I got an email today asking if I'd like to use Hugo, my seven month old Miniature Schnauzer as a Stud dog! I'm sure they had no idea he is still only a baby himself, but out of interest at what age is a dog mature enough to be used, and exactly what is involved? I don't intend showing him although he has an excellent pedigree, but wouldn't most people want a dog thats done well in shows to be a stud? I'm sure there's lots of experienced breeders out there that can enlighten me in these matters!!

Don't know much about Min Schnauzer's but I would have thought it a bit young - he is still a puppy and has not had time to develop himself yet. What health tests are recommended for Schnauzers?

Is Hugo a pet or a superb specimen (breed standard wise) who will be in demand at stud because he has so much to offer the breed. If he is a pet I would strongly advise against allowing him to be used especially if the contact is only by email as they would not have seen him just found out you have him and be groping blindly for a male.

The term "excellent pedigree" is a sales ploy and really means very little. The pedigree is just a list of ancestors, some who may have been shown and done well, some who probably have never been shown but may have been close to meeting the standard or a long way from it. Unless you know the good and bad points of the dogs within that pedigree it means little other than a list of names.

What is the bitch like, how old is she, why do the owners want to breed from her, how does her pedigree and confirmation compare to Hugo's?

This asks more qyestions than your email did but does it give you any ideas?

Christine

Hi, although you must be very flattered - its always nice to have your dog admired - I really wouldn't bother. Its a lot of work for a small amount of money ( or do they want to foist a puppy on you instead of a fee) and thats if the mating is succesful. Mating dogs is not as easy as most people imagine, especially with a maiden (inexperienced dog) handled by a novice (you!) and apart from anything else once he has had a"taste" he will almost certainly want more. There is alsp always a chance a dog will be injured by a bitch. I certainly wouldn't consider using a dog until at least 10-12 months of age anyway, by which time this bitch will probably not be in season. Why do these people want a litter from their bitch anyway? they cant be very responsible "breeders" to want to use a puppy for stud. I may be wrong but they almost certainly want a cheap stud to make some money from their bitch. I would give them a very wide berth and enjoy your puppy as the pet you intended him to be. I am not even going to start on the pitfalls of stud work - there are just soo many!!

Michele, some things to consider before you use your dog at stud :-)

Thanks for the advice~basically you just confirmed all my fears and then some! Using your dog for stud certainly isn't for the faint-hearted is it? I think I'll definitely leave little Hugo in blissful ignorance~what he hasn't had he won't miss will he?

My friend had a bad experience while she put her dog out to stud they told her she would not get a fee but a pick of the litter of course when the time she couldnt track down the dog or breeder

Dogs,

Hardly surprising, probably why other posters warn against such procedures.

Have had my mini schnauzer chopped so they can ask all they like now!!!!!!!!!

I think shes learnt a valuable lesson

GO TO BED lol you must be knac***d by now can't wait for morning lol