Hi. I am completely new to this. We have a 2yr old male Beagle that we would like to stud before getting him neutered. Are there any restrictions I need to be aware of? He is in perfect health, is KC reg and has a lot of champions in his line. He is not endorsed. Thanks.

I'd suggest you read this: http://www.champdogsforum.co.uk/board/topic/55104.html

To do this with even the basic health tests would be expensive and not worth your while, also puzzled if you are wanting to neuter him why are you wanting to use him. Either he is good enough to be considered for use in a breeding programme in which case he will be kept entire or he is not in which case just leave him as he is no need to castrate just because he is not required for breeding.

http://www.beagleadvice.org.uk/index.php/the_beagle/health_issues

Responsible stud dog owners don't actively try to find bitches -they show or work their dogs and if good enough, bitch owners will approach them, having seen the dog. Responsible breeders (i.e. the bitch owners) will not be looking at pet dogs close to home or dogs being advertised as available, they look in the show ring etc and pick the very best available. Hence the people you are likely to be approached by are the irresponsible, out to make a quick buck from breeding.

It can change a male dog a LOT to be used at stud. I am currently living through it with one of mine (show dog) that has changed 100 % after being used just the once. The constant leg cocking indoors and the aggression towards all other dogs is hard to cope with.  Neutering doesn't always solve such problems either -in fact every single one of my neutered dogs will still go after bitches in season and will still mate them and tie even -having lost their testicles didn't mean they forgot they had them. But when neutered before having been used for breeding, at least they don't have AS a stronge urge to mate as a dog that has been used will do.

In other words -you are far better off neutering and forgetting about any stud work. For both your own sake, the dog's sake and the breed as a whole.

> In other words -you are far better off neutering and forgetting about any stud work. For both your own sake, the dog's sake and the breed as a whole.

100% agree...especially with the forget about any stud work......

Hi JanMcg  welcome to the forum. Can I ask why you wanted to use your dog at stud before neutering ? Also have you been in touch with your dogs breeder ? I would think that having a chat with them and getting their assesment of your dog would be the best starting point.
If you intend your dog to be just purely a pet, it is best not to let them mate, (what they have not had they never miss in my experience) and once having had a taste, they are more inclined to want to go back for more, like most male species !!!! But this could then endanger your dog, as he will be more inclined to try to escape or roam if there is a bitch in season near where you live.
Also as others have said it can change the personality of the dog in some cases.
Hope this helps, but please come back on and let us know what you decide, or ask further questions if you need to.