Breeding
Our Community
Guide Dogs of America maintains a large breeding colony to ensure optimum health as well as desirable traits and temperament for successful guide and service dogs. We also network with partnering guide or service dog schools, approved breeders, and co-op breeder programs.
Specific Breeds
The most successful breed for Guide Dogs of America has been the Labrador Retriever, but to meet the individual needs of our graduates, we have also bred a variation of Labrador/Golden Retriever crosses, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. The dogs and their puppies are cared for by our qualified nursery staff, our great Veterinary team, and our dedicated volunteers.
Breeder Hosts
Breeding dogs in our program live as well-loved family pets, in volunteer foster homes, living a comfortable family when they are not whelping puppies. Breeder dogs have up to 4 litters over the course of several years and then are retired to family life. Foster families have the first opportunity to adopt their breeder dog once their litters are complete.