hi
can anyone give me some info regards using a lab stud dog with a hip score of 0/0 he has tasco and drakeshead in his lines which are compatible with my bitch. But it's his first time, he is 16 months at the moment but is quite mature and settled. can anyone tell me if its good idea to use him or would it be better with an experience dog with higher scores, thanks

Assuming your bitch is a maiden, then you are likely to get an easier mating with an experienced dog. Whilst this is often the case, it is not always so as I have used experienced Field Trial Champions that have messed around and maiden dogs that have got on with the job with no hesitation.

You need not forego the 0/0 hip score for experience as there are a few Field Trial Champions and winners with a 0/0 score. (FTCh Haskayne Moss of Glenue & FTCh Dargdaffin Dynamo spring to mind).

From a personal point of view I wouldn't choose a stud dog based on its hip score. Whilst I prefer a dog with a score below the breed average, I wouldnt choose a 0/0 over a 5/5 just because it had a lower score. With a 16 month dog you are taking a gamble on the pups he is going to produce, and he is unlikely to have done much in the field yet either.

Assuming that a) you're looking to produce working dogs (based on the breeding) and b) you've got a bit of time before you want to mate her, I'd advise getting to a few field trials and have a look at the dogs running. You'll soon pick up which dogs are siring the type of dog that you are looking for.