My bitch seems ready to mate ( she is on her  10 -12 day of season ) presenting her self to the dog, twisting tail etc.The thing is she is the one doing all the mounting.
The dog is interested and they are getting on  but has never tried to mount.
They have only been together for one day maybe I am expecting too much but have mated smaller dogs who were also first time  and  mated on
10 th day and they just got on with it and had no problems.
How can or should I encourage him and if so what is the best way to do this, or are bigger dogs usually ready later than 10-12th day.
I cannot let them" get on with it " themselves a I need to be there to assist if a tie happens as are big terriers and I do not want the dog to get hurt or put off if the bitch decides to go walk about.
I am not a professional breeder but have successfully mated and produced litters from my dogs past and present so am not a first time breeder, just a first time breeder with big dogs.
All help and advice will be apreciated.

It's a really difficult combination to have BOTH bitch and stud dog as maidens. It sounds to me as if the bitch is ready but the dog doesn't know what to do. You'd be better off using an experienced dog on this bitch, and letting the dog have an experienced bitch for his first time.

What happens if you restrain the bitch i.e. hold her by the collar so she can't try to mount the dog?

have not tried anything yet as wanted advice.
We are going to try and hold the bitch and encourage dog to have a try and see what happens. Do not want to put dog off so will have to be carefull.

i agree with marianne on this one you should really be using an experienced dog

Very hard to do so as I live in scotland and my "large terrier "type is hard to find a stud dog for.Only 3 where I live and stud dog has come to us to stay as we live 140 miles away from glasgow, which is the nearest place I could find a dog of the same breed .
Also had 2 smaller terrier dogs in same situation and they performed beautifully.
Dog is very quiet and has settled here fine so its not as if he is stressed.
Will see what happens over the next couple of days.

so there are others you could use then? imo how far away a dog is shouldnt come into the aquasion its hard enough finding a suitable dog without putting a boundry as to how far you are prepared to travel

I am afraid how far away a dog is does matter To me and to my dog.
Yes it has been hard to find a dog but putting a boundry on has been in the equasion.
I am not a proffesional breeder , have children , run my own business and am not good at driving on moterways,cities etc so distance had to be considered and as it would mean I would have had to stay away for at least a week ,this was a better option for me and the dog as she does not travel well.

May I ask why you are breeding your bitch?

> I am not a proffesional breeder

What is a professional breeder?  Someone who breeds puppies constantly? 

I am breeding my bitch for a number of reasons
1/ I am one of those dreadfull people who believe that a dog should have a chance at having a litter
2/ She has an exelent pedigree
3/ she is up to breed standard and has won at a few shows all be it local not proffesional shows
4/ she has a really good temperament ( think thats how you spell it )

I am not one of those people who want pups just to make money . Also have been asked by a few friend if I am going to breed her as they would be interested in having a pup.

Hi lilacbabe, apologies if this response seems blunt but there are so many alarm bells ringing with your posts - a forum search would bring up all manner of awful things which can go wrong with breeding, even for those with many years of experience, not only causing entire litters to be lost but also the dam too :(

> 1/ I am one of those dreadfull people who believe that a dog should have a chance at having a litter

Have you read  this? and the 'stud dog owner' is aware of this? (Alarming that they'd allow their novice dog to be left in the hands of someone who doesn't know how to handle a stud dog :( )

> 2/ She has an exelent pedigree

with due respect, this on its own is not necessarily reflected in the breeding quality of any bitch

> 3/ she is up to breed standard and has won at a few shows all be it local not proffesional shows

what are "not proffesional shows" exactly and who judges at them?

> 4/ she has a really good temperament ( think thats how you spell it )

That's a start but only the most basic I'm afraid.  There is much more to be considered when taking account of creating 8-12 pups which each needs 10-15 years of living a healthy, happy, well adjusted life as a family pet.

> Also have been asked by a few friend if I am going to breed her as they would be interested in having a pup.

Alas that is often the case with pet bred litters but it's not in the least unusual to have same folks changing their mind when the times comes around and, in any event, what do you do with 'spares'?  Can you cope if you have to keep a handful of pups until they are several months old (or more)?  Can you be sure you are in a position to take back any which for one reason or another don't work out - whether that be a few months or many years down the line?

Please rethink what you are doing here, as much for your bitch's health as for your own sanity :)

i hope all goes well for you lilacbabe and in 9weeks you will have tiny paws running around :) :) :) :)

A proffesional breeder is one who breeds either to promote the breed, for showing ,selling pups etc etc .There are breeders who have several dogs andthis is what they do Proffesionaly

Hello Enid,

I'd like to take the opportunity firstly to welcome you to Champdogs forum :) (reassuring smile)
For asking a simple,straight to the point question it does appear your replies have gone somewhat (unexpectedly?) in a different direction of advice... and in some instances Im sure you might feel as though your in the Dock!

I'd just like to Reassure you that there is a wealth of experience and good Info to be exchanged in this site, First and foremost it is populated by those whose common goal is Canine welfare, we are all responsible and culpable, and where our breeds and our opinions may differ, this common goal alone unites us.

This is the driving force behind the breeding programmes of many of the members here, to be ethical and responsible in health,husbandry and the great lifelong responsability they then have to progeny and future canine generations produced.

Many members here are active in their individual breed clubs and many of us work in our Breed rescues, My breed club for example was soo swamped with rescues it simply couldnt cope and actually had to close its doors to some dogs for a time..can you imagine? the poor things :( In todays socio/economic climate more and more dogs are coming into rescue. Im quite sure everyone of those dogs came from a breeder who never intended this to be that pups fate.....

So, as Im sure you can see the tone your replies are taking, I'd urge you - with my above comments in mind- please to not baulk at the advice now being offered, nor to take offence or umbridge nor put them down to 'elitism' or 'breed snobbery'.

You will find that those who are ethical and responsible will not be able to forgive themselves if they didnt make you aware of this before they gave any advice on your specific question, so please dont think they are putting you up on the cross and nailing you ;)
Teri has given some comprehensive advice, Please take it on board and in the spirit that it is meant.

The point has now been made and I hope that Bandwagon posters will not 'sledgehammer to crack a nut' and further call you into question.
Our hearts rule our heads sometimes dont they, I wish you every luck in a difficult decision and hope an outcome that is best for you and your Bitch/future dogs welfare is reached with all due consideration.

> A proffesional breeder is one who breeds either to promote the breed, for showing ,selling pups etc etc .There are breeders who have several dogs andthis is what they do Proffesionaly

By that criteria I would be one then but I don't count myself professional, I do however count myself as someone who wants to breed quality, sound animals who have been health tested and display correct conformation. Temperament is paramount to me as is the seriousness of breeding a litter when I have enough names on my waiting list & I wish to keep one myself.

I have always been under the impression that a PROFESSIONAL makes a living from what they do. No responsible breeder would make a living from breeding dogs. It costs a fortune........

To the OP: you mention nothing about hip scoring, which is a must in the bred you have. Or eye testing. There's a lot more to breeding dogs than just putting together two of the same breed.

I cant believe that a simple question has had so many responses making me feel like a child who wants to have a litter of puppies to play with.
I respect your views but I must say some have been a bit sarcastic to say the least.
I am aware of the pit falls and that a good pedigree does not mean champion pups. lots of people on this site are breeders why do you breed dogs ??
I am offended by the fact that you said I do not know how to handle  a stud dog. we all have to be a novice at some point otherwise there would be no one breeding dogs .
As for the dog owner we had met beforehand and therefor he  knew I was a responsible dog owner with three dogs of my own and I would not let his dog come to any harm. I would be leaving my dog in others hands if I was to put her away for mating so where is the difference how do I know a proven stud dogs owner will take care of my dog ?
As for spares I was on a waiting list for my bitch for months and had to phone at least a dozen breeders to get this breed of dog, so I dont think I will have any problems otherwise I would not breed a litter.
To sum up I want to breed my bitch ,I am being responsible I have considered the concequenses  of the dogs health. I live on a farm I have loads of space for spare dogs if I got handed them back I would not disgard them as unwanted.
I groom proffesionally people leave their dogs in my care I have over 200 dogs on my customer list that must mean something.
All I wanted was advice from this dog lovers forum and have only been advised about holding the bitch and I am gratefull for that. I signed Up to get to know breeders ,dog lovers, get advice and al I have had so far is negative feedback.
IS THERE ANY ONE OUT THERE WHO IS WILLING TO GIVE ME ANY GOOD ADVICE ?
as we seem to have wandered of the subject of my post.
I am also sorry that I had to express myself like this as I want to make friends with experienced breeders not become alienated.

I'm sorry you feel that way lilacbabe but because you were on a waiting list doesn't necessaily mean you'll have a high demand for your puppies.  I waited 3 years for my first bitch as she was from lines I wanted and yet I struggled to sell the last few puppies from a litter of 12 when I bred my first litter.  I have seen the credit crunch drastically effect puppy sales & kitten sales this year - there's umpteen 'responsible' breeders I know of still with unsold animals coming up to 19, 20 + weeks of age.

This what I feel as someone who's had the breed I own for over 20 years and it's a rarer breed too.    It is better to be fuller aware of EVERY pitfall you can/will encounter than to be all sweetness 'n' light and say 'Oh how cute, puppies' and no tell you of all the negatives.

I started mating a maiden dog & bitch together but then LM dogs are not slow on the uptake and even though he was 6, he didn't waste any time about it.  

I have had my dog hip scored and so has the dogs owner and they are both below the mean score for that breed.
I too am all for any dogs I breed to be of good conformation acording to the breed standard  etc. I have looked in to both their pedigrees and had advice from my dogs breeder and vet.I just thought that this forum would be a good one to join as after being on it and reading posts in all subjects it looked as if it would be very usefull.
Both dogs are a good match

> They have only been together for one day maybe I am expecting too much but have mated smaller dogs who were also first time  and  mated on
> 10 th day and they just got on with it and had no problems.
>

I have small breeds and have had girls mate day 17 and beyond.  Worth thinking about!  :-)  Jean

>I am offended by the fact that you said I do not know how to handle  a stud dog.

It's surprisingly difficult, isn't it? I was astonished at how 'hands-on' (literally) it is, and how careful you have to be to ensure neither dog nor bitch gets injured if one or both lose their nerve. I found at least two people were needed to make it as safe as possible for the animals.

Thank you very much for your much appreciated comment.
I will let you know how things go if they go !!

Thanks for your reply  I understand your point but I have had quite a lot of negatives and not much encouragement I am starting to feel deflated. good thing is though dog just this min has tried to mount bitch WooooHoooo !!
Please some one keep their fingers xed for me

Thanks jean see post he has had a wee try Just there
Fingers crossed

My husband is also here to help if needed and the boys can make cups of tea if needed !!!

good!!!! got my finger crossed for you :) ,this is a good site and im sorry ppl have jumped at you , but you asked for help and thats what you should of got ,sorry i couldnt help more than this ,when i took my bitch for her 1st mating i had to hold her and it wasnt her 1st litter ,so maybe holding her still and getting someone eles to help with male so long as thay know how to hold him .....good luck !:)

Hi again lilacbabe

I tried (perhaps less successfuly in some folks eyes and clearly including your own) to be polite and informative but, as with anything I become involved in relating to matters canine, the dogs' best interests will always come first with me.  I certainly did not wish to make you feel patronised or alienated but I believe when someone gives reasons for breeding such as those you numbered 1-4, bearing in mind you made no mention of health tests and results, then I can only respond to what info you've provided.

I would neither send away my bitch nor hand over my stud dog - full stop.  Regardless of how experienced the handler of either may be, my own animals' welfare is of paramount importance and so my bitch (mated twice) was handled by me and my stud dog (several times) also.  I have assisted with maiden dogs being used at stud and with maiden bitches, all in breeds of medium/large size and none of my friends in the canine world would entrust their treasured possession (male or female) to the exclusive care and handling of anyone else.  TBH and frank I see that more of an issue with the stud dog owner in this case than your own as you at least have the peace of mind of attending to your own bitch.  Whether you feel this was a matter to be touched upon or not is personal to you - this forum regularly shows up on search engines with topics such as these and so answers given are not always strictly addressed to the OP but take into account others seeking info coming across threads of this ilk :)

 

>I am aware of the pit falls and that a good pedigree does not mean champion pups. lots of people on this site are breeders why do you breed dogs ??

I bred to improve my breed and only when I wanted a puppy for showing myself - I had a substantial number of pups prebooked and both parents were very successful in the championship conformation ring with excellent health results and good characters :)

> IS THERE ANY ONE OUT THERE WHO IS WILLING TO GIVE ME ANY GOOD ADVICE ?

The advice given so far is good - perhaps just not what you wanted to hear :)  There was no intention on my part to be sarcastic.  

Thanks for your encouragement
Have had a couple of good advice posts so I will let them be for a day or two and then see what happens

Thanks again

Hi Enid,
I'd like to echo the welcome to Champdogs :)

I don't breed, but I have helped a friend mate bitches and have therefore got quite a bit of experience with stud dogs. To answer your original question - there isn't a 'set' date when a bitch is ready. For some it may be day 11 for others it might be day 14 or 15. It's often advisable to test the bitch for ovulation so that you get the right time, especially with a maiden bitch, because she doesn't quite know what her hormones are telling her - and in this case, as the dog is a novice too, his hormones will be sending him all sorts of strange signals as well. A bitch will often stand and show mounting behaviour for several days before she is really ready (especially if there are other bitches around). Also, if he is not owned by an experienced stud dog handler (sorry, you don't say anything about this) he may have been told off when he's tried to mount bitches in the past. A stud dog needs to be confident and even if he appears to have settled at your house it is still very strange to him, especially without his owners there.

It may be just a case that she is not yet ready. However, before it's too late, please think very hard about having this litter.

If travelling to find a stud dog is difficult for you, is it going to be equally difficult for prospective puppy owners to come to you? Those who are looking for a puppy for show might be prepared to travel a long way, but the average pet owner doesn't want to go too far.

You haven't answered the questions about hip-scoring and eye-testing. This really is important, not just to ensure that you are producing healthy pups (even though that is the first priority) but in today's litigious climate, if one of your pups did prove to have HD or an inherited eye problem, you could well be sued by the aggrieved owner.

I'm sure your intentions are good, but to glibly say that

> I live on a farm I have loads of space for spare dogs if I got handed them back I would not disgard them as unwanted.
>

is not really addressing the problem. Just having space doesn't solve the problem of two or three adolescent males (or worse still, bitches) who are hell bent on proving who is the top dog - your breed is not exactly renowned for happily living together in a pack :(

Please reread the comments of those who have replied to you. You may not like the advice you have been given, but it is - honestly - meant to help. We none of us, you included, want to bring puppies into this world that are going to be a problem to their breeders or their new owners at any time in the future. We all want the best for our own dogs and for our breeds. Coping with a large-breed litter is nothing like having small-breed puppies running around. If you are not known in the breed (ie you haven't shown your bitch) you may find it very difficult to find homes for your pups. You really can't rely on friends and neighbours, no matter how keen they seem before the pups are born, and even when they are cute little bundles of fluff - most of them will suddenly have excellent reasons as to why they can't actually take one home when the time comes. :(

Just one more thought. Have you spoken to the breeder of your bitch about this mating. Just because this dog is available doesn't necessarily make him a suitable match to your girl.

ETA: Sorry, just read that your bitch is hip-scored, as is the dog - great to read that :)

> I am offended by the fact that you said I do not know how to handle a stud dog.

I am totally perplexed as to why you have even sought advise then.

To white lilly

> this is a good site and im sorry ppl have jumped at you ,

FTR it doesn't appear to me that anyone 'jumped at' the OP

>but you asked for help and thats what you should of got

That's what the OP did get - simple, straighforward and IMO polite.
Cooing and oohing over matings is not really what anyone remotely useful to a forum with this title is inclined to do.  Pure and simple the advice given is for the benefits of the dogs who have nobody to speak up for them should their best interests be in doubt.

all i have to advise that if possible get a good stud handler to be there for the mating ,someone who is very experienced will help both dog and bitch as a bbad experience can put either off to a bad start

Just a thought... You've mentioned you've had some input from your girl's breeder.Would it be possible to get her/him to come and assist you, they may well be able read where the stud 'is at' and advise you accordingly (probably better than a forum that knows neither dog? two pairs of hands and two good heads definately better than one in this case? )going through a 'Stud your dog' website has as many pitfalls as it has conveniences doesnt it...
     

Hi, I take it from your signature bit that the terrier you are talking about is an airedale, I used to breed and show this breed a few years ago before downsizing.  I noticed that most first time studs are a bit of a wimp if the girl is jumpy or in his face or mounting him.  You should try a very calm meeting.  You have to hope for a calm bitch to do all this but it is possible with two first timers.
Have them both on leads but keep the bitch faced away from him, whoever is holding the bitch should move her tail to one side if she hasnt got it raised out of the way and gentle sway her hips from side to side but keep her feet on the ground.  While she is swaying bring the male for a close walk buy, if he takes interest and tries to sniff her let him have lick and sniff for a few mins then if he goes to mount great if not walk him away out of sight of the female for a few mins and then bring him back again.  Usually by walking him away he has an urge to go back to that lovely smell.  So off you go back again.  Usually on the second time round he will have a go.
Be careful not to let him spend his energy trusting at mid air try to guide with your hand if necessary.  If he still has no interest I would try him a different time of day, I found first thing in the morning was a very successful time.
Also if he does mount but doesnt give it his all you may need to hold him in place, this can be difficult with an airedale as they are not exactly little.

Good luck with it all, and I must say that small breeds seem to have more of an urge when first timers than my airedales ever did.  :-D

Emma

Good grief - it just gets worse by the minute for the real message to get through when this type of site is readily available.  TBH I feel their members' feedback section beggars belief but then again it's not difficult to see why some folks think this is a great and profitable pursuit

Thankfully my breed is not listed :(

Nor mine as yet Barbara but they're doing a roaring trade in all the usual suspects plus a few more very complex breeds :( :( :(

hi teri ,maybe jumped at was the wrong word to use , but when a question is asked for some advise why not just give it if you can ...like ask for some one that is close to were you live if thay can asist you !! ppl dont have to start asking all the other stuff that thay ask do thay ,we all know about unwanted dogs , yes ppl have been polite but thay still didnt help her with what she came here to ask that all and sorry if you think im wrong but these forums are to help , yes every one as helped but its not what she asked is it ,
thats my opinion :)

:-(

I would never use a maiden dog on a maiden bitch & I would never leave a dog with someone no matter how well I know them.

I've had stud dogs in the past & ensured that they all had an experienced bitch as their first experience(& yes they were all health tested etc & good "fit for purpose"dogs) I always have at least three experienced people at a mating & would never ever allow a bitch to be free at any time

I used an experienced stud for my first litter & just as well as my bitch was a typical GSD when it came to mating. Fortunately the stud was owned by one of the senior doyens of the breed in the UK

I've said this else were why do some many people want to breed from their dogs & claim that their are either not breeders or not"professional"breeders.

I will never be a professional breeder as I've bred a handful of litters in 50 years of dog owning & from my next litter three puppies are already earmarked for friends who are also exeprienced BC owners, plus at least one for me & my bitch hasn't even had a season yet & still has the other half of her health tests to go before we try to sort out her seasons.

I've never even broken even on a litter & my stud dogs certainly never earned me a fortune

I had not got the option to do it on my own as I only have a bitch and had to look elsewhere for a stud dog. You are at an advantage having  both ,therefor the responsibility is all yours.There are lots of breeders around who offer their dogs at stud and there will be good ones and there will be bad ones. A bad one thinks they know it all and do not ask for advice that is the down fall of responsible breeding.As the dog owner is not experienced he has left his dog in my care but this does not make him an irrisponsible person, trust is a great trait to have in a person.
Like yourself I also would like to breed to produce a good standard of dog I do not show competitivley ( sp again ) but I love my big dogs breed and  would love to produce ones that hopefully would be up to a good breed standard and perhaps be sold to owners dedicated to the breed also.
As you may see I have had my dog hip scored and so has the stud and they are both good scores. Both dogs are fit and healthy with good temperaments etc etc I have looked in to breeding quite a bit but just wanted to join this forum for a bit of advice and support.
I take on your comments but you did sort of start of with all the negative points before you even asked anything about myself.  I am sometimes horrified with stories of breeders who breed their bitches year in year out just to make a quick buck but I am not one of these people.
I know I should not breed untill the bitch is 2 yrs old and before she is 8 yrs  . She is now 4 and I  will probably only have the one litter from her as by the time she would be ready for another she would be 6 as I know the KC will not register pups if there is not 18 mnth between whelpings.
As it also takes time for them to recover after litters and they can be quite drained ,I would have to see how she was first before doing it again.I also agree the dogs best interests come firstand that is why I have a very good relationship with my vet who as it happens had to section my 2 other dogs when they had their litters ( they will not be having any more !! )
They would be registered  with the KC (even although I do not fully agree with some of the KC's ethics and I decided this long before all the press and tv programmes about them )
I just want to say I am a responsible dog owner who teaches dog obedience and management classes I am a "proffessional " dog groomer . I may not be as experienced as yourself and that  is why I joined the forum .
Advice is good and if it was to someone who didnt know much about dogs in general I can understand where you are coming from.
But I have had quite a shock this being my first night, at the comments which were you must admit a bit off putting to say the least.
We all have to learn and advice and encouragement from experienced people is needed and I thought that was what this site was all about .
If you read all the comments I got tonight  you will see That they were mostly negative. They all presumed I had not thought things through, you could have asked me more questions about my experience before telling me I was inexperienced ?
I know we need more responsible breeders, well I will be one if you help me through positive advice and encouragement and of that I will be most gratefull if you are willing to do so

The best help IMO here is to try and make the OP rethink her plans rather than encourage her to go ahead with them. 

And I agree, THIS forum is here to  help - which is exactly why "all the other stiff" as you put it is addressed in the first place.

Fluffy, wuffy, cuddly forums are ten a penny - this forum is attached to a larger site, namely Champdogs - The Pedigree Dog Breeders Website and I don't feel it appropriate to encourage matings which fall short of the aims of the majority of breeders on this site at large.

That's my opinion :)

because we might not all have handled a big stud dog and that is why I have asked for advice.
I take it you have !!!

Just had a quick look at the site OMG Hip score-has been vaccinated ??????? & the Cavalier-no health tests  £200 or half of litter !!!!!! Jeez ! & the unreg no papers no health tests BC !!!!!

yes teri i agree with what this forum is all about and thats why i joined here .....champion dogs ....:)

I travelled to Blackburn for my Bitch and will advertise on champdogs other breeders I have spoken to are willing to advertise for me as is my dogs breeder etc. So If lovers of the breed are keen they will travel I just cant travel now for a stud dog through work and family comitments and of course I have my other dogs to consider.
I have been in touch with her breeder and pedigrees have all been looked in to and the match is fine.
Thanks for your advice and I will take your points in too consideration it is very helpfull.

Thanks again

Did they ask me any questions about myself before making assumptions?
No But I think I am begining to let people see I am responsible.
Perhaps I should have taken a course on how to ask a question as I dont want to be cooed and oohed at just FRIENDLY ADVICE do you have any ?

To lilacbabe

> I had not got the option to do it on my own as I only have a bitch and had to look elsewhere for a stud dog. You are at an advantage having  both ,therefor the responsibility is all yours

I did not buy to a stud dog to use on my own bitches - you appear to have misread my statement.  My own dog puppy was from excellent lines, grew on to become a beautiful and typical example of my breed, enjoyed consistent success in the ring including 1CC, 3RCCs and BOB with BOSIS at a breed club event.  Because of his excellent health, clear eyes and good hipscore and topped off with everything else already mentioned, he was used at stud by others and also had semen collected for overseas use.  He was never advertised as a stud dog - all approaches were made by owners of bitches who wished him to compliment their lines.  Only those which I felt would make a suitable match were accepted, visited here and matings were overseen and assited by myself and at least one other plus of course the bitches owners.  When I did use him myself it was on a bitch beautifully matched for phenotype and genotype, passed the relevant health tests and herself a winner of 2CCs, multiple RCCs and a breed club BIS to her credit.  Not quite in the same category as what you'll come across on the stud dog website linked above.

As it is clear that you have no interest in advice which is intended to paint a more realistic picture of what you plan to do then I'm sure you'll be able to cherrypick sufficient bits and pieces to muddle through. I genuinely hope for the sake of your bitch, the novice 'stud' dog and any resultant puppies that the very many things which can easily go wrong somehow don't befall you or yours.

regards, Teri

Thanks will do that .
My cousin has a stud dog and I will ask him.
Still wanted others opinions though .
Now I am going to get asked why I never went to him in the first place !!
well I wanted to join this forum for a start to be involved with other breeders
Thanks for your advice

> Thankfully my breed is not listed

Strewth... mine is and plenty of them. Only one had eye/heart certificates and, between all the others, the best they could put under Health scores is " No ailments, fully vaccinated or in perfect health" or such like.
Why do we bother with opthalmoscopes, X-ray machines and MRI scanners when these stud dog owners can just look at their dogs, with the naked eye, to see that they are in perfect health?
After a very bad couple of weeks for my little breed....... this lot just takes the biscuit :-(

Good advice But I need to explain I live in a wee part of Scotland that is 140 miles away from Glasgow .I got my dog from Blackburn so do not think breeder will come up as it is a very long Journey.
By the way my cousin has the same dogs as you have and he has them sled trained.
They are beautifull dogs and I love the way they talk to me with their special "language"
He  travels alot to race them I dont know where though but its a smallworld you may hhave met him.

Thanks anyway