Top 7 Dog Breeds Ideal for Individuals with Diabetes

It is shown that dogs can greatly aid people with diabetes. While all canines can be trained to be service dogs and detect changes in blood sugar levels, some are better at this. Here are the 7 best dog breeds for people with diabetes. 

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is a popular breed known for its friendliness, loyalty, and versatility. It is also among the most commonly used service dogs for people with various disabilities, including diabetes. 

Labrador Retrievers have a very keen sense of smell and are highly trainable. This combination makes them perfect for people with diabetes - they can be trained to detect changes in blood sugar levels. 

Simply put, when the blood sugar levels reach extremely high or low values, the body produces a distinct scent. Labrador Retrievers can sense that scent and alert the owners. 

How helpful! 

Additionally, Labrador Retrievers are friendly and affectionate. They get along well with other pets and children. Therefore they are suitable for both singles and families. 

We should note that Labrador Retrievers are at risk of several health issues, such as: 

• Hip dysplasia 
• Weight gain and obesity
• Certain cancers

All in all, the Labrador Retriever is an excellent dog for people with diabetes. In addition to being a service dog, this breed is a loyal companion. 

Poodle

Native to Germany, Poodles are intelligent and graciously-looking dogs. They are trainable and suitable for diabetic people. Poodles come in three sizes:

• Standard Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Toy Poodle

Regardless of the size, Poodles are extremely smart and trainable. They also have sharp noses and strong senses of smell. As a result, they are great at alerting owners of changes in blood sugar levels. 

Moreover, Poodles are hypoallergenic - meaning they do not shed much and are suitable for people with dog allergies. This makes them the perfect service dog for diabetic people with sensitivities. 

Awesome! 

However, we must note that Poodles require grooming. The maintenance can be minimized by keeping the hair short. Also, the breed is susceptible to certain health issues, such as:

• Eye problems 
• Hip dysplasia

Overall, Poodles are ideal for people with diabetes. They are easy to train and care for. Please, they are reliable and will nudge or bark when the owner’s blood sugar levels change. 

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is an outgoing and friendly breed with a loyal personality. It is also one of the most popular canines worldwide and is frequently employed as a service dog. 

Golden Retrievers can be trained to perform many tasks, including detecting blood sugar level changes. When the blood sugar levels drop or spike, they will alert the owner by performing a specific, pre-determined activity. 

Cool! 

In addition to this, Golden Retrievers are affectionate companions and get along with other pets and kids. This makes them suitable for diabetic people with kids and living in multi-pet households. 

Sadly, Golden Retrievers are at higher-than-average risk of developing some health conditions, such as:

• Hip dysplasia
• Cancer 
• Skin allergies

All in all, the Golden Retriever is our recommendation for diabetic people. It is reliable as a service dog. Plus, as a companion canine, it is loyal, gentle, and affectionate. 

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is well-respected for its intelligence and loyalty. Plus, the breed is versatile and frequently used as a reliable service dog for people with disabilities, for example, diabetes. 

German Shepherds are trainable and, like most dogs, have excellent noses that can detect even slight scents. As a result, these dogs can be trained to detect blood sugar changes and alert their owners. 

Convenient! 

When not on duty, the German Shepherd is a great companion and dedicated protection dog. It is great with kids and loves physical activities, hence being a good fit for active diabetic people with kids. 

On the downside, German shepherds are prone to health issues, such as:

• Hip dysplasia 
• Bloat (GDV)
• Certain cancers

Overall, if you suffer from diabetes, getting a German Shepherd is our sincerest recommendation. It will alert you to blood sugar changes while keeping you safe and in good company. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is famous for its super gentle, friendly, and affectionate nature. It makes a great dog for people with diabetes and is easy to care for. 

King Charles Spaniels are not routinely trained to detect blood sugar changes as service dogs. However, they excel at this task. When the owner’s blood sugar levels go up or down, it will bark or nudge as a sign. 

Because of their small size, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are manageable and suitable for diabetics with limited mobility. They also adapt to different living situations and can live in small homes. 

Regarding cons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require grooming to prevent their coats from tangling. Also, the breed is prone to:

• Ear infections
• Heart problems

In a nutshell, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is highly recommended for diabetics, especially if they have limited mobility or live in small apartments. In addition to working, this dog will play the role of a loyal and affectionate friend. 

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly energetic breed used to herd cattle. It is known for its work ethic and, therefore, an excellent choice for a service animal for people with diabetes. 

The breed is not typically used as a service dog. However, when trained, it is exceptionally good at detecting changes in blood sugar levels. It will alert the owner by barking or nudging when it senses a change. 

Additionally, Australian Cattle Dogs are loyal and protective. They are trainable and can even learn to fetch medications to the owners when necessary. 

On the downside, Australian Cattle Dogs can be stubborn. Plus, they are prone to health issues, such as: 

• Hip dysplasia
• Deafness

All things considered, the Australian Cattle Dog is highly recommended for people with diabetes. It will detect and alert of blood sugar changes and help the owner with everyday tasks. 

Boxer

Boxers are athletic dogs with playful personalities and rambunctious spirits. They are very trainable and often used as service dogs for people with mental and physical disabilities, including diabetes. 

The Boxer’s keen sense of smell allows it to detect even the slightest changes in the owner’s blood sugar levels. When a change occurs, it will alert by doing a pre-determined action like barking or nudging. 

Boxers are suited for diabetic people with limited mobility. This is because they can assist with mobility. Plus, they can learn to fetch medications when necessary. 

Helpful and reliable! 

As a drawback, Boxers are prone to several health problems:

• Heart disease
• Hip dysplasia 
• Cancer

All in all, we suggest the Boxer as a service dog for people with diabetes. The breed is affectionate and entertaining. Plus, it is reliable in terms of fulfilling its tasks as a service dog. 

These breeds have a superior sense of smell, are highly trainable, and are adaptable to different situations. These qualities make them excellent for people with diabetes.

Remember that even if these dog breeds are great at detecting blood sugar changes, they still need proper training to become certified service dogs.