Adorable snaps capture first litter of Guide Dog puppies born in 2025
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The 10 healthy pups - six girls and four boys - arrived into the world on Thursday, 2nd January, in Birmingham. They're the pride and joy of golden retriever Rebecca, a three year old who's become a mum for the second time, and two year old labrador, Danny.
These little ones haven't been named yet, and their days revolve around feeding from mum and catching plenty of z's. Guide Dogs breeding dog volunteer, Sue Davy, who's caring for Rebecca and her pups, expressed: "It's been the most wonderful start to the new year".
"[Rebecca] absolutely dotes upon her puppies and has taken everything in her stride," she commented. "I'm really excited to see these puppies grow and develop their individual personalities.". Although they've never served as guide dogs themselves, Rebecca and Danny are some of the dogs chosen for breeding because of their standout qualities, including intelligence and good health.
Next month, the adorable pups will be heading to the Guide Dogs National Centre near Leamington Spa for their vaccinations and check ups. They'll then need to be placed with one of the charity's hundreds of volunteer Puppy Raisers, before they start formal guide dog training. But it won't be until late 2026 that these puppies will be qualified and working.
Janine Dixon, breeding and welfare lead for Guide Dogs said: "Even though they haven't yet opened their eyes, Rebecca's puppies are at the very start of a long journey to becoming life-changing guide dogs of the future. "They will be raised and trained with all the love and support they need to give them the best chance to qualify as a trusted partner to a blind or visually impaired person. Guide Dogs is aiming to breed 1,200 puppies in 2025, and it all starts here.
