I have always bred dogs naturally and sometimes things go to plan and sometimes the do not. I would like to hear peoples views on the use of fresh semen via vaginal insemination. What are peoples views on this technique, success stories, failures and ofcourse general advice. I have researched this technique thoroughly and have recently after being shown the method by my veterinarian, began to AI my own bitches when a successful marriage didnt occur on the optimal days. It's to early to tell if any procedures have been successful but I value the knowledge and experience of others so thought it would make an interesting topic.

aren't the kc rules that you only allowed to use it if the dog is proven but dead. or proven but abroad?
if so you wouldn't be able to register puppies from the sort of mating you are talking about?
lea :)

Lea's right. Unless the KC has given prior permission in writing, any puppies ensuing from AI cannot be registered.

Yes that's correct. As far as the KC is concerned that is true I believe. I am not a KC breeder though... I breed rare breed mastiffs that are as yet not on the import register. Interestingly one of the criteria to getting on the import list is the use of AI importation!.
The discussion has nothing to do with the rules set down by the KC. Only the topic of AI. ;)

> I breed rare breed mastiffs that are as yet not on the import register. Interestingly one of the criteria to getting on the import list is the use of AI importation!.
> The discussion has nothing to do with the rules set down by the KC. Only the topic of AI.

Then I would say you need to take on the same responsibilities that the KC have on this subject and consider the implications for the overall fertility of the breed.
I would think this particularly important when numbers are very low.  It seems to me this is exactly when natural reproduction would need to be encouraged strongly to ensure you are not breeding from subfertile animals.
Bringing in new genes from abroad makes sense but I cannot see the value of possibly degrading the fertility of what you have here.

I am pretty sure you have absolutely no grounds to insinuate my dogs are substandard. And if you would have read my post correctly you would not have jumped to the conclusions that I had both dogs present on those optimal days. In fact I had imported on over 24 hour courier fresh semen from Spain. So I was infact improving the lines in the UK. This lack of manners is the very reason I have refrained from such forums. I had thought this site different and presumed breeders would happily discuss important issues like AI. However I see that inexperience as always results in abusive behaviour. So I shall gladly not return.

> In fact I had imported on over 24 hour courier fresh semen from Spain.

There is no need to take offence, that info was not clear/included in your original post and it behoves for the benefit of those searching the topic that correct info is given re the restrictions regarding AI in the pedigree dog world ruled by the Kennel club in UK

I also read from the 'side by side' quote that the semen was taken from the dog in situ and then AI in the bitch.

I dont think anyone could be blamed for assuming that was because the pair were unable to mate normally.

Also quote from original post:

"....have recently after being shown the method by my veterinarian, began to AI my own bitches when a successful marriage didnt occur on the optimal days."

The above would be against kennel club rules designed to protect natural fertility and reproductive capabilities.

It does imply that AI was used due to failure to mate naturally, not as a planned use of imported Fresh chilled semen.

The latter is something I am very interested in if it can be achieved without too much difficulty and works out more cost effective than flying with a bitch.

I did not in anyway insinuate that your dogs were substandard.

> And if you would have read my post correctly you would not have jumped to the conclusions that I had both dogs present on those optimal days.

....and if you had read my post correctly you would have undoubtedly seen my comment : "Bringing in new genes from abroad makes sense" but I would not have guessed they were not in the same country no, perhaps because when that very issue had already been brought up it no mention was made of it.

If you do ever return I suggest you have another look at my post.  I did not insinuate your dogs were substandard.  I talked about the care the KC takes to prevent fertility deteriorating, that is all.  You did after all invite comment on the topic.

To be honest because of the KC rules I suspect it would be hard to find many people with enough experience to give their opinions one way or another, some people on here may have done the procedure once or twice, and thinking about it I believe there have only 3 or 4 litters within my breed that have used AI like you bringing in overseas blood.

I'm sure most people in dogs know AI is used and happens much more than the litters registered as AI litters...
But as it is not spoken about due to the regulations, I doubt you will get people sharing their experiences and success stories in an open forum in UK :).

In some of europe I know people use it more& are open of using AI if natural mating did not occur (sometimes doing AI before doing natural!) but often it is the last resort when the bitch is not maybe accepting the male as they have gone over etc.
I don't agree with it as in most cases surely you can just try again next season&start testing earlier if bitch went over last time&if you missed the optimal timing this time. Of course if the bitch has gone over chances are you will not get puppies anyway if the eggs are over too.
If the dogs are not willing to mate, maybe it is not meant to be.
If the dogs can't mate due to structure/build etc, well then you are going wrong way as the next generation could be the same...
Just my opinions :)

If we are just talking about chilled imported sperm the results of course depend on the quality of sperm&timing&how many eggs the bitch has waiting. & the skill of the person doing it, would think with imported sperm going to a specialist would be the thing to do to maximise the chances of pregnancy?

However I have heard of an european litter that resulted from sperm posted in a normal post, not sure who did the insemination in that case!
Maybe the post man :)

However I have heard of an european litter that resulted from sperm posted in a normal post, not sure who did the insemination in that case!
Maybe the post man 

Noora - that made me smile this morning.....

I also totally agree about your point about the use of AI in your first paragraph.