What Breeds are Used as Guide Dogs?
Many people wonder what breeds of dogs are most commonly used as guide dogs for the blind. Guide dog organizations recognize the dog breeds most appropriate for use as guide dogs for the blind as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds. These breeds are the ones most frequently chosen, but that doesn’t exclude other breeds such as Poodles, Collies, Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Airedale Terriers.
Some guide dog programs choose cross-breeds like a Golden Retriever/Labrador cross. The Golden/Lab cross is quite popular for use as guide dogs for the blind since both breeds are known to be intelligent, have a strong work ethic and early maturation. Labradoodles are also common; they are Labrador/Poodles specifically bred to provide dogs that shed less for the owners who have allergies to hair or dander. Other breeds may be difficult to obtain as guide dogs because most programs don’t accept them for training.
The most important qualifications for a great guide dog for the blind are intelligence, capability, Â willingness to work long hours, high stress tolerance, and good health. Golden Retrievers, Labradors and German Shepherds share all these traits, and are widely accepted and easily recognized by people as a guide dog.
During World War I, German Shepherds were the original guide dogs. They were primarily selected for their availability. But their training and temperament were perfectly suited for the job: they were bred to work, oftentimes for very long hours; they were trainable, and they were intelligent enough to work out problems or situations beyond the scope of their training. Most guide dog programs later switched to Labrador Retrievers because the image of German Shepherds deteriorated among clients. German Shepherds need confident owners who can train and handle them, for they can be hard-headed and destructive if they lack proper mental and physical stimulation and they tend to bite if they are not well trained.
Labrador Retrievers on the other hand have been considered the most successful breed used as guide dogs for the blind. In fact, 70% of the dogs used as guide dogs for the blind in the U.S. are Labrador Retrievers. And this is true for most programs throughout the world.
The well-respected Seeing Eye program in Morristown, New Jersey places Labs at the top of their list of suitable breeds. The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) top ten most popular dogs rankings show the Labrador Retriever still reigns supreme. The dogs on their list are extensively used in many guide dog programs throughout the world. The three of the top four ranking from the highest are as follows: Â Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Guide dog organizations recognized these breeds capacity and adaptability to become qualified guide dogs for the blind and to support the basic needs of their owners to enable them to experience the independence and freedom in the life they choose to live. Â Â
For more information on guide dogs, go to http://www.Guide-Dogs.info
Vision Runner is a legally blind runner, running 1,222.25 miles to raise $30,000 for “Guide Dogs for the Blind”. For more information on her project and to find out how you can help, go to http://www.RunOverToEllens.com
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GINO THE TALKING GOLDEN RETRIEVER SUN BATHING AT CAPE MAY NJ
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