
## Top 5 Emotionally Intelligent Dog Breeds
Dr. Liza Cahn shared with Newsweek the dog breeds most likely to recognize and respond to their owners' emotions.
### Top Breeds According to Dr. Liza Cahn
- **Labrador Retrievers**
Known for their friendly and comforting nature, they can sense their owner's feelings and offer emotional support.
- **Golden Retrievers**
These dogs are exceptionally empathetic and intuitive to human emotions.
- **Border Collies**
Highly intelligent and quick to understand emotional cues.
- **Poodles**
Not only smart but also very sensitive to changes in their owner's mood.
- **Cavalier King Charles Spaniels**
Renowned for being affectionate and emotionally responsive companions.
> “Dogs that are emotionally intelligent can recognize what their owners are feeling and react appropriately,” said Dr. Liza Cahn.
These breeds exhibit strong emotional bonds and are often used as therapy and service animals due to their ability to connect and comfort humans.
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The emotional intelligence of dogs varies by breed, and those listed are especially known for their empathetic qualities and responsiveness to human feelings.
Dogs with high emotional intelligence are invaluable companions for those needing emotional support.
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Dr. Cahn's insights highlight the importance of choosing a breed that matches the emotional needs of the owner.
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*Author's summary:*
Emotional intelligence in dogs varies by breed, with Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels standing out as the most empathetic and emotionally aware companions.
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Newsweek — 2025-11-29