Although donated German Shepherd Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, and Golden Retrievers are always welcome, Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center endeavors to maintain a breeding program for healthy German Shepherd Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, and Golden Retrievers. 

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A guide dog program is no better than the dogs selected to raise and train; thus, health, temperament, trainability, and longevity are important factors that we consider when selecting breeding stock.

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Pedigrees are researched carefully and health testing is critical. All dogs, whether they are our own breeding stock, donated dogs, or home bred dogs, are tested for diseases and conditions indigenous to that breed. We utilize Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hips, and elbows, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, GenSol Diagnostics, or "Embark for genetic testing.

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It is the goal at Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center to build a strong guide dog program through carefully selected breeding stock and proper management of the program. This comes from educating staff about the health conditions, temperaments, and characteristics of each breed selected to be a Gallant Hearts guide dog.