A poll of 2,000 adults has revealed that while 97% of Brits are confident they know what a guide dog is, many hold surprising misconceptions about what they do and how to behave around them.
Common false beliefs
Some people incorrectly believe guide dogs can read traffic lights, identify bus routes, use a map, pick out specific items in a shop, or act as guard dogs. Others think guide dogs themselves are blind, or that they help their visually impaired owner around the home.
In reality, a guide dog helps someone with sight loss walk safely in public places—guiding them around objects and people, avoiding trip hazards, finding kerbs, and locating shop doors and crossings. The owner remains in control and must know where they are going, including when it is safe to cross the road.
Public knowledge gaps
Only two thirds (66%) of people knew not to approach a dog while it is in harness and working. Distracting a guide dog can break the connection with the owner and affect safe navigation.
Guide dog owner Kimberley Heal said: “When my guide dog Dalby and I are out together, we're a working partnership and we both need to stay focused. When people try to feed, stroke or talk to Dalby while he's guiding me, it breaks his concentration and mine. That can leave us confused and put my safety at risk.”
She added: “It can be incredibly stressful because I'm constantly having to think about what's happening around me. It's especially difficult at traffic lights and crossings, where people sometimes grab me or Dalby without even asking first. I really appreciate it when people offer assistance respectfully, but so often people speak to my guide dog instead of me. A simple moment of consideration can make a huge difference, helping us travel safely and independently.”
Breed confusion and quiz partnership
There was also confusion about which breeds can become guide dogs. Only 65% correctly identified both a Golden Retriever and yellow Labrador, 59% identified black Labrador, 40% German Shepherds, and just 15% knew a Labradoodle can become a guide dog.
To help educate Brits, Guide Dogs has partnered with Instant Quizzes, which supplies weekly quiz packs to more than 1,000 pubs across the UK. The goal is to bring a dedicated guide dog round to quiz nights nationwide in August.
Hannah Wright, Guide Dog programme lead, said: “A staggering 84% of Brits agree we are a nation of dog lovers, and whilst our guide dogs are well-known, there are many things people get wrong. By dispelling these myths and misconceptions, we hope people will feel more emboldened and confident in their knowledge around guide dogs.”
True or false? Key statements
- Guide dogs can go into cafes and restaurants where food is served – 66% – TRUE
- Guide dogs help people around their homes – 64% – FALSE
- Guide dogs can go into shops that aren’t dog friendly – 62% – TRUE
- Guide dogs get to have a retirement in later life – 56% – TRUE
- It’s illegal for a taxi driver without a medical exemption to refuse to carry a guide dog – 55% – TRUE
- You have to be officially registered as severely sight impaired to have a guide dog – 46% – FALSE
- Guide dogs are always working – 34% – FALSE
- Guide dogs get to run around off lead – 26% – TRUE
- Guide dogs can read traffic lights – 21% – FALSE
- Guide dogs are also known as blind dogs – 14% – FALSE
- Guide dogs can identify shops by their signage – 13% – FALSE
- It’s OK to feed/give a treat to a guide dog – 9% – FALSE
- It’s acceptable to stroke a working guide dog – 7% – FALSE
- Guide dogs themselves are blind – 3% – FALSE
