Trigger, a six-year-old purebred Golden Retriever has been named charity Guide Dogs’ most prolific stud dog, having fathered 191 puppies from 24 litters.
Trigger has been siring new generations of guide dogs for more than four and a half years, overshadowing the average stud who will generally father 12 litters over a whole career.
His offspring have helped Guide Dogs service users across the country, from Guernsey to Rotherham.
A chip off the old block - his son, Pierre, aged 1 year 11 months, has now joined the breeding programme himself and will soon sire his first litter.
Trigger’s success as a stud is credited to his good health. The litters that he fathers are often larger than average, with many boasting 10 puppies compared to the average of six to eight.
Guide Dogs is committed to following best practice in the care and welfare of all its breeding stock. The organisation believes that dogs should all enjoy the care, respect and understanding that they deserve.
Sarah Bryne, a volunteer Breeding Dog Holder who has looked after Trigger since the age of 13 months, said: “Trigger is very playful, a bit of cheeky chappy. I’d say he was a typical boy - he tends to come back on a walk only when he’s ready and will take all of his toys out into the garden.
“It is a lovely feeling to know that every litter he produces will have puppies going on to become guide dogs.
“I do keep in touch with some of them and get pictures sent through, but with almost 200 puppies out there it’s hard to keep up! It’s amazing to recognise Trigger in their faces.
