Week 1 - Will Maya be suitable for guide dog breeding?

When I was first told I was going to have a German Shepherd, I was a little unsure of puppy walking a German Shepard Dog as some of this breed can find it difficult adapting to the change in handlers, as they are very loyal dogs to their owners. However, Maya is earmarked to become a Brood Bitch, which means she will be used for breeding and have puppies of her own when she is around two years old. Before it is confirmed that a bitch goes onto the breeding programme, she has to be checked over at eight months of age, by a senior member of Guide Dog staff, who is experienced in selecting breeding stock.  This applies to prospective Stud Dogs also, and is marked from 1-4 on different points, (1 being the best, 4 the worst) i.e. the correct construction of the hind quarters, and the angulation of rear legs, (not too bent or not too straight), also how they walk, both the front and rear legs and many other important points, if they get several 3 and 4's they will not be used. I took Maya to Atherton in November 2010 for this check, and she was a hit bless her, she scored a 2 and the rest were 1's, so she is being 'run on' and earmarked as potentially suitable for breeding.

Next she will have an eye test, and if she passes that test, she will be x-rayed, to check for hip and elbow dysplasia, which if detected could cause health problems later on, so would not be used for breeding, if it was found in just one joint and very mild, then there is a possibility that she would carry on, and go into specialised training to be a Guide Dog, but if it showed signs of developing in both joints, then she would be withdrawn from the Guide Dog programme altogether, and then rehomed as a pet dog. When a dog is withdrawn they are always offered back to their puppy walker first.