The golden retriever is consistently one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. But, can they become a great service dog too? Technically, CNN now says that the most popular dog breed in the US is the French Bulldog.

Pardon me Mr. Frenchie, can you provide deep pressure in the middle of Target? Or a grounding force as I wait in line for the DMV? Or go get a bottle of water when I need to take my medicine? M-k.

Ahhuhm, back to the question. Can a golden retriever be a great service dog? Without a doubt. Goldens are consistently one of the top three breeds for service dogs, according to the AKC. (Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever) 

Makings of a Great Service Dog: Our Experience So Far

From our experience, I believe golden retrievers make great service dogs largely because of the golden’s temperament and their intelligence. This is also part of the reason the golden makes a wonderful pet.

With experience as dog owners of several different breeds over the years, we know many other breeds could not be easily trained as a service dog. But, even as a puppy, I can tell that our golden retriever has a manner that aligns with our needs. Millie feels like the happy-go-lucky goofball that is as cuddly as a teddy bear, growing into a gentle giant, and above all a loving companion. She exudes calm and models resilience.

Of course there are tons of other reasons that goldens are great service dogs too… they are intelligent, treat motivated, easy to train, love to cuddle and instinctively good at holding things and retrieving them. In other words, a lot of disability tasks come naturally. But, they are also silly and a wee bit naughty…. Which we’ve found can add just enough laughter to break up the difficult days. 

Top Ten Reasons Golden Retrievers Are Great Service Dogs

1. Emotional Intelligence: What may not come easy to many adults comes naturally to the golden retriever. They possess a heightened ability to perceive human emotions and to respond to them in a supportive manner. This is an invaluable task for service dogs, especially those providing psychiatric service tasks. 
   
2. Trainability: Goldens are known for their intelligence and their desire to learn. They are food motivated, simplifying the use of positive dog training methods. Given the intensity of service dog training, these qualities make it more likely that a golden will be successful in service.
   
3. Gentle and Patient: Goldens project calm and seem to provide a composed presence across environments. Please prioritize early socialization and sensory desensitization to ensure this! As a familiar breed that is well known for being gentle and patient with children, they are easily accepted by the public.
   
4. Adaptability: Goldens seem to feel comfortable almost anywhere allowing them to navigate different environments seamlessly. They are ready to go anywhere from the beach to the big box store, on a hike, or for a swim in the pool. Where the handler goes, the golden can go too. When thinking about a service dog, it is helpful to know that the one by your side will not waver in new situations… even if you do. 
   
5. Problem Solvers: Although that naughty golden puppy may use her problem solving skills to steal from your laundry basket or to help herself to her favorite treat, those skills turn into a handy service dog trait when it is time to think creatively on their feet. The golden can put together the pieces of a situation and approach a problem in a way that serves their handler’s needs.
   
6. Waiting Skills: One of the service dog’s most frequent tasks is the acceptance of boredom. The service dog is often waiting the day away and must do so with patience for extended periods of time. Golden’s have the ability to wait whether under a table at a restaurant, on the bed at a doctor's appointment, or on the floor of a college lecture hall.
   
7. Non-Intrusive Assistance: Golden Retrievers provide assistance without causing undue stress or intrusion, making them ideal for tasks that require a delicate touch and respect for the handler's personal space. They move with grace quietly tip-toeing around with a gentle sway that we call the golden swagger.
   
8. Versatility in Task Performance: The versatility of Golden Retrievers allows them to perform a wide array of tasks, from physical assistance in mobility cases to emotional support, addressing the diverse and sometimes changing needs of their handlers.
   
9. Consistent Stability: Goldens offer physical stability due to their adequate size for mobility tasks, a dependable support when needed. But, they also have a consistent temperament that fosters emotional reliability. Because of this, handlers establish a sense of trust and safety with the golden that they come to depend upon.
   
10. Unconditional Companionship: While a golden may be a service dog, they are without a doubt lifelong companions. Their unwavering companionship and non-judgemental loyalty creates a bond that goes beyond the role of a service dog. These dogs are a source of acceptance and belonging, something often difficult to find for the most complex neurodivergent individuals. They become best friends and partners for life. 

Service Dogs Are True Members Of The Family

In conclusion, the golden retriever has many natural instincts that make it a fabulous service dog as well as a reliable family companion.

They quickly become not just the family dog but instead a true family member that leaves you questioning how you ever existed without that part of your heart that now walks on four paws beside you.