Broods

Dogs selected to become the mothers of future life-changing puppies.

Illustration of a Canine Partners Brood dog wearing a purple bandana with three puppies

Yellow Labrador Brood dog sitting on a path outdoors

What a Brood does

Broods are carefully selected female dogs chosen for their health, temperament, and suitability to continue strong genetic lines. Over their time as Broods, they may produce several litters. While they don’t become working assistance dogs, they play a vital role by producing puppies who go on to change lives.

Black Labrador Brood dog lying beside her newborn Labrador puppies

A legacy that lasts

Broods may have up to four litters, with each puppy potentially supporting someone with a physical disability for many years. Through her offspring, a single dog can shape the next generation of life-changing puppies. That impact continues for many years beyond her own career.

Our breeding programme

Dog Breeding Volunteers sitting on a sofa holding yellow and black Labrador puppies

Living as part of a family

Broods live with dedicated Dog Breeding Volunteers as much-loved family dogs. During pregnancy and the first eight weeks of a litter’s life, care becomes more intensive. Volunteers are closely supported by our expert Breeding Team throughout, with all welfare and mating decisions managed by Canine Partners.

Find our more

Yellow Labrador sitting beside a person on a beach

Health, welfare and planning

Every Brood undergoes comprehensive health screening and behavioural assessment. Mating decisions are made carefully to prioritise welfare, temperament, and genetic diversity. We follow ADUK guidance and collaborate with other organisations to strengthen our breeding lines responsibly.

Meet our Broods (Canine Partner Mums)

Peaches

Breed: Labrador Retriever
Date of birth: 16 June 2024
Joined the breeding programme: November 2025
Fun facts: She loves a cuddle and relaxing on her back with her legs in the air. She also loves watching the TV if there is an animal involved on the TV programme!

Rosa

Breed: Labradoodle
Date of birth: 27 October 2020
Joined the breeding programme: February 2022
Litters: 3 litters, with a total of 20 puppies
Fun facts: Rosa loves to set herself a challenge, often entertaining herself by putting a toy underneath something and working out how to get it back again. She is also rarely seen without a toy in her mouth.

Nita

Breed: Labrador Retriever
Date of birth: 24 February 2024
Joined the breeding programme: March 2025
First litter born: March 2026 (litter of 7 puppies, 5 girls and 2 boys)
Fun facts: If youʼre not giving her your full attention, she likes to poke you with her nose. She also doesnʼt like you wearing a cap when youʼre playing with her so sheʼll take it off your head before carrying on playing!

Louise

Breed: Labrador Retriever
Date of birth: 12 September 2024
Joined the breeding programme: November 2025
First litter: Hoped for late 2026
Fun facts: She has a world-class ear for snacks. She can hear the fridge door opening from anywhere in the house or garden. She also loves a long nap after playing and jumping into streams!

Kellie

Breed: Golden Retriever x Labrador Retriever
Date of birth: 22 August 2023
Joined the breeding programme: November 2024
First litter: December 2025 (10 puppies, 6 boys and 4 girls)
Fun facts: She loves a banana! She also loves submerging her head in the water to blow bubbles.

Jacq

Breed: Golden Retriever x Labrador Retriever
Date of birth: 9 May 2020
Joined the breeding programme: November 2021
Litters: 3 litters, with a total of 24 puppies
Fun facts: She loves her tickles, and often asks for more by giving you her paw. She also is an expert at giving the ‘give me a treatʼ look when meeting up with other Canine Partners volunteers

Birdie

Breed: Labrador Retriever
Date of birth: 8 July 2024
Joined the breeding programme: January 2026 (our newest recruit!)
Fun facts: Birdieʼs Dog Breeding Volunteers are convinced that Birdie smiles! She also sometimes wags her tail so much it almost knocks her off her own feet!

Florence

Breed: Golden Retriever x Labrador Retriever
Date of birth: 21 December 2022
Joined the breeding programme: July 2024
First litter: November 2025 (8 puppies, 5 boys and 3 girls)
Fun facts: She loves doggy ice lollies after spending time sunbathing. Her favourite fruits are bananas, oranges, apples, raspberries and blackberries. She loves to zoom!

Yellow labrador sat by some grass and a tree

Magic

Breed: Labrador Retriever
Date of birth: 21 June 2024
Joined the breeding programme: October 2025
First litter: Hoped for late 2026
Fun facts: She is a real “water babyˮ and loves a cuddle!

Could you support a Brood?

We’re often looking for Dog Breeding Volunteers to provide a stable, loving home. You’ll need to live within the Midlands, South Yorkshire, or Bedfordshire (or up to 90 minutes from our National Training Centre). No breeding experience is required – full training and support are provided.

Find out more

Explore our other canine careers

Yellow Labrador assistance dog removing a sock for their partner in a wheelchair

Canine Partner

Assistance dogs expertly trained to provide practical support at home and in public for adults with physical disabilities.

Canine Companion

Pet dogs placed in homes with an adult or child with a physical disability who would benefit from companionship and emotional support.

Canine Home Assistant

Assistance dogs trained to provide practical support within the home for adults with physical disabilities.

Canine Partners Dog Ambassador team member demonstrating with their black Labrador Dog Ambassador

Dog Ambassadors

Represent us at events, talks and demonstrations across the UK, they showcase the skills and confidence of our assistance dogs and the difference they can make.