garden, have had many dogs before and love all animals.

It's more about trainimg than breed, and individuals.

I would tend to avoid highly reactive breeds, Terriers as a group, though even among this group are more easygoing breeds (Bedlington, Botder) and individuals.

Sight and Scent Hounds are generally easy going in a home environment, but need managing so their instincts don't get them into trouble outside.

Herding breeds though very trainable can also be more active and busy, needing a lit of mental, and a good amount of excersise.

Breeds with strong guarding instincts might be a challenge too.

I think you need to look at breeds that appeal physically, their size, and the size of your home.

Then look at the breeds original and/or current purpose, and what physical and mental traits have been accentuated.

Are these compatible with your needs, and training ability to modify/accentuate.

Once you have a short list, meet as many of the breed as you can.

This should be at breeders homes, working environment where appropriate, and in pet homes.

Go for walks and see generally how they are with dogs, other animals and people.

There are over 200 recognised breeds in UK, so think outside the box.

Generally the less well known and numerous breeds have a higher proportion of true breed enthusiasts.

I would always check with a breed club if they know the breeder your considering.

It is important to choose a breeder.  Parents should have all breed appropriate health testing (no excuses).

Once you have chosen breed, a good breeder, then they will help you choose the most suitable pup in the litter.

A previous poster on here, “Poodlenoodle”, was training a Standard Poodle as an assistance dog for her autistic children. She hasn’t posted for a while, but if you search for her posts you may find some useful information.

Other than that, you could look at the sorts of dogs trained by “mainstream” assistance dog organisations, Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs. And of those, Golden or Labrador Retrievers might be the most suitable.

My advice would be not to pick a sensitive breed as they are easily upset hence sensitive (all wires, field spaniels etc), though a Welsh Springer might be good for you. Other child orientated dogs which are more robust in character are the Irish Terrier and the Doberman and also of the gundog breeds the Lab and Golden Retriever. Maybe see if your family can rehome a retired working dog such as a guide dog. They will have been tried and tested for tolerance and a surer option than a puppy. I'm sure it goes without saying but any dog that comes into a household with young children, especially if they are on the autistic spectrum with frustration as a main trait, then that dog needs its own space where it can retreat to and be undisturbed, no ifs no buts.