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I am looking into getting an emotional support dog. They need to be a small to medium sized breed. Does anyone know of a good breed for this purpose? I'm currently looking into adopting a cocker spaniel but they're not hypoallergenic so I may not be able to bring them everywhere with me.
TIA!
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They’re great but they’re not so good if your emotions range in the upper echelons of hysteria
If I recall correctly, ESAs are only allowed to live in places they normally wouldn't, i.e. apartment complexes or rental homes that typically don't allow pets. They are not the same as service dogs, and are not permitted to go everywhere with you. I also believe you have to have a note written by a doctor saying you need the dog for emotional support. While I don't believe there are any special requirements or training for ESAs, unlike with service dogs.
I don't know though about cocker spaniels to say whether or not they'd make good ESAs, but I will say to do your research and get a breed specifically bred for companionship and a calm temperament, and not a working breed or a breed with a very high prey drive or a high level of energy (Wouldn't recommend huskies, pitbulls, etc. for instance). Breeding and genetics really do make a difference.
If you are wanting a service dog that you can take with you places, I'm not sure what the qualifications are for getting one, but I know that they go through a very high level of training and are very expensive due to that. Most tend to be Golden Retrievers and similar breeds. Not just any dog can be a service dog though, and they must go through vigorous training and pass a temperament test. Whatever you do, please don't be one of those people who purchases a fake service dog vest on Amazon and puts it on an untrained, non-service dog! There are way too many people abusing the system like that already (I'm not accusing you of doing so, but just asking that you don't go that route just in case the thought crossed your mind).
All the other comments are pretty much spot on from what I know. Smaller dogs in general are more hyper so I'd pick a medium sized one. And pure breds are more prone to health problems. We had a shepard/terrier mix that was very docile and gentle with kids.
Cocker spaniel dogs aren't exactly good for public settings. While all dogs can be properly trained, cocker spaniels are anxious animals. Not as anxious as chihuahuas, but they are indeed riddled with anxiety.
The previous comment about them being prone to health issues is also correct. I grew up around that breed of dog; with at least 11 being a part of my childhood. Nearly all 11 were blind, deaf, or both by the time I reached the age of 18. (With many having passed away from old age.)
A genuine service animal is usually a larger breed of dog. Even as someone who hates large dogs, they just have more benefits to small dogs for the reason you are seeking to utilize.
the top four best service dogs/emotional support dogs are usually labradors, golden retrievers, poodles and collies. of course most other breeds can also become good assistance animals too. no dog is truly hypoallergenic, it's mostly a myth and also a service dog can't be kicked out of a place just because it sheds fur.
are you getting emotional support dogs mixed up with service dogs? service dogs are the only type of dog legally allowed to be brought in public buildings/establishments that typically a pet dog or emotional support dog wouldn't be allowed in. here is a link to a good picture guide telling the differences between a service dog, emotional support dog and therapy dog - https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/service-dog_esa_therapy-dog-902x1024.jpg
basically if you're looking for a dog to just keep you company and help with stress/emotions it's an emotional support dog, if you actually need the dog to do a task that will alleviate a disability then it's classed as a service dog. (examples of tasks can be things like alerting a diabetic if their blood sugar level is low, alerting a person with ptsd/anxiety attacks that they're about to have a panic attack and lead them to safety before the incoming panic attack, alerting a person prone to seizures that they're about to have a seizure, perform deep pressure therapy for people with autism, etc.)
i personally don't know too much about cocker spaniel's however i have heard they can sometimes be prone to anxiety as well as prone to health problems like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy so i'd always suggest in only getting a responsibly bred dog from a breeder who health tests (elbow/hip scores as well as testing for potential hereditary health issues) and temperament tests before breeding their dogs.