Which Breeds Are Used

It takes a certain kind of dog to make it into a program like Puppies Behind Bars. They must be loyal, strong and highly intelligent. For this reason, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are used. They embody all of these traits and also have a high "prey instinct," which makes them very trainable.

Golden Retrievers are considered to be gentler dogs and are usually placed with the elderly. Labradors are considered the more confident dogs and have an active lifestyle which is conducive to more active adults.

The dogs are bred at service dog schools and it is the best of the best who are chosen to participate in the Puppies Behind Bars program.

Furthermore, the dogs are not immediately spayed or neutered because they may be asked to breed and maintain the "blood-lines" if they are particularly excellent service dog material.

To read more on these breeds, visit: The Golden Retriever Breed Profile The Labrador Retriever Breed Profile