While breed characteristics provide useful information about typical physical and behavioural traits, they should never replace assessment of the individual animal. Considerable variation exists within every breed, and no breed can guarantee suitability for assistance work. Likewise, no breed should be considered inherently unsuitable without considering the characteristics of the individual animal.

Successful assistance animal programs recognise that selection decisions must be based on objective assessment rather than assumptions, stereotypes or personal preference. Evaluating each prospective assistance animal as an individual helps maximise the likelihood of developing safe, effective and sustainable partnerships while supporting both human and animal welfare.

For occupational therapists, understanding the importance of individual assessment reinforces the need to avoid recommending specific breeds without appropriate evidence and highlights the value of collaborating with qualified assistance animal professionals throughout the selection process.

This topic explores the importance of individual variation, the limitations of breed stereotypes and the factors that should be considered when assessing a prospective assistance animal.

Individual Variation

Although certain breeds are commonly associated with assistance work, substantial variation exists between individual animals. Even littermates raised in the same environment may differ considerably in temperament, confidence, learning ability, motivation and resilience.

These differences arise from a complex interaction between genetics, early development, health, socialisation, life experiences and environmental influences. As a result, two animals of the same breed—or even from the same litter—may demonstrate very different levels of suitability for assistance work.

Selection decisions should therefore be based on comprehensive assessment of the individual animal rather than assumptions based on breed alone.

Breed Characteristics Are Guides, Not Guarantees

Breed characteristics can provide valuable information about the traits that are commonly observed within a breed. These may include typical energy levels, working style, trainability, physical characteristics and behavioural tendencies.

For example:

• Labrador Retrievers are often described as sociable, trainable and food motivated.
• Border Collies commonly demonstrate high responsiveness and strong working drive.
• Standard Poodles are frequently recognised for their intelligence and adaptability.
• Golden Retrievers are often valued for their calm temperament and social nature.

While these characteristics may be common, they are not universal. Some Labradors may lack confidence, some Border Collies may struggle in busy public environments and some mixed-breed dogs may demonstrate outstanding suitability for assistance work.

Breed information should therefore be viewed as a starting point for assessment rather than evidence that an individual animal will possess particular characteristics.

Genetics and Environment

An animal’s behaviour is influenced by both inherited characteristics and life experiences.

Genetics contribute to factors such as:

• temperament
• working drive
• emotional reactivity
• resilience
• physical health
• predisposition to inherited disease.

However, genetics alone do not determine behaviour. Early handling, socialisation, training, nutrition, health, environmental enrichment and learning experiences all influence how inherited characteristics develop throughout life.

Consequently, successful assistance animal selection requires consideration of both genetic potential and the individual animal’s developmental history.

Looking Beyond Labels

Labels such as “working breed”, “companion breed” or “mixed breed” provide only limited information about an individual animal.

Similarly, assumptions that rescue dogs, older dogs or mixed-breed dogs cannot become successful assistance animals are not supported by the experiences of many assistance animal organisations. While some pathways may present additional considerations, suitability should always be determined through individual assessment rather than preconceived expectations.

Equally, purpose-bred animals from well-established breeding programs are not guaranteed to become successful assistance animals. Even within highly selective breeding programs, a proportion of animals will not progress to placement because they do not possess the necessary health, temperament or behavioural characteristics.

Objective Assessment

Effective selection relies on objective, evidence-informed assessment rather than personal preference or anecdotal experience.

This includes evaluating the animal’s:

• physical health
• structural soundness
• temperament
• behaviour
• motivation
• learning ability
• resilience
• suitability for the intended role.

Each of these areas contributes important information, and no single characteristic should determine selection decisions in isolation.

Recognising the individuality of every animal helps ensure that assistance animal partnerships are based on demonstrated ability rather than assumptions.

Occupational Therapy Considerations

Occupational therapists should avoid recommending particular breeds or individual animals based solely on reputation, popularity or personal experience. Instead, they should recognise that every prospective assistance animal requires comprehensive assessment by appropriately qualified professionals. Understanding individual variation enables occupational therapists to support evidence-informed discussions with clients, promote realistic expectations and contribute to interdisciplinary decision-making that prioritises functional outcomes, ethical practice and the long-term wellbeing of both the client and the assistance animal.