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ABOUT GDA:
Our Mission, Programs, History, Location, Funding...
EVENTS CALENDAR:
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ADMISSIONS:
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PUPPY RAISING:
About, Requirements, Application...
TRAINING & BREEDING:
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FUNDRAISER PHOTOS
Pictures from our past fundraising events...
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F.A.Q.
Frequently asked questions...
CONTACT US
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-FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-
General *
Admissions *
Training *
Breeding *
Donating *
Puppy Raising
BREEDING F.A.Q.
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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