More Breeding Info

What does the role of a Breeding Stock Carer involve?

The role is in place to provide our Broods and Stud Dogs with a permanent family that can monitor their health, welfare and liaise with GDQ staff about their dog. The focus of the program is on the fitness, correct weight and condition of the dog, so that it is in optimum condition for breeding when the time comes. Our Breeding dogs enjoy a loving family life, along with the benefits of being associated with the Guide Dog Program. Having a GDQ Breeding dog is a long term commitment, for the duration of the dogs breeding career and beyond, should the home decide to adopt the dog when it retires from  breeding duties.

How long does the dog stay with the Breeding Stock Carer?

GDQ Broods are retired between 7 to 8 years of age. Stud Dogs retire at approximately 10 years of age or when their fertility begins to decline. Carers are given first option of keeping the dogs as a pet when they are retired.

How often is a Brood or Stud Dog used in the Breeding Program?

Broods return to the Guide Dog Centre when they come into season which happens twice a year (every 6-8 months). Broods usually have their first litter of pups at approximately two years of age and one litter every twelve to eighteen months thereafter, depending  on the programs needs. All puppies are born and reared at the centre's purpose built Breeding Cente. Stud dogs begin breeding at around 12 to 18 months of age. They will come to the centre for natural matings and other breeding matters (regular health checks or semen collection etc).  How often the stud dog will be used depends on GDQ's needs and the success rate of the stud.

Can I visit my breeding dog when they are breeding at GDQ?

Once a Brood delivers her litter in our Breeding Centre, and has settled into her maternal duties, you are welcome to visit her and her bundle of pups. Staff are able to advise on suitable timing for visitation with your dog. We encourage carers and their family to visit and to help GDQ staff socialise the litter. Your Brood will be very proud to show you how clever she has been! Stud Dogs are often only visiting the centre for a few days, so visitation is usually not necessary during this time.

What type of food does the dog need and who pays for the food?

Our dogs are fed a combination of a raw food diet and a recommended dry food diet which is supplied by Guide Dogs Queensland.  GDQ staff will advise you on monitoring and maintaining correct weight and condition for your dog.

Who pays for veterinary costs?

Guide Dogs Queensland will cover all veterinary expenses associated with the dog while it is on our program.  GDQ Breeding Dogs attend a specialist veterinary clinic based in Stafford Heights, Brisbane.  After consulting with the Breeding Manager about a health concern you have, you will be advised on the appropriate course of action.

Who provides preventative medication?

Guide Dogs Queensland will provide preventative medications (vaccinations, heartworm, flea control, worming etc) for the dog.

What happens if I go on holiday?

Your Breeding Dog will return to GDQ and we will either board the dog in our facilities under the supervision of our trained staff, or we may find an appropriate boarding home for the dog from our capable group of listed boarding homes.

What kind of support do Breeding Stock Carers receive?

The Breeding Program Manager keeps in close contact with all Breeding Stock Carers and regular visits are made.  A Breeding Stock Carers manual (which covers all aspects of your dogs' health, breeding matters and social behaviour) will be provided as a reference.  We are only a phone call away if help is needed.