6. Bichon Frise

Do not let their small size fool you—the Bichon Frise packs a massive amount of cheerful resilience into a compact frame. Bred purely for companionship, these soft, white dogs possess a naturally optimistic personality that brightens difficult environments.

Bichons shine in pediatric hospitals and school reading initiatives, such as literacy assistance programs. Their plush, hypoallergenic coat and comical expressions encourage reluctant children to open up and read aloud. Their light build allows handlers to carry them safely in specialized lap pads during bedside visits.