Facts about guide dogs

Guide dogs provide freedom, confidence and companionship to many blind and partially sighted New Zealanders. Here are some interesting facts about guide dogs.

Breeds of guide dogs

Many breeds of dog become guide dogs in New Zealand, including Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and some purpose-bred first crosses. Standard Poodles can be used in a home where someone is allergic to dog hair.

The life of a guide dog

• Conception: Brood bitches and stud dogs are mated either naturally or artificially through the guide dog breeding improvement programme.
• Socialisation: At approximately eight weeks puppies are placed with volunteer puppy walkers as part of the puppy development programme. Puppy walkers socialise the young dog and introduce it to situations it will face as a guide dog.
• Training: At around 12 months of age puppies return to us for six months' intensive training. They are assessed on 65 personality and temperament traits, 13 health aspects and 21 guiding tasks. 
• Working: Adult guide dogs work 8-10 years before retiring.

Where can guide dogs go?

Guide dogs, including guide dogs in training, can go to any public place, including restaurants, offices, clinics, hospitals, shops, beaches, cinemas and hotels. They can also travel on public vehicle, including buses, domestic and international flights, ferries, ships, trains, taxis and shuttles.

These rights are outlined in the Human Rights Act 1993 and the Dog Control Act 1996.  Under the provision of these statues, a blind or partially sighted person, or person engaged in training a guide dog, is entitled to exactly the same rights of access to any place or vehicle and the use of any facilities in that place or vehicle (including premises registered under the Health Act 1956) as any other member of the public whilst accompanied by a guide dog.

There are some exceptions, including into the animal enclosure areas at zoos and some hospital departments, such as the burns unit, oncology and intensive care wards.

International relationships

We are accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation. It provides guide dogs to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Fiji, Hawaii, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Cadets from these countries who train in New Zealand contribute their labour in exchange for skills learned. Their input with us increases the number of dogs trained, reducing the waiting list time for New Zealanders.

How can you help?

To become a guide dog, puppies train for two years, pass 55 different tests and walk many thousands of steps. Guide dogs are provided to handlers without charge and the costs are met by public donations, sponsorship and legacies.

Make a donation to support guide dogs.

Volunteer your time to help our guide dog services team.

Tours of RNZFB's guide dog services

We welcome both international and local visitors to the only guide dog training centre in New Zealand. We show a video, answer questions and invite you to meet and pat some of our training dogs, and view the young puppies. There is also a souvenir shop.

• Tour times: Monday to Friday between 11.00am and 2.00pm, by appointment
• Duration: approximately one hour
• Fee: none, but we are grateful for donations
• Bookings: phone (09) 269 0400