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The 15 Best Dog Breeds for a Child with Autism

Written by: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| Published on January 19, 2023

Having a pet can bring a multitude of joys to any home, but for families with a child who has autism, having a dog can be especially beneficial. Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, and for children with autism, these qualities can make all the difference. From providing emotional support to helping with behavioral issues, dogs can be an invaluable asset to children with autism and their families.

In this article, we‘ll explore the ways in which dogs can positively impact the lives of children with autism. In this article, we will discuss the 15 best dog breeds for a child with autism and why each breed is a good fit.

Golden Retriever & Goldendoodles

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dog and for good reason. They are incredibly gentle, loyal, and loving. They are also extremely intelligent, making them easy to train. This breed is highly affectionate and loves to be around children. They are also very patient, making them great for children with autism who may need a little extra patience.

Labrador Retriever & Labradooles

The Labrador Retriever is another popular breed of dog that is great for children with autism. They are very patient and loyal and make wonderful companions. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also great at understanding children with autism and their individual needs. They make a great addition to any family.

Poodle

The Poodle is a great choice for a child with autism. They are highly intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also very gentle and loving, making them great for children who need extra patience and affection. They are also low-shedding, making them great for those with allergies.

Boxer

The Boxer is a great choice for a child with autism. They are incredibly loyal and protective and make wonderful companions for children. They are also very patient and gentle, making them great for children who need a little extra patience. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train.

Bulldog

The Bulldog is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very loyal and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very patient and gentle, making them great for children who need a little extra patience. They are also very low-maintenance, making them great for busy families.

Beagle

The Beagle is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very friendly and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train. They also have a lot of energy, making them great for active children.

Pug

The Pug is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very loyal and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very patient and gentle, making them great for children who need a little extra patience. They also require very little maintenance, making them great for busy families.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very gentle and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very patient and tolerant, making them great for children who need a little extra patience. They are also low-maintenance, making them great for busy families.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very loyal and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very patient and gentle, making them great for children who need a little extra patience. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very gentle and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also low-maintenance, making them great for busy families.

Border Collie

The Border Collie is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also very loyal and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very patient and tolerant, making them great for children who need a little extra patience.

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very loyal and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also very patient and tolerant, making them great for children who need a little extra patience.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very gentle and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also very low-maintenance, making them great for busy families.

Dachshund

The Dachshund is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very loyal and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very patient and tolerant, making them great for children who need a little extra patience. They are also very low-maintenance, making them great for busy families.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a great choice for a child with autism. They are very loyal and loving and make wonderful companions. They are also very intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also very low-maintenance, making them great for busy families.

Five Benefits of a Dog for a Child with Autism

Having a dog can be beneficial for a child with autism for many reasons. Here are five of the most important benefits:

  • Unconditional Love and Acceptance: Dogs provide unconditional love and acceptance and can help children with autism to feel safe, secure, and accepted.
  • Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Dogs can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels in children with autism by providing comfort and companionship.
  • Increased Independence: Having a dog can help to increase a child’s independence by providing them with an activity that they can do on their own.
  • Improved Social Skills: Dogs can help to improve social skills in children with autism by providing them with an opportunity to interact with others.
  • Increased Physical Activity: Having a dog can help to increase physical activity levels in children with autism by providing them with an activity that they can do together.

As you can see, having a dog can be incredibly beneficial for a child with autism. The 15 breeds listed above are all excellent choices for children with autism, but it is important to remember that all dogs are different and that the best breed for your child will depend on their individual needs and preferences.

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