All puppies are produced from specially selected stock, very often from dogs already bred by the Association.

Every attempt is made to ensure that all breeding stock is Hip Dysplasia free as well as free from any other hereditary diseases.

Certain breeding lines have proved to be very successful in the past and SAGA tries to keep as closely as possible to these lines. SAGA perpetuates traits that make a good guide dog. Labrador retrievers most consistently exhibit the desired characteristics; stability, a degree of initiative, docility, an ability to take things in their stride, and a stubborn trait that helps them through difficult situations. Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are valuable additions to the stock.

Nowadays most guide dog centres have settled on the Labrador and Golden Retrievers.