DPS canines must meet or exceed the following requirements: 1. Must be at least middle-sized: 40 -100 pounds. 2. Must be a minimum of 12 months of age, or a maximum of three years of age at adoption. 3. Must possess good health, appearance, stamina, a self-right temperament, and must 4. demonstrate a near frantic desire to retrieve. 5. Have proportionate lines with a straight, solid back and shoulders. 6. Must demonstrate confidence and assertiveness, handles environment without fear, is curious and investigative. 7. Must be in excellent health with no acute or chronic disease or condition which could hamper performance. 8. Must have a general physical examination to include a fecal examination, heart worm test, rabies boosters, and DHLP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus). 9. Canines testing positive for heartworms will not be accepted by TXDPS and should be returned to either the shelter, humane society, animal rescue, or private individual as soon as possible. All canine owners will be advised in advance that the discovery of a heartworm condition will eliminate the canine from consideration as a candidate for training. Canines with ongoing medical conditions will receive special attention and approval by the State Canine Program Coordinator is required. 10. Before any Canine is considered for Department training it must be tested and evaluated as to its fitness for service...
