Hi,  this is my first posting on this site but I am an avid reader.
I have been approached but a reputable breeder to use my 2 year old dog as a stud.  The breeder has visited us and met out dog viewed his pedigree etc and vice versa.  This is not a decision we want to rush into and the breeder has not been pushy but feels our dog is of good line and would compliment his bitch.  Our main concern is how our dog will change if this takes place.  Any info from experienced stud dog owners would be appreciated.

We would also like to take a pup from the potential litter as feel that the dogs are a good match.  Obviously if this was a bitch they would need to be separated during season.  Any advice from experience in regards to having 2 dogs together or a dog and a bitch.

Thanks

Admin edit: breed removed

Hi there :)

If this is a reputable breeder of your breed, they will have had the necessary health checks done on and passed by the bitch they propose breeding from.  They would also require any dog they used to have been tested and had satisfactory results of the same health tests.  As basics for most breeds these are hips scored and eyes tested but I don't know what others may be required of your breed - you'd need to check with your breed club :)  If all of this was discussed with you, then fair enough - BUT if none of it was mentioned I'd be very wary :(  Do you show or work your dog?  How did this breeder locate you/him?  Sorry to ask so many questions!   Teri :)

Thanks for posting so quickly, questions are good!.  We will of course be having the relevant tests carried out which I believe to be hip scoring and eye testing for my breed.  The bitch has already had this done.  She has also previously had one litter.  We live in the same (small) town as this breeder and met them on a number of occassions when out walking and got chatting.  We don't work or show or dog he is a full blown family member, we call him a manimal!.  However showing is something I have always considered.  Any experiance you can share would be grately received.  My gut feeling is good on this mating but just want to be 100% sure

Hi again, sorry - been off watching telly (it's an ad break :D )

I should also have directed you to the first post under the "Breeding" topic - it will give you an idea about some of the responsibilities involved with using your dog at stud.  When you read through it you will see that it is in fact a very big commitment and although you're wisely already questioning whether it is a good idea or not, when you read that you will have even more food for thought.

Another thing to take on board is that even although this breeder may like the look of your dog and approve of his pedigree, you should also contact the breeder of your own dog and see what he/she thinks about the proposed mating.  Good breeders obviously want the best for their breed in general and are highly protective of their own lines that they have worked hard to create and preserve sometimes over decades (although everyone has to start somewhere ;) ).

Anyway, have a read at the thread suggested and see what you think.  HTH meantime, Teri :)

I can only say Amen to what Teri has said. Breeding must be taken very seriously and not taken lightly. I would be a little warey being as this is an aquantance from just walking and not someone who has looked at your dog in the showring.