How to find a good stud dog for breeding

Finding a good stud dog takes lots of time, research and investigation. The importance of a good match and of choosing the right mate is hugely influential on the long term health and temperament of the subsequent litter. 

Firstly, we need to create a picture of our “ideal” stud dog. To do this we must critically evaluate our bitch. Ask yourself honestly what you would want to improve about her. Are there areas of her temperament that you would like to improve? Does she meet the breed standard, could she be taller or shorter for example?

We love our dogs dearly, and being critical of them can be difficult to do, however it is the first step we need to take when deciding on a breeding pair. You need to search for the dog that compliments your bitch, so that the resulting puppies are the best they can be! 

How do you tell if a dog is a good stud?

A good stud dog has a great CV! Here is what you are looking for;

• He is of an appropriate age, immature dogs have not yet fully developed in mind or body beware, you may not be seeing the full picture. 
• He will be clear of all hereditary disease, and his paperwork should reflect this. His owner should be more than happy to provide these results. 
• He will have a temperament that is true to his breed, ask for a meeting prior to the mating and gauge his temperament for yourself. 
• He will meet his breed standard in terms of his structure and conformation. 
• He will have a work or show record relevant to his breed. If he comes from working lines he will have evidence of his working experience. If he is a show dog he will have had successes in the show ring. If he is a sports dog, there will be evidence of his successes. 
• He will undergo regular sexual health checks and he will be vaccinated for Canine Herpes Virus. 
• He will be available for stud duties no more than twice per week maximum. Therefore allowing time for his sperm quality to regenerate. 
• He is not related to your female, a great tool for this is the KC Mate Select tool. You should be aiming to lower your breed's coefficient value, by ensuring your mating does not involve dogs that are related. This promotes genetic diversity and good health. 
• He will not necessarily be the most local dog, or have the lowest stud fee. Good stud dogs are rarely local, or inexpensive! 
• He will be a proven stud dog, with progeny that you can see and know to be healthy and temperamentally sound. 

What should I ask a stud dog owner?

When approaching a stud dog owner, be prepared to not only ask questions, but to answer them too! A good stud dog owner will only want his dog to be mated to suitable bitches. They will want to preserve their line and its future health and temperament. If you feel like you are being grilled about your bitch that is good news! They most likely have a very nice dog!

Here are the top questions you need to have ready;

• Please can I have the dog's pedigree information to ensure the Coefficient is acceptable. 
• Please can I see evidence of the dogs' health testing.
• Could we meet the dog in person prior to the mating?
• Is he sociable, good with people and other dogs?
• Does the dog work or show? Or perhaps take part in dog sport, and if so can we see evidence of this?
• Has he sired any previous litters and if so can you see them, or pictures/videos of them?
• What are your breeding terms? How many matings are you offering and what method do you prefer? 
• Do you require booking in advance? What sort of notice do you require?
• How many bitches do you allow him to cover weekly? 
• Does he undergo any sexual health testing and is he vaccinated for Canine Herpes Virus?

Stud Dog Fees

Stud fees vary from breed to breed, and dog to dog. Dogs who are extensively health tested and proven to be desirable examples of their breed will command a higher price. Cheap stud dogs are not usually of good quality and are often untested for health. Often they are owned by novice owners, who are not offering their stud services for the right reasons. Do your research on the prices for your breed, and you will find they can vary greatly. Remember, the cheapest is not usually the best.