Admirable qualities such as being obedient, gentle, loving, caring, calm and friendly are what make the small breeds highly appropriate for being the best therapy dogs. They may not have the mannerisms and sobriety of some their more illustrious contemporaries, but their mere presence brings a wide smile on the faces of those who need it more than the medicines. We have mentioned 8 small breed dogs that are best suited to get the best dog parenting experience, and we are sure to bring a smile on your face once you check them out.

1) Poodle

This cute ball of fluff has some very delightful, affectionate and charming qualities that make it the most favorite choice among the people. It was bred in the 18th century in England. They are considered as highly smart, energetic and physically active breed. Standing not more than 10 inches, poodles are cited to have hypoallergenic qualities that make them the best companions for people suffering from various types of allergies. They are also adored and loved by the women due to their unusual proportions of fur. As their fur grows longer in comparison to other breeds, it becomes important to manage their coat from getting ruffled up with proper care on a regular basis.

2) French Bulldog

French Bulldogs mostly portray a muscular physique with heavy bone structure and soft coat. Seeking a close companionship with its human parents, French bulldogs help you fight anxiety and other stress-related problems. They are highly sensible and calm at the same time that makes them an excellent choice for adoption at nursing centers. As these dogs have only a single coat, it becomes a little difficult for them during the winter season to stay warm, which requires you to take proper care of them with essential grooming and precautionary measures.

3) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This incredible breed is very popular among the people as lap warmers. They have a soft and velvet-like coat that doesn’t require many efforts at grooming sessions. In comparison to other breeds, they don’t usually smell bad, and they are called clean dogs for the same reason. They are smart, sensitive and understanding and don’t show signs of aggression on any occasion. Above and beyond all this, they act like love sponges. They put smiles on the face of children and turn dog haters into dog lovers. It is this quality of spaniel that makes them truly royal, and once you own one, you would be the happiest person in the world.

4) Chihuahua

Chihuahua can become an excellent little therapy dog. Remember the movie, Legally Blonde, where Bruiser, the Chihuahua comforted Elle Woods after she was humiliated by her boyfriend? They are also good for giving comfort to patients in nursing homes and hospitals. Being very small in size, they can be cuddled comfortably. Interacting with a friendly and cute Chihuahua brings comfort and positive psychological effects on the patients. Being small in size, they don’t require many efforts for grooming and can be cheered up with just a little care. They are natural buddies of humans and prove to be the best choice to work as therapy dogs.

5) Pug

They act as great companions for both old and young, and adhere to the commands of their parents and act as gentle and patient. They have a great temperament that lifts the spirits of their owner. Pugs love to be around people and socialize, that makes their owners feel emotionally healthy. They love to be petted like most other small breed dogs, and they are extremely loyal and wish to be around their owners at all times. They are also a low maintenance breed and stay indoors. They melt your heart and brighten your home. Pugs do not react aggressively when they are constantly touched by humans. They are smart and a silly breed at the same time.

6) Bichon Frise

Originally bred in the Mediterranean, Bichon Frise used to accompany sailors during sea voyages and slowly became popular lap dogs in France, Italy, and Spain. Due to their affectionate and loving nature, they make for excellent therapy dogs. As they are easily trainable and steadfast in taking commands, they are loved by the section of communities with hearing ailments. They also do not shed much that makes them popular among the people dealing with allergies. They socialize easily and express their emotions vibrantly. Bichon will easily sense that you are sad and would come to pamper you with its affectionate licks to ease up all your worries.

7) Beagle

Having an amiable personality, Beagle loves to take care of its owner whenever and wherever required. They love to play all the time, wag their tail, and like to have fun all the times. They instantly cheer up your mood. They have loads of love stored in their heart to shower upon you and drown you in affection the moment they see you. They do not scare people, given their built size, so they easily gel with both children and adults. They are simply irresistible. You spend a minute with them, and you won’t stop yourself from smiling in an instant.

8) Corgi

This canine breed has a very calm temper. In the earlier days, most of the people used to breed them for performing herding tasks on farms in Europe. Persons suffering from any disability can find a very good companion in this friendly breed. They are easily trained, highly active and intelligent. They are also great with children that make them the best choice for pediatric wards in nursing homes. There is a legend associated with them that Corgi was used by fairies to pull their coaches! They are also one of the ideal choices for being recruited as therapy dogs.

A mere presence of a loving furball brings a smile on a person's face and reduces his worries to the bare minimum. Pet therapy definitely works, and you can test it yourself by adopting one of these amazing and loving beings.