Guide dog breeds
What makes a great guide dog? It’s more than just training. We’re selective in the breeds we work with to create the right combination of temperament and trainability. Get to know our guide dog breeds: the Labrador retriever, golden retriever, German shepherd and a variety of crossbreeds (Labrador retriever cross golden retriever, golden retriever cross German shepherd, poodle cross Labrador retriever and curly coated retriever cross Labrador retriever).
Learn why we choose them for our life-changing guide dogs and discover more about their care needs.
Our guide dog breeds
Find out why Labrador retrievers are the most recognisable guide dog breed.
Known to be friendly, loyal and affectionate - golden retrievers make wonderful partners for guide dog owners.
German shepherds are known for their intelligence and love of learning, which helps them excel as life-changing guide dogs.
Learn all about our unique crossbreeds and why they make excellent guide dogs.
Our world-class breeding programme
We use several dog breeds in our world-class breeding programme so we can produce a diverse range of guide dogs to meet the needs of all the people we support. Our canine science team play a vital role in partnering happy, healthy dogs with people with vision impairment in the most efficient, effective and forward-thinking way, maximising dog wellbeing.
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Did you know you can visit our National Centre to find out how every guide dog starts their journey?