Guide Dogs WA celebrates the birth of its 250th locally bred puppy
Guide Dogs WA has reached a major milestone, celebrating the birth of its 250th locally bred puppy since the organisation established its State Government supported breeding program in October 2021.
Whitney, the program’s 250th puppy, was born to brood (mum) Rikki on 10 June 2026. She was one of eight puppies in the litter of five females and three males which included four black and four yellow pups.
Whitney’s arrival represents a significant step forward in terms of Western Australia’s capacity to produce world‑class Guide and Assistance Dogs locally.
The milestone birth and expansion of the program in WA was made possible by the WA State Government’s generous $5 million investment five years ago, matched by donations from the WA community. Together, this funding has helped Guide Dogs WA build local capability and reduce its reliance on sourcing dogs and qualified instructors from interstate and overseas.
It enabled the organisation to employ specialist staff to raise, handle and train puppies, and to acquire specially equipped vehicles to transport dogs to locations across Perth and regional WA.
It also supported the re-establishment of Guide Dogs WA’s Cadet Training Program creating a local pipeline of highly skilled trainers and mobility instructors and paved the way for the group to diversify to provide assistance, facility and therapy in addition to our guide dogs.
Guide Dogs WA Chief Executive Officer, Anna Presser, said reaching the 250th puppy milestone was a testament to the dedication of the volunteers, the skilled breeding team and the incredible support of the West Australian community.
“Whitney and her siblings represent the next generation of locally born and bred life‑changing dogs who will go on to support people living with low or no vision, and those facing disability, illness and other life challenges,” she said
“Our breeding program has matured significantly since it was first established — and the fact that some of our own home‑bred pups are now becoming broods and studs showcases the strength and sustainability of this WA‑based program.”
“The impact of the local program extends far beyond just the breeding of puppies like Whitney,” she said.
Currently there are 45 working Guide Dogs and 16 Autism Assistance Dogs in service in WA.
Training and qualification programs for Guide and Assistance Dogs in Western Australia are rigorous and internationally accredited.
Ms Presser said that while not all puppies born via the program will qualify as a Guide or Assistance Dog, their training and skills are also put to good use in a variety of other roles throughout the community.
In addition to Guide and Assistance Dogs, there are three Therapy Dogs in our Kites program supporting children’s development, four Facility Dogs operating in the justice system, three Ambassador Dogs as well as 14 dogs breeding the Guide Dogs of the future.
