Breeding scheme

We breed puppies that have the flexible social personality of an assistance dog, with an inquisitive playful nature that lends itself to enjoy working to sounds.

Most puppies are Cocker Spaniels, Labradors or cross breeds including Cocker x Poodle and Labrador x Golden Retriever. 

Our puppies are born in the brood bitch holders' homes where their development and socialisation is cared for following a special programme with support from Hearing Dog staff.

When the puppies are eight weeks old they go to their new socialiser to start training in obedience and social skills to prepare them for being a hearing dog when grown up.

We are seeking volunteers as:

Brood bitch/stud dog holders

A brood bitch or stud dog holder is a member of the public who fosters one of our breeding dogs and allows the dog to live long term in their home. Holders receive support, advice, and home visits from the Hearing Dogs team and are required to attend Kennel Club Good Citizen classes at our centre.

Holiday boarders

Holiday boarders look after one of our breeding dogs while their fosterer is on holiday. Boarders are offered full support and advice from the Hearing Dogs team. 

Home whelpers for our adults.

Whelpers provide support to broods and whelp and care for puppies until they are seven weeks old if the brood bitch holder is unable to do so.

(NB - You would need to live within an hour and a half drive of Princes Risborough for all of the above roles.)

Breeder involvement

The breeding scheme always needs to bring in fresh lines to its gene pool to promote genetic diversity and therefore actively seeks outside bred pedigree dogs. Breeders who get involved in our breeding scheme are kept up to date on their dog and the offspring they have as well as being invited to get-togethers at the centre in Princes Risborough.

If you are a breeder and would like to support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People we would love to hear from you.

Contact us

To find out more about how to become a volunteer with the Hearing Dogs breeding scheme, please contact our office breeding.scheme@hearingdogs.org.uk or call 01844 348100