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-TRAINING AND BREEDING-
Training * Apprenticeship * Breeds and Matching Process * In-For-Training * Adoption * Retiring * Veterinary * Kennels
Breeds Used
The Matching Process
 BREEDS USED: We use 70% Labrador Retrievers, 15% Golden Retrievers, and 15% German Shepherds. The Labrador Retrievers make up the majority of our dogs because we have found them to be the most successful breed used for guide dogs. In fact, the Labrador Retriever is the dog most often used for guide dog programs throughout the world.
THE MATCHING PROCESS: Upon completion of formal training, the dogs are carefully matched with blind students by our licensed trainers, taking into consideration their lifestyles and environments. In addition, the personalities of both student and guide dog, size, strength, pace of walk and energy levels of each are also matched to ensure a harmonious relationship.
Before it is time to match the guide dog, the guide dog recipients have gone through an extensive application and review process that has allowed our trainers to know a great deal about the needs of that individual in a guide dog. The trainers by this time have a good idea of what dog would be best for the each applicant. Students are additionally evaluated during the first few days of instruction providing our trainers with even a better idea about the pace, strength, personality, and needs of the student. With the trainer's extensive working knowledge of their dogs, they are able to match up the best guide dog for each individual.
When the dog is issued, the student is provided with the dog's name, breed, and information about the dog's personality. The overall deciding factor is the individual student's ability to control and develop a good working relationship with the dog.
Q. How many puppies do you produce each year?
Q. What breeds of dogs are used and why?
Q. How often do you breed your dogs?
Q. Do you use crossbred dogs?
Q. What happens to the breeding dogs when they retire?
Q. Do you ever sell your puppies?
Q. Do you accept donated puppies or adult dogs?
Q. Where are the Guide Dog puppies born?
Q. How many puppies do you produce each year?
A. Approximately 230 puppies per year ( 70% Labradors; 15% Golden Retrievers, 15% German Shepherds).
Q: What breeds of dogs are used and why?
A. Both genders of three breeds (Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds) are used by G.D.A. with equal success as guide dogs because they meet the three basic requirements: willingness, health and temperament. The three breeds also provide an ample variety of sizes to ensure proper "matching" with the blind master. GDA has used other breeds in the past, but with less success than the breeds currently used.
Q. How often do you breed your dogs?
A. The female dogs are bred one time a year, and the male dogs are bred about four times a year.
Q. Do you use crossbred dogs?
A. At this time G.D.A. does not crossbreed any dogs. All dogs used in our program are purebred. With purebred dogs we are able to consistently produce dogs that are physically and temperamentally sound and properly suited for our needs.
Q. What happens to the breeding dogs when they retire?
A. The dogs are sterilized and the foster family is given the first option to adopt the dog. If they choose not to adopt the dog, then G.D.A. gives the dog to an approved individual/family that is on our 4-5 year waiting list to adopt a dog in our Adoption Program.
Q. Do you ever sell your puppies?
A. G.D.A does not sell dogs. On occasion we do have puppies that we remove from our guide dog program for one reason or another. These puppies become available for adoption. Please contact
our adoption department for more information.
Q. Do you accept donated puppies or adult dogs?
A. On occasion we accept puppies or adult dogs from breeders. This is usually done a donation basis. Acceptance of any outside stock into our program is reviewed based on pedigree, temperament, and joint and eye clearances. Any adult dog accepted into our program must pass all physical and temperamental tests required by Guide Dogs of America. Please refer to donating a dog for more information.
Q. Where are the Guide Dog puppies born?
A. G.D.A. has a new Whelping /Breeding facility lovingly called the Puppy Nursery. The puppies are born in this facility and will remain there until they are eight weeks old. At eight weeks old the pups are placed with pre-screened, volunteer foster families, called Puppy Raisers, who provide care that is necessary for the development of future guide dogs.
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