Five Common Guide Dogs

According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, about 39million people worldwide lost their sights for different reasons. Guide dogs (also called seeing eye dogs or service dogs) can guarantee their visually impaired owners' safety, and help to reduce their anxiety, depression and loneliness.

The selection and training of guide dogs are very strict, there are many factors need to be considered such as physical conditions, genetic diseases, personalities, and behavioral characteristics. Only those who can meet all the criteria and pass all the tests can become qualified guide dogs.

A guide dog plays the role as "the second pair of eyes" of visually impaired people. Here are five common guide dogs you may see on the street.

1. Labrador

Labradors are the most registered guide dogs in the world. They are obedient and smart, which makes it much easier for training. As well as their strong sense of direction and excellent judgment, Labradors can get accustomed to collars and leash, understand various commands. Even though they are friendly to humans and other animals, they are also alert to everything that may threaten their masters. In addition, their short hair make it easier for the visually impaired to raise and clean.

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are also suitable for working as guide dogs. For guide dogs, one of the important qualities is concentration. Like Labradors, Golden Retrievers can keep focused when working, and will not be easily distracted, so as to better protect the owners and their properties. Golden Retrievers are docile, normally they will not bark or attack pedestrians.

3. Goldador

Goldador is like a baby who perfectly inherits the merits of its parents. It is very stable and dedicated, loyal to its owner and has strong sense of responsibility. Moreover, this kind of dog has a good temper and generally will not take the initiative to attack each other. A well-trained Goldador will be able to remember the route of its master's daily activities, keep him/her from collision or fall with giving hints of obstacles and correct directions to the destination.

4. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are obedient and hardworking, they were widely used as military dogs in wartime and the first breed trained as guide dogs. However, training of German Shepherd requires too much money and expertise. And its tough appearance may get misunderstood by some people even though it actually has a gentle heart.

5. Labradoodle

Labradoodle, a hybrid of poodle and Labrador, was first bred in Australia in the 1980s. It has become the choice of many dog lovers for its high IQ, good personality, and less hair loss. Labradoodle is considered as a good choice for visually impaired people with canine dander allergies.

Studies show that the companionship of guide dogs can also help people alleviate anxiety, loneliness and depression. However, guide dogs and other service dogs may still get unpleasant experience in public. These well-trained guide dogs are professional and non-aggressive, deserved to be accepted by more and more people. Please don't disturb the guide dogs when they are working, no matter how adorable they look. They must be fully concentrated on leading their visually impaired owners across the streets. Once they are distracted, tragedies may happen.