Perfecting the Service Dog?

I have recently come across several articles and even TV references to perfecting service dogs and the "perfect" breeds. They were to say the least, very disturbing. We must remember that these are dogs and will always be dogs.

Some organizations are seeking to "perfect" their breeding program. Genetics is a delicate thing to deal with. Also, we must keep in mind that each dog will always be an individual and environment has an influence as well.

There are plenty of breeders out there that service dog groups and trainers can obtain dogs from, as well as humane societies/shelters/rescues. There is no breed that makes the "best" service dog. Even within a breed and then within a little each has it's own personality. Obtaining an older dog has benefits such as knowing the personality better (although one must always keep in mind that they are dogs and like people nothing is ever definite in every situation) and they don't have the puppy care/expense/finding foster homes. Getting puppies from established breeders (after much research etc) allows the breeder to focus on the breeding quality and care of the parents.

Organizations need to focus on training and providing dogs to those that QUALIFY under the ADA (which is a whole different posting in and of it's self). There are more than enough dogs out there, they just need to look.