Worst Dog Breeds for Autism

Dogs can help people with a wide range of disabilities, including autism. That said, some dog breeds are better than others when it comes to performing specific tasks or socializing in groups. For this reason, it's important to know what dog breeds are the best for autism and which dogs are the worst dog breeds for autism.

This article takes you through everything you need to know and much more. Read on to learn more about the worst dog breeds for autism.

How Dogs Help with Autism

Dogs can help with autism by helping with mental or physical disabilities that come with the condition. For example, dogs can provide comfort or assistance in social situations where someone with autism may feel uncomfortable. They can also provide physical assistance by opening doors, remembering when it's time to take medication, and responding to their needs based on physical cues.

5 Worst Dog Breeds for Autism

Some dog breeds are better than others for help with autism. We cover some of the worst dog breeds for autism below.

1. Siberian Husky

The Siberian husky is certainly a fun dog to have around, but they're not the best for assisting people with autism. This is because they're big, hard to train, and very vocal if something isn't going their way.

Even if you get past all of that, Siberian huskies have a lot of energy. Essentially, you need to walk, play, or engage with them for hours before they even start to get tired. They can also be a bit unpredictable, which isn't great for people who have autism.

2. Beagles

Beagles are great canine companions because they're little balls of energy. However, this can be too much to handle for some people who are on the spectrum. While they're empathetic, loyal, and kind, their tendency to bark can be troubling for those who struggle with noise.

Beagles also need to play often, which may not work for people who don't have the time to engage with them.

3. Australian Shepherds

One of the most sought-after breeds is the Australian shepherd. These dogs are beautiful, intelligent, and highly energetic. That said, these traits may not be the best for someone who is on the spectrum. Australian shepherds may also bark frequently and need mental stimulation, which can overwhelm individuals with autism.

Last but not least, Australian shepherds also have some herding traits that lead them to nip. This can be unsettling for people who have autism, especially children who are easily overstimulated.

4. Dachshunds

Dachshunds are those little hot dog-looking canines that everyone seems to have a soft spot for. While they're loyal, kind, and playful, they're delicate and frequently have back issues that need to be handled later in life.

Unfortunately, these traits make them a riskier option for people who are autistic and unable to understand social cues. While the chances of a dachshund lashing out are small, it's more of a risk that they can be injured if not properly handled.

5. Jack Russel Terriers

Jack Russel Terriers are about as small as terriers can get, which is why many people seek them out. While these dogs are loyal, affectionate, and playful, their high energy levels and need for stimulation may be too much for people who tend to get overstimulated.

This can also be a problem with the Jack Russell terrier that turns into bad behavior. For example, if their high energy levels aren't met, they may act out, damage furniture, bark, or exhibit other bad behaviors.

The Best Dog Breeds for Autism

We covered some of the worst dog breeds for autism, but not all breeds are bad. In fact, many dog breeds can help with autism and even improve social and learning skills. Some of the best breeds for autism include:

• Golden retrievers
• Labrador retrievers
• Newfoundlands
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Bichon Frise
• Toy poodle

These are only some of the best breeds for autism and many other options can work. Ultimately, it comes down to the type of autism and the age of the person.

Adopt the Right Dog Breed for Autism

We've covered some of the best and worst dog breeds for autism, so now you have an idea of what type of dog to adopt.

When looking for therapy dogs, service dogs, or even emotional support dogs for autism, make sure you take the necessary measures to have them approved for the work they'll be doing. Also, make sure you avoid the worst dog breeds as they can end up making things worse.

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