Guide dogs, better known as Seeing-Eye-Dogs, are highly-trained dogs specifically bred and trained for assisting visually impaired or blind people.
According to World Health Organzation, as of October 2018, around 36 million people are blind around the globe and around 2% of the US blind population owns a guide dog.
Owning a guide dog gives their handler companionship, confidence and security. Guide dogs are a life-changing introduction for the blind and their family. Studies show that blind people who own a guide dog are now more confident in doing their day to day tasks and moving around while the companionship offered by a guide dog helps reduce depression and anxiety. As a result, blind people are now more self-confident meeting with other people and interacting.
1. Goldador/Golden Labradors
A cross-breed between a pure bred Golden Retriever and a Labrador, these dogs used in a number of tasks such as search-and-rescue, drug-detection and serve as guides and therapy dogs.
According to the Guide Dogs Association for the Blind of UK , these loving and loyal Goldadors are the most successful guide dogs and now growing in popularity. Combining both traits of both breeds, they’re extremely intelligent, highly trainable and fun-loving dogs which make them a top contender when it comes to guide dogs.
Slightly larger compared to its predecessor’s and can weigh up to 80 pounds, they will not do well in isolated settings and require constant interaction with humans or other pets otherwise, they become destructive out of boredom.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are arguably some of the most intelligent, skilled and helpful animals to work alongside humans. It’s their high energy, loyalty and their desire to please make them the top choice as Seeing-Eye-Dogs.
Labradors have a long history of working as service dogs and were originally water-dogs, hunters and other tasks like retrieval and pulling nets from the water but their sociability and over-all enthusiasm have brought them inside the home won the hearts of their owners.
When it comes to grooming, it’s best recommended to start brushing Labrador pups at a young age as they need a quick brush down at least once a week to keep your home free of fur and to keep them comfortable.
3. Golden Retriever
Perfect for all types of people and families, Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easily trainable dogs and are capable with a wide variety of tasks and commands. Golden retrievers are obedient and enjoy doing their jobs and loves completing challenges especially with kids and pets alike. Their ability to tune in to the needs of their companion like correcting the slightest discomfort makes them stand-out among the pack.
When compared to Labradors, Golden Retrievers require daily brushing to prevent tangles and reduce hair fall and frequent bathing is a must to prevent “doggie-smell” inside your home. On the flipside, if you don’t fancy or don’t have the time battling with dead hair and doggie-odor, you can always treat your Labrador to a pampering at Bluedoor Veterinary Services.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are the original guide dogs and have been in service since the 1930’s. Herder’s by nature, these dogs are incredibly observant, highly trainable and loyal. They possess a strong work ethic and enough energy and stamina to accomplish tasks.
Their traits make them ideal to use as guide dogs and their large physique gives them the ability to provide support and security. This being said, German shepherds are not suitable for many clients and are best to be partnered with people who are confident and possess a strong authority.
German Shepherds do not require frequent baths as they are naturally clean and odor free – which is the best part. Compared to the retrievers, they are not high maintenance dogs; in fact, German Shepherds are easy dogs to care for so long as you keep up with the brushing of their fur coats.
5. Poodles
Poodles are not only great pets but also server as great guides which make them a top choice especially for those experiencing allergies. Poodles are not only an intelligent breed of dogs making them highly trainable but they are also eager to please, much like the retrievers. The only downside of poodles as guides is that they are commonly mistaken as pets rather than work dogs and they seem more approachable when compared to German shepherds resulting to people trying to pet the poodles distracting them from their work.
Located in Portland, Oregon, Bluedoor Veterinary provides exceptional animal care serving the greater Portland on wheels- a 26 foot mobile clinic providing ease for the blinds as the vet will visit them at home. Visit Bluedoor Veterinary Services for more info!
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