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9 Tips for Choosing a Stud Dog

tips for choosing a stud dog

Summary: Choosing the right stud dog is essential to a successful dog breeding. Be sure to take your time in choosing correctly. It is not a perfected science, but here are some basic tips for choosing a stud dog.

Selecting a Stud Dog

So you are looking for a stud dog to be the sire of a litter for your female dog? Well, you need to be cautious in selecting the stud just as you were cautious in selecting your own dog. Remember, he will genetically be the sire of this litter and the consequences of improper stud selection are irreversible. So, take your time and do your research. We’ve provided some tips for choosing a stud dog below to help you in this process.

9 Tips for Choosing a Stud Dog

  1. Conformation: Select a stud that has strong points where your dame has weak points. You won’t be able to find one that is strong in everything your dame is weak in, so pick a few points that will help the most. Be honest with yourself when evaluating your dog.
  2. Work or Show Background: Does the potential stud dog fit your dog’s background needs? If you are breeding show quality dogs, you want a show quality stud. If you are breeding working dogs (i.e. farm, ranch, assistance etc.) does the stud dog have a background that will meet your strength and endurance needs?
  3. Pedigree: Check your dog’s pedigree against the potential stud’s pedigree. You want to make sure you are not inbreeding! It can happen which is why it’s important to check the paperwork.
  4. Physical Health: Make sure the stud owners have had all their dog’s health tests done. Any good stud owner will have all this done and ready for you to go over.
  5. Popularity is a Factor: You don’t want a dog that is overused. Experience is good, but not too much. Good stud owners will not let their dog go everywhere just because someone is willing to pay for it.
  6. Age: It is better to choose an older stud dog over a younger stud. If you have two options, go with age. NEVER breed to a stud that is under 2 years of age. He is unproven.
  7. Experience: If your female dog is new to breeding, select a stud that has experience. He will know what to do and how to deal with her.
  8. Proximity/Location: How will you get them together? What does the property look like where they will stay? Is the property fenced well so your dog will not get lost? If you are going to house the pair, similarly ask the same questions of your property.
  9. Speak with Sire Owners: Talk to the stud dog owners. If they are not open about his strengths as well as his weaknesses, you should run! No dog is absolutely perfect. Also, be sure to tell the stud owners when your dog will be coming into heat. They need advance notice to make sure your schedules are aligned.

In conclusion, even if you find the best stud for your dame, YOU might be declined by his owners. This is not a bad thing and don’t take it personally. Everyone has to do what’s best for their dog! Know where your dog is at all times to prevent unwanted suitors from mating with your dog. Have her vet checked and be sure that you are willing to go through all the work necessary to raise puppies BEFORE breeding her. Good luck with your search!

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