Guiding Eyes Breeding Dogs ensure the future of all our programs. They are vital to our work and the people who provide them with homes are crucial members of the Guiding Eyes family.
Are you interested in learning more about becoming a foster for one of our broods or studs? Did you know Guiding Eyes provides veterinary care for all our exceptional breeding dogs? You can find this information and more on the Support We Provide page. We hope you read on to learn more about this amazing volunteer opportunity!
Our Brood/Stud fosters and sitters take on the responsibility of the health, well-being, and happiness of one of our breeding dogs. Foster/sitter volunteers are also our diplomats, showing off our wonderful dogs to their communities each time they leave home.
The Canine Development Center in Patterson, N.Y., is where Guiding Eyes dogs are “purpose bred” for the superior health and the temperament needed for guide work. The members of our elite breeding colony are mainly Labrador Retrievers, but we also have German Shepherds. They start out their lives being raised by a puppy raiser then at approximately 16 to 20 months, are assessed for suitability for guide dog training. A dog who displays the excellent qualities needed in guide dogs may be selected to become a Guiding Eyes Breeding Dog, so that they might pass on these desirable traits. Our breeding dogs are housebroken and have had obedience training, but are not trained as guide dogs. Breeding dogs are technically owned by Guiding Eyes until they are retired. (See Retirement Policies)
We’re pleased that you’re interested in supporting the Guiding Eyes mission by fostering one of our breeding dogs. Please read the information provided carefully, and don’t hesitate to contact us at mlazzaro@guidingeyes.org with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
To learn even more about our Breeding Program and our exceptional dogs, you can also visit Journey of a Guide Dog under the Discover section.
