Question (2)

[malvolio]

LOL, good one.

But seriously, what makes a good guide dog? What's to prevent one using a dobermann or bull terrier? I mean why do they always seem to be boring labrador type dogs?

Friend of mine was a puppy walker for the Guide Dogs. Basic idea is to socialise it properly, teach it the basics and see how well suited its temperament is: it has to be intelligent (for a dog, anyway!), bold not nervous but at the same time not reckless. Labs seem to be just the most suitable, although Alsatians are good, and he's worked with Dobermans and some contintental breeds (there's a dutch canal dog breed that looks like a right thug but is apparently brilliant at it). Even among the Labs, there's a 80% failure rate apparently.

The dog has to have a bit of weight though, so it has presence and the owner can feel its guidance clearly, hence big breeds only

[TimberWolf]

Friend of mine was a puppy walker for the Guide Dogs. Basic idea is to socialise it properly, teach it the basics and see how well suited its temperament is: it has to be intelligent (for a dog, anyway!), bold not nervous but at the same time not reckless. Labs seem to be just the most suitable, although Alsatians are good, and he's worked with Dobermans and some contintental breeds (there's a dutch canal dog breed that looks like a right thug but is apparently brilliant at it). Even among the Labs, there's a 80% failure rate apparently.

The dog has to have a bit of weight though, so it has presence and the owner can feel its guidance clearly, hence big breeds only

What about a dolphin? They are intelligent, have a good temperament and carry a bit of weight. Unfortunately they do like water and tend to flap around a bit on dry land.