Canine Companions for Independence has established their own program for the purpose of breeding dogs with the desirable traits and temperaments to become assistance dogs. CCI currently breeds Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and crosses of the two.
Most CCI puppies in the Northwest region are left intact until Advanced Training where they are evaluated for temperament and trainability among a myriad of other factors. If a dog is selected to become a breeder it is placed in a qualified loving volunteer Breeder Caretaker home.
Being a volunteer Breeder Caretaker is no easy job, but a true labor of love. Puppies are whelped, cared for, and socialized, for the first 7-8 weeks at the Breeder Caretaker's home. They are sent to CCI in Santa Rosa and then on to the individual puppy raiser's home. Most puppies are very comfortable being handled, already know how to sit, and are familiar with a crate, when the puppy raisers receive them.
For more information on the breeding program and/or how you can become a Breeder Caretaker, visit the CCI National Web Site.
Here are a few of the GRC breeder dogs and their caretakers. Click on the photos to view them in a larger size.