Assistance Dog Breeding 

Assistance Dog Breeding Program at the Silver Rehabilitation Center

The Silver Rehabilitation Center has multiple departments, one of which is the Department of Assistance Dog Care and Support Staff, which includes the Assistance Dog Breeding Program.

This program is fundamental to the rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities and children with developmental difficulties, integrating assistance dogs and therapy dogs into the work.

The breeding program at Silver Center is based on the Labrador Retriever breed, which has proven to be the most successful in the world of assistance dogs.

Inclusion in the Breeding Program:

To participate in the breeding program, the Silver Center selects dogs from its own breeding or through genetic material exchange, puppies, young dogs, and breeding dogs from other international schools (France, the UK, the US, Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, the Netherlands, etc.).

For a dog to be included in this program, it must meet specific rules and standards, and undergo temperament, genetic, and health testing. The dog is included in the breeding program at approximately 16 months of age.

Guardians of Silver Legacy:

The breeding program is supported by volunteer Guardians of Silver Legacy, known as "Guardians" in Silver's jargon. These volunteers, individuals, or families, care for the dogs involved in the Breeding Program at the Silver Center.

What Are Guardians?

Guardians are volunteers who take care of the dogs involved in the breeding program. They play a crucial role in raising and socializing these dogs.

How to Become a Guardian?

Dogs that show appropriate temperament and potential during socialization are considered for the breeding selection. Their behavior is monitored, and after health checks during socialization, additional testing is conducted. The socializer is consulted about the dog's future role in breeding and readiness to care for the dog during the breeding program.

Another way to become a Guardian is for individuals or families who have followed Silver's work for an extended period and are familiar with the socializer or an assistance dog user. They can apply by filling out an online form, followed by an initial interview, home visit, selection, and assignment of the chosen breeding dog.

Criteria for Becoming a Guardian:

• Desire to volunteer and support Silver Center's mission.

• Willingness to follow Silver Center's protocols and practices.

• Flexibility to adapt to the schedule of the breeding dog and the needs of the breeding program.

• Ability to provide a safe home for the care of a large, reproductively active dog.

• Ownership of a car and the ability to drive actively.

• Residence in Zagreb.

• Experience with dogs.

The Role of Guardians:

The role of a Guardian is highly demanding, involves great responsibility and commitment, and strict adherence to the breeding coordinator's rules and instructions. However, the ultimate reward is the assignment of assistance dogs to individuals with disabilities and children with developmental difficulties.

Purpose of the Breeding Program:

The goal of the breeding program is to develop the best mental and working abilities in dogs while eliminating undesirable hereditary traits and health problems (such as hip, elbow, and shoulder dysplasia and eye diseases) that directly affect the dogs' working abilities as assistance dogs.

Why Not Shelter Dogs?

People often ask if we include dogs found on the streets or from animal shelters in our training programs. Although most of the dogs waiting for adoption can become wonderful pets, very few meet the strict health, temperament, and other conditions required for certification as assistance dogs for people with disabilities and children with developmental difficulties.

Therefore, the Silver Center has its own breeding program and receives puppies from selected breeders who raise dogs with a genetic predisposition for the role of assistance dog. These dogs provide long-term, loyal support to our users with enthusiasm and dedication.