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  4. Brood stock holders >

  • The majority of the breeding stock will come from dogs that have been bred by Guide Dogs and will have been on the puppy walking programme.

  • About 12 months old.

  • This is sometimes possible, depending on the environment you work in, however the bitch will need to stay at home while she has puppies to look after.

  • You will need to buy a bed for the dog to sleep in and a few other small items like grooming equipment. All vet costs and feeding costs are met by Guide Dogs.

  • You will need to go through the application process which includes a home visit to check suitability; many people have young families that take on a Brood Bitch.

  • All expenses for the litter are covered by Guide Dogs.

  • Brood Bitches can live happily with other dogs, however we wouldn’t place a Brood Bitch with an entire male dog.

  • Yes, full support and supervision is given by Guide Dogs, so even very inexperienced people can look after a Brood Bitch.

  • Guide Dogs can discuss your circumstances with you and help find a solution, or can take the dog back if you can no longer keep it.

  • Ideally in your home, so that the puppies can be well socialised. Support and training are offered around the time of pregnancy and whelping.

  • We produce over 1,000 puppies each year.

  • No. The majority of puppies are born at Breeding Dog Holders - Brood (formerly called a Brood Bitch Holder) homes. Additionally a small number of litters are born at the National Breeding Centre.

  • Puppies usually stay with their mother until they are at least 6 weeks old. Then they are brought in to the National Breeding Centre for their health checks, vaccinations and microchipping, before going off to live with their new puppy walking families.

  • These dogs are also looked after in homes by Breeding Dog Holder - Stud (formerly called a Stud Dog Holder).

  • We mainly use Labradors, golden retrievers (and a cross between these two), and a small number of German shepherds. We also have a few less familiar breeds including an Italian Spinone, Irish water spaniel, boarder collie, flat coated retriever, curly coated retriever, and a standard poodle.

  • A Brood Bitch will usually have 1 litter per year.

  • Usually 2-3 times, to ensure the best chance of conception.

  • A season usually lasts for approximately 21 days.

  • A healthy bitch can have up to but no more than 5 litters.

  • Broods will normally retire at 7 years of age. Studs will normally retire at approximately 8 years of age.

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