The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs are a relatively new program, but their popularity has skyrocketed, and so has the acceptance of therapy dogs into the institutions where they are needed.
Any dog can be a therapy dog.
Almost every breed is represented in this program, including purebreds and mutts. All dogs should therefore be well-socialized before being accepted into the program, and most have completed some form of obedience training. The only requirements for therapy dog handlers is that they be willing and able to commit a few hours a week to visiting a hospital or home with their dogs. It's a highly rewarding form of community service. Recognition of number of visits through a series of coloured dog tags.