Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how an individual interacts, communicates, and experiences relationships and the world around them.
Dogs can serve as life-changing companions for individuals with autism. They can provide reassurance, unconditional friendship, and a sense of security and stability, all of which can offer immeasurable comfort and help individuals with autism navigate day-to-day life.
However, some breeds are better suited than others. In this post, we’ll be taking a close look at the worst dog breeds for autism. While these breeds can still make great companions — especially with appropriate training and socialization — they do have some potentially challenging traits to be mindful of, particularly if you or a family member has ASD.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian husky is a medium-sized working dog that is famous for its wolf-like resemblance and joyful, fun-loving personality. While they are loyal and have plenty of love to give — and plenty of fluff, for that matter — they aren’t the best fit for an individual with
autism.
Thanks to their sled dog roots, which required them to problem-solve and adapt independently, they are infamously stubborn. Their stubbornness can make them difficult to train, and it also means they can act in unpredictable or inconsistent ways at times, both aspects that may exacerbate stress in those with ASD.
The Siberian husky is also exceptionally vocal and often communicates with their owner through loud barks and howls. This can make the breed particularly ill-suited for individuals with noise sensitivities.
Dachshunds
Dachshunds are lively dogs who can happily adapt to most living arrangements as long as their care needs are met. They’re also gentle and affectionate with their loved ones, meaning they can offer immeasurable emotional support.
That said, individuals with ASD may want to consider another dog breed. Just like Siberian huskies, dachshunds can be strong-willed and may not perform trained tasks as reliably as other breeds.
Despite their small size, they also have demanding care requirements that can be difficult to manage. They require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition, are prone to health conditions due to their fragile physiques, and need plenty of exercise and attention throughout the day to thrive.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell terrier is an athletic, spunky dog who is exceptionally quick-witted and courageous.
While their bravery makes them an admirable forever companion — and the protection they offer can provide a sense of security to individuals with ASD — they can be wary around strangers and may struggle to navigate busy, public areas. This can exacerbate stress in those with autism who already find these environments overwhelming.
The Jack Russell’s terrier lineage also means they have a strong prey drive. They tend to get easily distracted by moving objects and small, prey-like animals and may not respond reliably when called.
Perfect Dog Breeds for Autism: Alternatives to Consider
The worst dog breeds for autism tend to be dogs that are strong-willed, vocal, or difficult to train. So, when considering which dog to make your forever companion, you need to look for pups that exhibit the opposite traits.
They should have a gentle, patient temperament, a natural eagerness to please, and a work drive that helps them thrive at training. They should also be adaptable and able to offer a sense of security.
With this in mind, some of the best dog breeds for autism include:
- Golden retriever
- Poodle
- Bichon Frise
- Bernese mountain dog
- Newfoundland
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These dog breeds are also often used as service animals and therapy dogs because of their gentle natures, knack for picking up advanced commands, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Active working dog breeds like the Labrador retriever and border collie can also be excellent options for those with autism, provided you can meet their exercise requirements.
Finding Your Forever Companion
Finding your forever companion can feel daunting and challenging, especially if you have a developmental condition like autism. However, familiarizing yourself with each breed’s unique traits will help you determine the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
You should also consider your unique needs. For instance, if you struggle with noise sensitivities, then you may want to avoid vocal breeds like the Siberian husky and instead opt for quieter, peaceful breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles spaniel.