These 6 dog breeds can benefit your mental health

dog breeds boost mental health
6 dog breeds to benefit your mental health Getty/Various

Looking for a comforting canine? Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are among the top dog breeds to benefit your mental health, new research has found.

According to a survey conducted by The Kennel Club, 95% of dog owners say that their furry friends help to improve their mental health and wellbeing generally, with a further two in five adding that their dog helps to ease feelings of loneliness. We know that pets are proven to reduce stress and anxiety, but these findings prove just how valuable they truly are.

Unsurprisingly, loveable Labrador Retrievers came out on top, thanks for their energetic and calming energy. "As a firm family favourite, they generally have a fantastic and steady temperament – they are loving and full of personality, great with kids, intelligent and eager to please making them easy to train," the Kennel Club previously told us.

In second place came Golden Retrievers, followed closely by Maltese dogs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers – a breed who loves company and cuddles.

Photo credit: Ruben Earth
Photo credit: Ruben Earth

"Dogs can sometimes be our only reason to get up in the morning. They give us a purpose – they rely on us for food, exercise and love. And just doing these small things and being needed by our four-legged friend can be a lifeline when getting through each day is hard," the team at The Kennel Club say. "The strong bond we have with our dog has been a lifeline that's supported us through difficult times, especially in recent years."

The Kennel Club has shared some suggestions to help you find the perfect therapeutic four-legged friend. Take a look at the full list of breeds below...

1. Labrador Retriver

Photo credit: Purple Collar Pet Photography - Getty Images
Photo credit: Purple Collar Pet Photography - Getty Images

2. Golden Retriever

Photo credit: Alessandra Sawick Photography - Getty Images
Photo credit: Alessandra Sawick Photography - Getty Images

3. Maltese

Photo credit: Sebastian Condrea - Getty Images
Photo credit: Sebastian Condrea - Getty Images

4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Photo credit: Marcus Vall - Getty Images
Photo credit: Marcus Vall - Getty Images

5. Havanese

Photo credit: Hans Surfer - Getty Images
Photo credit: Hans Surfer - Getty Images

6. Greyhound

Photo credit: Luigi Panico - Getty Images
Photo credit: Luigi Panico - Getty Images

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