Please note that there are many excellent dog breeders who may not be on this list. In order to get onto this list, a breeder must apply to be considered.
This list is based entirely on ensuring that the dogs are healthy, mentally well, and are likely to have temperaments favorable to service dog work.
We do NOT care about kennel club standards, breed “purity” or other irrelevant factors. Ethical breeding, ideal temperaments, and appropriate raising of the puppies are paramount.
We cannot guarantee that a puppy from one of these breeders will succeed as a service dog. Service dog charities with their own breeding programs still do not have 100% success rates. Health problems show up sometimes in puppies, no matter how hard the breeder screens the parents. The list presented below does not constitute a paid partnership or endorsement. It is intended solely to highlight the puppies and service dog prospects we encountered throughout our training journey.
However, we can say that by getting a dog from a breeder such as the ones listed here, you are far less likely to have the dog fail due to health or temperament reasons.
View Breeder Standards
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- We have seen sufficient evidence that the breeder prioritizes solid health and genetics, including a commitment to health clearances for dogs used for breeding, and removal of dogs from their program if a medical or temperament flaw shows up in their lines.
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- We have seen sufficient evidence that the breeder understands canine physical and emotional development and raises the puppies in an enriched environment, which maximizes the growth of their physical and emotional well-being.
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- We have seen sufficient evidence that the breeder prioritizes the happiness of the puppy and will not place a puppy in an inappropriate home.
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- We have seen sufficient evidence that the breeder takes responsibility for the dogs they have brought into the world and will take back a dog who is no longer wanted rather than risk them ending up in a shelter.
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- The dogs produced by this breeder have temperaments which are compatible with service dog work. Note that this is not the goal of every breeder! A breeder who produces dogs for protection work might produce very good protection dogs, but protection work is incompatible with disability assistance work. A breeder who produces dogs for hunting might create dogs who never give up on a scent… but this is an undesirable quality for a service dog.
List of Recommended Breeders
This kennel produced a male dog with an outstanding temperament, which balanced self-control with enthusiasm beautifully. We would be happy to see more like him.
This kennel produced a successful and certified allergen sniffing dog. His easy-going smile delights us every time we see him.
We have seen several doodles from Bren’s Doodles now and find them to have sweet and solid temperaments, with an ability to learn, and a lack of fearfulness/spookiness. We have also seen that they stay in touch with their puppies’ owners, arrange sibling playdates, and take any health concerns regarding the puppies seriously.
We have seen several Kermodei Labradors now, including a successfully certified wheelchair assistance dog and several wonderful pet companions. They have solid temperaments and the stocky build with a lower energy level that goes along with English Labradors. Depending on the needs of the client, we have seen Kermodei offer up pups that have “normal” energy levels or qualify as “speedbump”!
We have seen several doodles from Van Isle Labradoodles and find them to have a good upbringing, as well as the ability to learn quickly and adapt to situations confidently. Puppies from this kennel came semi-potty trained and crate trained, allowing easy transition to new owners.
Are you a breeder looking to get on this list?
Contact carol.millman@heelingassistants.org
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