Breeding Evaluation | Guide Dogs for the Blind Skip to main content

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.

A Golden Retriever wearing a breeder dog scarf poses in front of GDB's Puppy Center.

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

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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