Breeding Evaluation
Upon recall to a Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) campus, all dogs that have not yet been altered are evaluated for breeding. The breeding evaluation process can take up to two months (or longer, depending on how quickly test results are received).
GDB has an excellent breeding colony of dogs especially suited to the program. Approximately 95 percent of all GDB dogs are bred from our own breeding stock. The other 5 percent consist of dogs that are the result of co-breeding with other guide and service dog organizations, or occasional dogs from outside breeders. These external collaborations enable GDB to diversify our breeding stock’s gene pool and to continue to improve our colony.
Breeding stock selection is based on the results of estimated breeding value calculations, behavior assessments, health screenings, and the needs of the colony in terms of pedigree and temperament type. The dogs that have met the highest physical and temperamental standards are considered for inclusion in the colony. A thorough review of the individual dog’s health and temperament history and those of its littermates, as well as its sire and dam’s previous production, complete the selection process.
Every raiser of a new breeding stock dog is invited to attend a graduation ceremony at GDB’s California campus to be recognized for their hard work and tremendous contribution to our mission. If unable to attend, raisers will have the option to participate in a ceremony virtually.
Raisers of male and female breeders are notified via email each time the breeder sires or whelps a litter, and they are invited to submit name suggestions for the puppies. Those raisers also have the opportunity to schedule puppy visits with each new litter.
Phases of Breeder Evaluation
Dogs are introduced to the GDB kennels, receive campus walks, and begin breeder assessment. Each dog is assigned to an individual canine welfare training technician (CWTT) for specialized attention and training during the breeder evaluation process. CWTTs report directly to the Breeding Department each week on the health and wellbeing of each dog being evaluated for inclusion in the breeding program.
Following the medical examinations from week one of a dog’s arrival on campus, the breeding manager carefully reviews the results from initial health screens and begins making decisions to alter during this phase. Because breeder dogs affect many future generations of potential guide dogs, K9 Buddies, or breeder dogs, health criteria for breeding stock dogs can be more strict than the criteria for a dog to enter formal guide dog training or K9 Buddy evaluation. Some dogs may not meet the criteria for breeding but still qualify to enter guide dog training or be evaluated for the K9 Buddy program.
Dogs undergoing breeder evaluation receive an echocardiogram performed by a board-certified canine cardiologist. This typically takes place the second week after recall. Dogs with minor heart abnormalities may be excluded from breeding due to the potential to produce more severe defects in their offspring. Minor abnormalities which do not affect the individual dog’s health and ability to work will not prevent that dog from entering formal guide dog training or considered for the K9 Buddy program.
Temperament assessment walks are performed in town during this phase and staff provide recommendations to the breeding manager based on a dog’s manageability, confidence, temperament, willingness, and kennel adjustment.
Preliminary decisions to include dogs in the breeding colony take place during this phase. Dogs may be “pulled” as a permanent member of the breeding colony, or as a “charter stock” dog. See the Charter Stock page for more information.
Dogs selected for breeding undergo a final round of health clearances. An additional set of X-rays are taken to evaluate a dog’s hips for risk of passing on degenerative joint disease.
Depending on a dog’s pedigree, DNA tests may also be conducted for heritable traits and diseases.
Once all test results are received and evaluated the final decision is made for breeding selection and dogs are ready for placement into a custodial home.
The Breeding team matches breeder dogs to volunteer custodian families in a similar way to instructors matching guide dogs with clients. Staff get to know potential custodians during the volunteer application process and our goals are to create lifelong placements and make the best possible home and volunteer matches for each individual breeder dog.
Puppy raisers of breeders are given special consideration to serve as the breeder custodian if they live within a 75-mile radius of GDB’s California campus. All other custodians must reside within a 50-mile radius of the campus. Raisers must complete the same application process as all potential custodians due to differences in volunteer responsibilities and commitments from the puppy raising program.
GDB carefully reviews and thoroughly screens each potential custodial family’s application and home environment to ensure comfortable, safe, and secure homes. Applicants are required to complete an on-campus dog management class that covers behavior, healthcare, grooming, and dog handling. Once placed, breeding stock dogs are required to be kept in peak physical condition. This includes daily exercise, grooming, flea control, and cued behaviors. The dogs must sleep indoors and be treated as beloved members of the family. To ensure their safety, breeder dogs are always kept on leash when outdoors and only allowed to run freely in a securely fenced area.
A decision to alter a dog can occur at any time during the breeder evaluation process. The Veterinary staff will schedule the alter surgery as soon as time is available. The Training team will schedule the dog for the next available training string following the alter procedure and the dog will begin receiving guide dog training phase numbers.
International Collaboration
Did you know that being part of Guide Dogs for the Blind means that you might make an impact worldwide? GDB is all about promoting goodwill and sharing knowledge and resources, and we are part of an International Canine Donation Program where we sometimes donate breeders to other guide dog schools or service animal organizations around the world. Our intact dogs have traveled to the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Israel, and even more places in the U.S.!
Any dog selected as a breeder can be part of this amazing international program. As a raiser, you’ll be notified if the breeder is going to travel to another organization - imagine the puppy you’ve raised making a difference worldwide! Each organization has their own practices on raiser contact with breeder custodians and clients; recognition at graduation ceremonies, or career change, and we’ll be sure to share that information with you. Raisers are also acknowledged at a GDB graduation ceremony for their dedication and support of this program.
Sending our breeder dogs abroad helps build relationships with service dog organizations and communities globally, which leads to even more opportunities to share knowledge and exchange ideas. We are excited to contribute to both greater canine genetic diversity and enhanced inclusion and joy throughout the world, one wagging tail at a time!
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