Breeding Program
- 80% of the dogs bred at Leader Dogs for the Blind are Labrador Retrievers. Labs work well as Leader Dogs due to their:
- Size – small, easy fit in vehicles
- Coat – easy care, double-coated for cold and warm protection
- Relaxed temperament, eager to learn and work
- 15% of the dogs bred at Leader Dogs for the Blind are Golden Retrievers. Goldens work well as Leader Dogs due to their:
- Size – small, easy fit in vehicles
- Coat – requires minimal grooming, double-coated for protection
- Loving and eager personality
- Less than 5% of the dogs bred at Leader Dogs for the Blind are German Shepherd Dogs. German Shepherd Dogs work well as Leader Dogs due to their:
- Size – medium build, capable of long strides
- Coat – easy care, double-coated for protection
- Strong work ethic, alert and eager to learn
- Breeding stock dogs are housed by volunteers in their homes:
- There are approximately 18 active male breeding stock dogs.
- There are approximately 64 active female breeding stock dogs.
- Breeding stock dogs are selected for our program based on their history, health, and temperament. We select dogs that have the potential to be excellent Leader Dogs.
- Puppies are born in the volunteer homes that host the female breeding stock.
- Host families will care for the litter of puppies for 6 weeks before coming to Leader Dogs for the Blind to be examined by veterinarians and placed with a volunteer puppy raiser.
- Leader Dogs for the Blind has a cryogenics lab where we freeze or chill semen and have stored approximately 60 different stud dogs.
- Leader Dogs for the Blind’s breeding program is overseen by a committee comprised of 6 staff members including veterinarians, puppy development, breeding manager and dog guide instructor as well as consults with geneticists, breeders, and reproductive specialists.
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