Can anyone give me a few golden rules on a stud dogs background, do they have to be winners in the showring to be considered of 'good pedigree stock', when can they be put up for stud?
My boy has a five generation pedigree, comes from show / working strain ancestory and is beautiful, i would love for him to be able to sire a litter or two, don't want to use him commercially though.

Any help greatly appreciated :)

Is this the pup you got in March Sooz?

Go back to his breeder and talk it over with him/her , they are the best people to advise you , they will also be able to tell you what health checks the puppy will need when he is an adult

Melody :)

Hi Melody,

Yeah i got Perry back in March / April (good memory!), so nothing immediate obviously with the stud plans but i would like him to enjoy his 'maleness' now and then!!!!
I will call the breeder to discuss further.

Thanks

To be honest with most males it does not work like that, now and again wont do, once he has been used you have a stud dog and you should only do it in the first place if you are prepared to own a dog that may be used every couple of months or so or even more. You will need an area where the deed can be done and some where to keep a visiting bitch, should they need to stay over night, and somewhere to put the bitches handler up too. You will also have to make sure he can't get out of your garden as he will become very keen. You will need to learn how to assist as well.

As has already been said the pups breeder is the place to start, but you must be prepared for him to stop being a pet and become a stud. With some it makes no difference but others become a really pain, if they are never used at all they do not know and do not go silly every time they smell a bitch.