I've been asked for the use of my stud dog by a breeder in Finland. The breeder wants to opt for ai and is aware of the costs, permissions and risk involved. For those of you who have done this before, do you expect the stud fee to be paid in full at the time of delivery of the straws, in part with the balance on confirmation of the bitch in whelp (e.g. by ultrasound) or some other arrangement? I should add that I have not dealt with this breeder before but references have been positive.

I sent straws to Finland a few years ago. All costs were paid for by the owner of the bitch. I asked for the stud fee to be paid once puppies were born and at least 7 days old. She was known to me personally before this. There were enough straws for at least 2 matings and when no live bitch was produced in the first litter (3 dog puppies) she had a further litter with one of her other girls and I waived any stud fee for that litter (2 bitches and 1 dog in second litter). I am in contact with all the puppy owners on fb and one is coming over to Crufts this year

Thanks for this, Biffsmum, much appreciated!

A breeder I know who also weirly sent to Finland took the stud fee upfront plus the additional cost of collection, however enough straws was sent for 2 litters just incase the first attempt didn't work. It was basically like a free repeat mating if that makes sense but if the bitch took the first time and the owner had straws left they could in theory have a second litter if they wished.

that's useful to know, thanks triona.

I also put in my contract that if anyone else in Finland approached her to use the unused straws she had to get my permission, she then got a percentage of the stud fee (didn't happen as she used them all) but worth including as semen is still technically yours.

In other words there as amy varied terms as stud owners, and it's up to you to think it through and set terms.