‘Labradors are naturally friendly, obedient and food-motivated, which is a good quality for training due to the high-value, immediate reward,’ charity says
A Hong Kong charity is attempting to fast-track the supply of guide dogs for the blind by breeding a Labrador with a golden retriever for the first time, as only 10 per cent of applicants for canines were ready for immediate pairing.
Jasmine Tang Yau-sheung, head of operations with Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services, also told the South China Morning Post that the number of canines still lagged far behind demand, even with the imminent birth of the mixed-breed “goldadors”.
This litter of goldadors marks the charity’s third local breeding initiative, following earlier efforts to breed four purebred Labradors and seven mixed with poodles called “labradoodles” since its guide dog training school opened in Ta Kwu Ling in late 2022.
“Labradors are naturally friendly, obedient and food-motivated, which is a good quality for training due to the high-value, immediate reward,” she said.
“Golden retrievers have a slightly higher IQ. Both breeds are equally affectionate towards people. By combining their best traits, we have created an even better breed.”
Goldadors are widely utilised as guide dogs by major accredited organisations globally, with large-scale programmes particularly prominent in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Singapore.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
