Genetics & Breeding | Episode 1 | The Journey of a Guide Dog

All our life-changing guide dogs begin their journey at the Guide Dogs National Centre in Leamington Spa. 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.

In this video, Matthew Bottomley, Head of Breeding Operations, and Tom Lewis, Head of Canine Genetics, discuss the very first step of the journey of a guide dog: canine genetics and breeding.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel:

You can keep up to date with all that is happening at Guide Dogs here:

[BlindGirlVlogs]

As a guide dog owner of 19 years, I found this truly fascinating. All of the effort that has gone into making this video from the staff, to the volunteers, to everyone involved, a massive well done thumbs up. Looking forward to the next episode.

[CreativeStudio]

Fantastic video and very informative. Looking forward to watching the series.

[stephenrowson]

I like how they look it’s so adorable❤❤❤❤

[nickreid]

The more I see and learn the more I am in awe of the efforts and work undertaken by the staff and volunteers.

[chris_]

I'm a sighted person, but I am also disabled.
(CP). I have seen some guide dog partnerships on social media and it's unbelievable that a DOG is able to make decisions and support their person the same way a person will. Extremely cool. I am looking forward to learning more about how guide dogs become guide dogs. I had no idea that you hand pick dogs to be guide dog parents. Wow.

[inderpreetmatharu]

Very interesting! Can't wait for the next episode 🙂

[LowVisionUKTerrysView]

this video was wonderful to listen to. I have my incredible first guide dog, Spencer after loosing my sight in 2019. I cannot tell you the incredible difference he has made to my life, and also many people around me. I could never thank Guide Dogs and the many thousands of wonderful Staff, Volunteers and supporters that make all of this possible enough - I truly hope that everyone involved does feel very proud of what they collectively achieve. I cant wait to share this with my social media family... very much looking forward t the next video too x Guide Dog Team Spencer ( and me Terry ) x

[binderbhogal]

Great video! Very educational, so much goes into the making of a guide dog! Bless them x

[kettleisalwayson]

We couldn't own a dog due to space and time available and my daughter really wanted one so we decided to sponsor instead. We are now on our 4th pup. But ours lives have changed and are now considering a dog so are possibly looking to adopt a retired guide dog or one that has failed their training. Our house is about to have some work done so it will be the autumn

[raniruprai]

Wow!! Very informative. So much hard work goes into puppy raising which I never new. Lovely video. Beautifully filmed. 👍

[In-vesta]

I’m really looking forward to this series.

[neelim]

When i got a puppy and tried potty training and teach few tricks to him then i got to know how tough it is to train a dog. I admire all the staff who are involve. You have to have a patience of a monk. It’s amazing

[ashwanibhagat]

Incredible.!
Informative and educational video.
Try to make more videos and best wishes for next episode.!

[cherylhowker]

I'm so pleased that have come up with a way to show us all more of how everything works.i personal love everything about guide dogs and how you help so many people and children too.
Sadly where I live in South Kent, it's along way to get to your centre, have been invited 3 times and feel rude I can't come, as a volunteer and fundraiser. This give me a chance to see some of what I would see on a visit and some of the information I would take from it too.
Thanks guys....looking forward to more.

[diyaholidays]

Great video great job. I hope come soon next