From Labradors to Poodles: The Genetic Profile of Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are more than pets; they are work partners, lifesavers, and pillars of independence for millions of people. Their specialised training allows them to perform crucial tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, making a profound difference in quality of life.

But did you know that the key to their success often begins with their genetics?

Types of assistance dogs

The category of assistance dogs encompasses a wide range of functions, each with rigorous training adapted to specific needs. It is fundamental to distinguish between the different roles assumed by these canine heroes:

1. Medical assistance dogs and physical support

These medical assistance dogs are trained to respond to specific physical or medical crises, providing safety and alerting third parties:

• Mobility assistance dogs: They help with daily tasks, such as opening doors, picking up dropped objects, or pressing emergency buttons.
• Diabetes assistance dogs: They are capable of detecting sudden changes in the owner’s blood glucose levels through their sense of smell and alerting before hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia occurs.
• Epilepsy assistance dogs: They can warn their owner of an impending seizure or remain with the person during an attack to protect them.
• Guide dogs: Their success lies not only in their rigorous training but in a careful genetic selection that ensures the optimal temperament and health for care.

2. Psychiatric assistance dogs and emotional support

A psychiatric assistance dog is trained to perform tasks that alleviate the symptoms of a diagnosed mental illness, whilst an emotional assistance dog provides comfort without training for specific tasks, although legislation and public access vary significantly.

• Autism assistance dogs: Also known as an autism assistance dog, they help maintain calm, interrupt repetitive behaviours, and prevent wandering in children or adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Anxiety assistance dogs: They are trained to recognise and mitigate panic attacks or intense anxiety, for example, by applying deep pressure or guiding the person to a safe place.

If you are wondering what an emotional assistance dog is, you should know that, legally, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not trained to perform specific tasks and generally do not have the same public access rights as a psychiatric assistance dog with specific tasks. The most precise term is psychiatric assistance dog.

Assistance dog breeds

The success of an assistant dog is not just a matter of training; genetics is a determining factor in their temperament, health, and working capacity. Assistance dogs of specific breeds are chosen for their:

• Temperament: They must be calm, self-assured, and resistant to stress.
• Health: A dog destined for prolonged service must have robust health and be free of genetic diseases.

The best dog breeds for mobility assistance and emotional support include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles, but suitability must always be evaluated on an individual basis.

At Koko Genetics, we provide you with the essential information to make the best decisions:

• Discover your pet’s breed.
• Identify relevant genetic traits (Temperament and aptitudes).
• Prevent hereditary genetic diseases.

The health and service capacity of an assistance dog begin in its DNA; get informed with the Koko Genetics DNA test for dogs.