Hi,i have a German Shepherd im now looking at putting him to stud, hes 3yrs old in this month, and have no idea where to start. so im hoping you can put me on the right track, many thanks chris keegan

You may well have left it too late, have you done all the health tests called for by the breed clubs and has he been declaired clear with a good hip score. If so and you have done well in the show ring then let it be known to your fellow exhibitors that you wish to use your dog at stud. If you do not show you had better have a word with your boys breeder who will explain to you what is involved and if they think your boy has anything to offer the breed. 3 years is old for a dog to start as a stud dog. Jackie

We get queries on the board like this a lot.

Basically responsible breeders are looking for the best possible dog for their bitches and you want nothing to do with the other sort of breeder!), this means that they can be very choosey, and will be looking for certain bloodlines and a good show record.

Unless your boy has done really well at shows, then no-one is likely to be interested in using him. What he has never had he won't miss honest!

If your aim is to become involved in the World of the German Shepherd, and the breeds betterment, then I suggest you join your National, and nearest Regional breed club, attend shows, health seminars and other educational events.

Breeding is a big commitment. The stud dog owner has an equal responsibility for the lifetime welfare of any pups produced. would you be in a position to help and advise a new owner of one of your boys pups who was having problems, or have into your home a dog that needed rehoming?

hi brainless
have you just typed that all in again but changed from danes to g.s.d well said again, im sure you get joe bloggs down the park etc say thats a nice dog you want to breed from that or use it at stud do they see ££££ lighting up or somthing sorry to be so harsh irrisposable fools i say also are they prepared for the change that might occur once that dog has gone to stud.

Hi
as you say I think people see a nice looking dog and £ signs appear in the eyes of the owners.I had a beautiful GSD from a well known kennel who was unshown due to coat type but I was approached many times by people asking to use him on their bitch -many of which were unregistered and not hip scored(my dog had a hip score of 10).There were never any questions of his pedigree etc just how much!!Unfortunately because there are so many GSD around a good looking dog will usually find bitch owners willing to use him, its just up to the responsible owner to put the good of breed before the money!
I think irresponsible breeding is the reason why there is such a diversion of type and although there are 2 types in the ring today(i.e english and german) some of the pet dogs hardly resemble GSD 'S of either type.

hi archer, well said, could not agree more. regards tina