Adorable photos show the first litter of guide dog puppies born in 2025 with life of service ahead of them
THESE adorable photos show the very first litter of guide dog puppies born in 2025.
The 10 healthy pups – six girls and four boys – arrived from 8.15pm on Thursday, 2 January, in Birmingham.
They belong to proud parents Rebecca, a three-year-old golden retriever who became a mum for the second time, and Labrador Danny, a two-year-old first-time dad.
Now, just a week old, these pups don’t yet have names, and their sole focus is getting milk from mum and snoozing.
Guide Dogs breeding dog volunteer, Sue Davy, who looks after mum Rebecca and the pups, said: “Rebecca is a fantastic mum.
“She absolutely dotes upon her puppies and has taken everything in her stride.
“I’m really excited to see these puppies grow and develop their individual personalities over the next few weeks.
“It’s been the most wonderful start to the new year.”
Both puppy parents, Rebecca and Danny, were handpicked to join the Guide Dogs breeding programme as they were considered top dogs, chosen for their intelligence, calmness, confidence and good health.
While they never worked as guide dogs themselves, some of the most promising dogs are often selected for breeding to ensure the best traits needed for successful guide dogs are passed on to the next generation.
Next month, these puppies will take the next step and make their way to the Guide Dogs National Centre, near Leamington Spa, where they’ll receives vaccinations, microchips, health checks – and plenty of cuddles.
They’ll then make their way to one of the charity’s many hundreds of volunteer Puppy Raisers, who each look after a pup until they are 12 to 14 months old before they embark on formal guide dog training.
That process typically takes around six months, and every guide dog is then carefully matched with someone with sight loss to suit their routine and lifestyle – so 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.
“This would never be possible without the support of Breeding Dog Volunteers like Sue, who give loving homes to our guide dog mums year-round, and then devote a huge amount of time and energy when a new litter is born.
“We’re always on the lookout for more help, as we’re looking to place 100 new guide dog mums like Rebecca in homes throughout 2025.”
Britain’s favourite dog breeds
HERE are the top ten dog breeds in the UK....
- Labrador Retriever
- Renowned for their friendly and outgoing nature.
- Popular as both family pets and working dogs.
- French Bulldog
- Known for their distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate temperament.
- Ideal for city living due to their small size.
- Cocker Spaniel
- Beloved for their playful and loyal disposition.
- Excellent companions for active families.
- Pug
- Recognised for their charming wrinkled faces and sociable nature.
- Adaptable to various living environments.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Valued for their courageous and loving character.
- Strong and muscular build, yet gentle with children.
- Dachshund
- Adored for their distinctive long bodies and lively personality.
- Comes in a variety of coat types: smooth, wire, and long-haired.
- Border Collie
- Celebrated for their intelligence and energy.
- Excellent working dogs, especially in herding.
- Golden Retriever
- Known for their friendly and tolerant attitude.
- Great family pets and skilled in various service roles.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cherished for their gentle and affectionate nature.
- Small size makes them perfect for lap dogs.
- German Shepherd
- Admired for their loyalty and versatility.
- Commonly used in police and military roles due to their trainability.