How old should a stud dog be before being used, I have seen a dog that I like but he is only 7 months old is this to early?

Yes definitely too young.  It is very unlikely any health tests would have been carried out on such a young dog.

> he is only 7 months old is this to early?

You may get a big response to this question, not least because you've not provided much information but yes it's much too early.

At 7 months old you've no idea quite how this dog will develop and if you are looking to mate a bitch you own you'd need much, much more knowledge of any potential mate, including the results of all health tests necessary to your breed. 

Have a look at this thread at the top of the breeding page about offering a dog at stud - it should give you an idea about what is involved.  

He is clear on all health checks (Kennel Club) the only thing is his hips. How old should a dog be?

The dog needs to be a full calander year before getting hips scored.

BVA hip scores are not taken under 12 months of age.

What about your bitch - has she had all the necessary health tests FOR HER BREED (not just a vet check) done, and have her hips been scored?

both the bitch and dog have all the clear dna health checks etc, just the dog hasnt been hip scored as he is under a year, which goes back to my question, how old should a stud dog be if everything is clear health wise etc etc (bar the hips)

Is hip scoring recommended in this breed?  If it is you cannot really say "bar the hips" as they are one of the determining factors.

Personally, the older the better with me.   I include longevity as one aspect I breed for.   I wouldn't pick a year old stud dog because that is not the finished article and even if it comes back clear of from all health tests you need to make sure none of his siblings are carrying anything serious.

It really depends on which breed we're talking about.
In most breeds a dog would be considered too young even at one year old.
It's in the dog's best interest to be more or less fully mature, before he's used at stud for the first time.
It's not just about the health checks.
Karen

> How old should a dog be?

Do you mean how old before using at stud or how old for hip scoring?  Hips can be done after 12 months

I have no direct breeding knowledge other than to say that the majority of dogs used at stud in my breed are 3 years plus.  Although an experienced breeder may be able to tell how a dog is progressing, particularly if they own and breed family lines, it just isn't always easy to see how an immature dog will develop.  I think quite a lot of people might report that promising youngsters don't always fulfill their early potential either in look or temperament.

I don't own bitches but if it were me I want an experienced dog with an even more experienced handler.  I'd want a dog that I watched from a puppy in the ring and one from whom I've seen other progeny.  I wouldn't risk the health of my bitch to anything less than a tried and tested stud.

If you are a novice I'm sure it pays to have as much experience as possible in the mix so it's well worth finding a mentor to advise you.  People on here will recommend some books too but nothing can replace someone with good breed knowledge.

Think more info is required, what breed, is the bitch experienced i.e. already had a litter, how old is the bitch, and is the dogs' owner experienced.

Then it is a case of waiting for hip results and for the dog to become fully mature and his littermates as you will need to see what the pups parents produced and if it is still what you want in your bitches litter. The pups may take after the worst example from the studs litter and not be at all like him.

I think all dogs, including crossbreeds etc. should be hipscored, eye tested etc. before they are bred from, so in answer to your question a male shouldn't be used until he's at least 14 months old with all health results back, a bitch shouldn't be used until she's at least 2.

I too saw a 7 month old dog being offered at stud on one of 'those' sites as I was trawling through them one day recently when I hadn't much else on.  I reported it to the site but asI can't remember which site or even breed it was can't check to see if it has been removed.  Just goes to show that they don't regulate their adverts.