PADS' Breeding Program

The PADS Breeding Program was founded in 2000 with the acquisition of "Dreamer", a Golden Retriever female. Over the years the PADS Breeding Program has grown to the point where it provides the majority of service dog puppies required for training.

Breeds Used - PADS currently breeds Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Smooth Fox Terriers. We do not crossbreed dogs.

Source of Breeding Stock - Most of our breeding stock is obtained through exchanges with other assistance or guide dog schools, from our own breeding program, or occasionally by donations from outside breeders.

Qualifications - Breeding stock are assessed for temperament and health. Less than 20% of dogs obtained as potential breeding stock qualify for the breeding program. Labs and Goldens are screened for hip dysplasia using the PennHip method, for elbow dysplasia using the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), inherited eye diseases by a board-certified ophthalmologist and heart conditions using ultrasound. Labs are also DNA screened for prdc-PRA (an eye problem).

Where are the litters born? - Our breeding dogs live with volunteer breeder-caretakers, and their litters are whelped and reared in-home. PADS breeding females have up to a total of 5 litters, and their puppies stay with their breeder-caretakers (and mom!) until they are 8 weeks old.

Interested in finding out more about being a breeder-caretaker for one of our girls? Go to: Breeder Caretakers