Hi all,

I'm seeking a new puppy and I am doing my research thoroughly.
One of my 'shortlisted' breeders is using frozen sperm with their bitch.

Has anybody used this in the past or have any information to help me?

Thanks
Sam

Is this from a dog abroad ?  If breeders are looking to bring a specific line in from abroad then yes it can be done rather than take the bitch to where the dog lives. I think however this has to be agreed by the Kennel Club. Some breeders look at going out to visit the dog but this can prove expensive and also can prove difficult in terms of timing and logistics.

Hiya,
No this is from a dog in the UK. I know the sire is a champion, but it's not something I've heard of before so I'm alittle sceptical about it. The dog, as far as I'm aware is no longer alive.

Sam x

If you search for AI on here lots will come up.

The consensus of opinion seems to be it isn't very successful here in the UK because the rules were so strict that no one learnt the skills required, going to the stud in other parts of Europe/World for a natural mating can work out just as expensive but you get a holiday and greater chance of success.

Have you asked the breeder why she has opted for frozen, is it some she saved from one of her own past deceased studs, someone elses or from abroad.

In rare breeds to bring in fresh blood to the gene pool AI from frozen semen may be the only option.

Good Luck and well done for doing your research.

> One of my 'shortlisted' breeders is using frozen sperm with their bitch.
>
> Has anybody used this in the past or have any information to help me?

It makes no difference to you the puppy buyer, except that it may not work and you may have to wait for a second attempt.

My understanding is that AI can only be done in the UK if the stud is no longer alive. Knowing what the stud and the other dogs in the pedigree died of and carried in terms of health issues can be very beneficial in some cases, especially if the dog had the appropriate health clearances and passed them.

The issue with using frozen is that you run the risk of the breeding not taking if the sperm count is low, the sperm wasn't kept under the right conditions, the quality of the sperm is poor, etc. Have even assisted with one AI breeding where the sperm looked fine under a microscope but the cells were just weak for some reason and the breeding didn't work. It's an expensive method and you're certainly not guaranteed a litter. That being said, I know quite a few beautiful litters that have been produced by this method and when done properly it can be a good way to go.