The Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds for ADHD - A Complete List

Navigating life with ADHD can feel like managing thoughts that are always in shuffle mode — you’re always jumping from one task, idea, or emotion, to another. That’s why methods like body doubling, habit-stacking, alarm reminders, and visual timers can be so helpful. Another big help could be an ESA, or Emotional Support Animal for ADHD. With a breed and training matched to your needs, an ESA can stabilize your day through routine, reminders, and calming companionship. 

If you’re looking for the best emotional support dogs for ADHD that fit your lifestyle, read on. You’ll learn which breeds can offer a calming energy and structure that supports you.

What Makes a Good Emotional Support Dog for ADHD?

Not every breed will be suited to every person, in general. When it comes to ADHD, choosing a good fit can feel even more important to avoid feeling overwhelmed by a dog that doesn’t match your energy levels. Here are some traits of the best dog breeds for ADHD support:

Calm but Active

You want a dog that can engage with you, like play fetch or walk with you when you need some movement. However, you also want a chill side that doesn’t need so much of your energy that you’re left feeling overwhelmed or drained by the end of the day. A balance between activity and calm is key. 

Trainable

Since ADHD can come with being easily distracted, you’re going to want a dog that won’t constantly distract you. They need to be trainable and know when it’s time to offer calm companionship and when it’s time to intervene and offer a cuddle when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You want a routine and structured day that can help you focus and reduce stress.

Affectionate and Loyal

Emotional highs and lows are a normal part of life, but with ADHD the emotions might come more intensely than for others. You want a dog that can offer calming energy when you need it. Breeds that cuddle, offer affection, and stay loyal to you can increase an emotional bond that helps you feel safe and protected — potentially reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. 

Top 10 Emotional Support Dog Breeds for ADHD

Choosing an ESA that helps manage ADHD symptoms, rather than aggravate them, takes some research. Different breeds need more time exercising than others, for example. Some might offer high energy, while others give off a more calming vibe for emotional grounding. Here, we’ll break down the top 10 best emotional support dogs for ADHD, detailing their characteristics, benefits, and care needs. 

1. Border Collie

If you struggle with restlessness or hyperactivity, a Border Collie might be a great fit. They’re incredibly intelligent and need lots of vigorous exercise, at least 1.5 - 3 hours a day. They’re one of the most active dog breeds out there, needing both mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom and anxiety.  

Their high energy makes them love long runs and intense play sessions. That means they’re not the best fit if you prefer short and casual 15-30-minute walks in the morning or night. Two shorter walks a day don’t quite cut it for them. If they don’t get all their energy out, they get anxious and bored, which can lead to destructive behavior that stresses you out. 

In general,  Border Collies thrive on routine and intense exercise. Their boundless energy can help motivate you to walk or go to dog parks or nature. However, you have to be prepared to commit to the significant time and attention they need. If you have an active lifestyle, they can help with routine and possibly, get you even more active — which might help with focus and decrease impulsivity. 

Border Collie Breed Information

• ‍Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, alert, and highly trainable.‍
• Size: Medium; 18-22 inches tall, 30-55 pounds.‍
• Colors: Black and white is most common, but they also come in red, merle, tri-color, or solid coats.‍
• Activity Level: Extremely high; needs lots of physical and mental stimulation.‍
• Best For: Active individuals or families who can provide structure and plenty of exercise.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labs are wonderfully affectionate, loyal, and patient, making them great for people who have a hard time regulating their emotions. They’re good at sticking by your side through thick and thin, offering a calming energy while in your lows. They need at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily, like walks, fetch, swimming, etc. They’re quite playful and love structured playtime, so a routine is helpful for them. About three long walks and playtime daily suit them, so if that fits with your lifestyle, you can enjoy their calming demeanor and routine. They tend not to be as demanding as other breeds, but like all dogs, they still need exercise, attention, and play. 

Labrador Retriever Breed Information

• ‍Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, alert, and highly trainable.‍
• Size: Medium; 18-22 inches tall, 30-55 pounds.‍
• Colors: Black and white is most common, but they also come in red, merle, tri-color, or solid coats.‍
• Activity Level: Extremely high; needs lots of physical and mental stimulation.‍
• Best For: Active individuals or families who can provide structure and plenty of exercise.

3. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their reliability and friendly nature. They’re a good fit if you’re looking for more emotional grounding and positive reinforcements. They need about 1.5-2 hours of activity daily and also love playtime and a routine, which can help lighten your mood and offer some structure to your day. In general, they’re eager to please and happy to spend time with you. 

Golden Retriever Breed Information

• ‍Temperament: Gentle, reliable, friendly, and intelligent.‍
• Size: Large; 21-24 inches tall, 55-75 pounds.‍
• Colors: Shades of gold, from light cream to rich golden tones.‍
• Activity Level: Moderate to high; enjoys outdoor play and structured routines.‍
• Best For: Families or individuals who want an emotionally supportive and trainable dog.

4. Poodle (Standard or Miniature)

Poodles are highly trainable, intelligent, and adaptable dogs that work for people who really struggle with attention. You can get smaller ones if you live in a small space — they also don’t need as intense exercise as bigger ones. However, all breeds need at least 1 hour or more a day, along with plenty of mental stimulation. They also need regular grooming since their coats can get matted easily, which can lead to skin infections and discomfort for them.

They’re great at picking up on emotional cues and can be trained to offer comfort when emotions get uncomfortably high. Overall, they have a calm demeanor and can be a great friend that offers stability and routine.

Poodle Breed Information

• ‍Temperament: Intelligent, adaptable, playful, and loyal.‍
• Size: Standard: 15+ inches, 40-70 pounds; Miniature: 10-15 inches, 10-15 pounds.‍
• Colors: Variety, including black, white, apricot, silver, gray, and brown.‍
• Activity Level: Moderate to high; enjoys both physical and mental challenges.‍
• Best For: Those seeking an adaptable, hypoallergenic companion that thrives on interaction.

5. Boxer

Boxers are playful, loyal, and more energetic than people realize. They like intense activities and need anywhere from 1-2 hours or more of exercise daily. Whether it’s running, fetch, or agility training, they’re happy to play. They’re also quite affectionate and silly, which can help lighten the mood and bring stress and heavy emotions down a notch. 

Boxers can also be intuitive and bond closely with you, picking up on your emotions easily — a good fit if you’re prone to panic attacks or mood swings. They love being nearby and offer companionship and comfort, creating a balance of physical and grounding emotional support. 

Boxer Breed Information

• ‍Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, protective, and playful.
• ‍Size: Medium to large; 21.5-25 inches tall, 50-80 pounds.‍
• Colors: Fawn, brindle, or white, often with a black mask or markings.‍
• Activity Level: High; needs regular exercise and engagement.‍
• Best For: Active individuals who enjoy a playful and loyal dog with lots of personality.

6. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels can be gentle, but they can also be hyperactive and prone to separation anxiety. They love affection and want to be near their owners most of the time. For anyone wanting extra emotional support and more play time inside the house than out, this might be the breed for you. They tend to have a smaller size, making indoor play easier. However, they still need at least 1 hour of exercise a day and they thrive on walks. They also get anxious more easily than other breeds, but if you work from home and want constant company, they can be a good fit. After all, Cocker Spaniels can also become very attuned to your emotions and be ready to offer their companionship when you need it most. 

Cocker Spaniel Breed Information

• ‍Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, cheerful, and sociable.‍
• Size: Medium; 13.5-15.5 inches tall, 20-30 pounds.‍
• Colors: Wide variety, including black, golden, red, or multi-colored patterns.‍
• Activity Level: Moderate; enjoys walks, playtime, and companionship.
• ‍Best For: People who want a smaller, affectionate dog that thrives on closeness and attention.

7. Beagle

If you’re looking for a curious, active, and social dog, the Beagle could be a great fit. They’re usually up for adventures and love a routine that keeps them active. That stability from routine can help add consistency to your day, reducing anxiety and keeping you focused on your schedule — you just have to be prepared to keep them busy with physical activity. They need at least 2 hours a day, but many would love more. Mental stimulation is another important factor since they’re always curious about anything and everything. 

Beagle Breed Information

• Temperament: Curious, friendly, social, and determined.
• Size: Small to medium; 13-15 inches tall, 20-30 pounds.
• Colors: Tri-color (black, white, tan) is common, but can also be lemon or red.
• Activity Level: High; loves exploring and needs regular exercise.
• Best For: Adventurous individuals or families who can provide routine and stimulation.

8. Australian Shepherd

If you enjoy creating interesting agility exercises to challenge your dog, the Australian Shepherd is for you. They love to learn, focus, and be challenged to think quickly. They’re highly intelligent and active and absolutely thrive on mental stimulation. They offer companionship and an active lifestyle, with at least 2 hours or more of activity a day. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them great for creating routine and structure, and keeping you focused on a stimulating and active lifestyle.

However, like the Border Collie, Australian Shepherds have to be intensely mentally and physically stimulated. If they don’t get enough exercise and playtime, they can easily become anxious and make you feel overwhelmed, exasperating your own anxiety. These dogs need a human who is incredibly active and willing to put in the time and energy to keep them engaged. 

Australian Shepherd Breed Information

• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, loyal, and eager to please.
• Size: Medium; 18-23 inches tall, 40-65 pounds.
• Colors: Blue merle, red merle, black, or red, often with white or tan markings.
• Activity Level: Very high; thrives on mental and physical challenges.
• Best For: Active individuals who can dedicate time to training and outdoor activities.

9. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are calm and adaptable dogs that offer emotional support and stability. They’re not as demanding as other dogs when it comes to exercise, needing about 1 hour a day of activity. If you prefer a more relaxed and gentle pace, they can be a good fit. They’re also comforting animals who like to sleep near you, sit on your lap, and enjoy a good cuddle session. They’re great if you’re looking for a grounding presence to always be near that doesn’t take as much of your time.

French Bulldog Breed Information

• Temperament: Affectionate, adaptable, easygoing, and playful.
• Size: Small; under 28 pounds, 11-13 inches tall.
• Colors: Fawn, cream, brindle, or white, often with black markings.
• Activity Level: Low to moderate; enjoys short walks and indoor play.
• Best For: Those seeking a compact, affectionate dog with a calm and adaptable personality.

10. Shih-Tzu

These tiny dogs are known for loving to stay close and snuggle with their owners. They’re good for people who want emotional support without the challenge of managing a high-energy dog. The Shih-Tzu is more like a lap dog, offering comfort to ease anxiety and stress. They’re generally easygoing and love to be around people, giving you a stabilizing companion by your side.

Shih-Tzu Breed Information

• Temperament: Loving, friendly, playful, and adaptable.
• Size: Small; 9-10.5 inches tall, 9-16 pounds.
• Colors: Wide variety, including gold, black, white, brindle, or multi-color.
• Activity Level: Low; requires minimal outdoor activity but enjoys short walks and indoor play.
• Best For: People who want a low-energy, affectionate lapdog for consistent companionship.

How to Choose the Right Emotional Support Dog Breed for ADHD

We can easily get caught up in imagining a dog fitting perfectly into our lives, but the truth is that it’s not just the breed — each dog also has a bit of their own unique personality. Plus, you might have to go from a more sedentary lifestyle to one that’s super active overnight. That’s why it’s so important to find an animal you click with and spend time with them before taking them home, if possible. You can also ask shelters about fostering a rescued dog for a trial period to be sure their energy levels match yours (then they can happily become a “foster fail” after you’ve fallen in love). 

You can also talk to your licensed mental health professional about whether you might instead need an ADHD service dog. They’re trained to do specific tasks to support ADHD management, whereas an ESA is more for general emotional support, routine, and physical activity. 

Here’s what to keep in mind when you look for a dog that suits you:

Energy Levels and Lifestyle

If you can, spend time with different breeds and dogs to see what fits your vibe and lifestyle. Maybe you think you want high energy to exercise more, but as it turns out you love a more calming demeanor. 

Trainability and Structure

If you want an animal to focus on and love to stay active, the breeds that need intense exercise and mental stimulation are for you. Think about how much structure you want in your day, and go for a dog that’s on your level. 

Affection and Loyalty

Maybe you’re leaning more towards a dog that offers you loyalty and affection over everything else, giving you consistent emotional support and reliability. For a close and comforting presence, choose a dog that you connect with most and whose energy levels match your own. 

FAQs

What makes a dog good for ADHD support?

A good ADHD support dog should match energy levels, help with structure, and offer companionship and emotional stability. 

Are there specific dog breeds for emotional support for ADHD?

Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and French Bulldogs are popular for a balance between affection, trainability, and energy levels. However, it really depends on each dog’s unique personality and how they fit into your lifestyle. 

Do dogs help manage ADHD symptoms?

Dogs can help manage ADHD symptoms by increasing physical activity and structure, as well as offering a grounding presence and emotional support. This can help improve focus and reduce anxiety or depression. 

How do I train an emotional support dog for ADHD?

Train with positive reinforcement, a consistent routine, mental stimulation, activity, and socializing. Think about going to dog training classes and watching videos online to get specific tips and ideas for your breed. 

What breed should I get if I live in a small space with ADHD?

If you live in a small space, a smaller or lower-energy adaptable breed might be best. That could be a French Bulldog or Shih Tzus since they can still thrive in smaller spaces and get their activity outdoors. 

Final Thoughts

Finding the best ESA for ADHD really depends on your unique lifestyle and ADHD symptoms. Every breed has something different to offer — and every personality, too. So whether you’re looking for a cuddle or running buddy, research the characteristics of each dog and think about the time and attention they need would fit into your day. If you can, try fostering rescue pups to get a better idea of how different breeds feel to you. 

Once you do your research and spend some time with different dogs, you’ll have a better idea about which one suits your needs best. As soon as you meet your match, you’ll find that loyal companion and positive force in your life that helps manage ADHD and improves your overall well-being.