Pretty Doesn’t Make a Service Dog
This isn’t directed at any one individual, but rather stems from a pattern of inquiries I’ve received over the years. Several recent experiences have prompted me to feel the need to share some important education on this topic.
Over the years, I’ve had to turn down multiple inquiries and applications from people seeking specifically colored dogs for “service work.” While I can guide someone toward a puppy or dog I believe has the potential to be a viable prospect, I can also confidently tell them when a specific dog does NOT possess the qualities they need. While I understand the desire for a beautiful flashy dog that could serve as a supportive companion, there’s a critical distinction between wanting a pretty dog you can go out with and choosing one that’s truly suitable for legitimate service work. I’d like to explain why I make these decisions and why it’s so important to prioritize the dog’s well-being over appearances or misplaced expectations.
Imagine I have a dog who a wonderful companion, confident and capable in most situations, except one: being touched by strangers. Now, let’s say this dog is placed with someone who needs a service dog. Picture a scenario where this person has an episode where they could become incapacitated in a public space, like a store, and strangers rush in to help. For a dog with limitations like this, the experience would likely be terrifying. The dog might panic, bolt, or even lash out in fear.
The aftermath would be devastating—not just for the handler, but for the dog. Beyond the risk of the dog becoming lost, injuring a well-meaning bystander, or being impounded by animal control, such an experience could also lead to the dog developing a fear of public outings, triggering a cascade of behavioral issues. Additionally, in the case where a person legitimately needs a service dog, the handler would be left without the reliable support they need, all because the dog’s limitations were overlooked in favor of superficial qualities.
As a breeder, I know my dogs intimately. I understand their strengths, their weaknesses, and their needs. So when I tell someone that a particular dog is not a good fit for service work, I mean it. It’s not a judgment on the person’s intentions—it’s about setting both the handler and the dog up for success. Yes, the dog might have a beautiful coat, mesmerizing blue eyes, and a bubbly, adorable personality. But service work isn’t about looks. It’s about temperament, resilience, and the ability to provide reliable support in unpredictable environments. If a dog doesn’t have the right balance of those qualities, placing them in a service role is unfair. It’s unfair to both the handler and the dog.
When considering a dog for service work, it’s important to maintain fair expectations of the dog’s capabilities. While we can work to guide a dog toward greater achievements and even desensitize them to certain triggers, there are limits to what is healthy and ethical to expect. Pushing a dog too far, too fast, or beyond their natural temperament risks their emotional well-being and can ultimately compromise their success. As handlers, it’s vital to prioritize the dog’s best interests—ensuring their physical and mental health is protected—over our own wants, needs, or emotions. A balanced partnership is key to a successful and sustainable service team.
I also have to address an unfortunate reality: the steadily increasing number of fake service dog requests. These requests not only devalue the importance of legitimate service dogs but also put dogs at risk by placing them in roles they aren’t suited for. Service dogs are working animals with specific skill sets—they aren’t just pets with a title.
In the end, my job is to advocate for my dogs. They deserve to be placed in homes where they can thrive, not fail. I do my best to ensure that as much as I am able. For those genuinely seeking service dogs, I urge you to work with ethical trainers and breeders who prioritize the right match over appearances.
Because pretty doesn’t make a service dog.
