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Service animals, generally dogs, more often than not purebred in nature, are a life-line and more to the disabled people who rely upon them. There are many different variations of service animals, from seeing-eye dogs to companion animals, and the breeds of dog that are used vary accordingly. The dog breeds that are most common for service requirements are the large purebred lab and shepherd breeds. Small dogs, like Pomeranians, beagles and Shi Tzu's, are used mainly by single seniors for companionship or people with personality disorders for exercise. Border Collies are frequently used as aid dogs, as they are uncommonly intelligent, for quadriplegics and people unable to, lets say, fetch a beer from the fridge or open a door.

I am currently "on" my third aid-dog, service animals that will fetch the keys when summoned to do so by a pre-arranged order, or a set length of blow on a whistle, and stand at the ready beside the person they are assigned to, tail waging and a loving look standard and almost always present. All breeds that are used have the same traits in common; the ability to read a persons moods, assess surroundings, analyze threats and respond with their masters' best interest in mind.

Pretty much any and all breeds of dog can be used for certain specific requirements, from companion animals to seeing-eye dogs to aide dogs. Golden Retrievers are used mainly for seeing-eye dog purposes, or for companion animals, for their uncanny ability to read a persons moods, requirements and intentions, and respond to them. Their needs and required attention will make the recipient person take the dog for walks, and respond to actions by expressing love and admiration upon the animal, which is extremely important in psychological requirements for the disables persons. I myself have had a Golden Retriever companion dog, who was, unfortunately, killed by a Police car a few years back in a traffic "accident". He would clown around or want to play when I was depressed. His ability to sense moods and analyze threats was nothing but amazing. I now have his half-brother from his mothers' next litter.

This is a common trait in aide dogs, and very effective. They will kneel at your side when you are sitting, and allow you to put pressure on their back to aide you in standing up. German Shepherds are used mainly for seeing-eye duty, for their intelligence and strong senses, very effective at reasoning a proper response to various situations, for instance at a crosswalk with

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