I have a 2-year old [breed removed] with excellent pedigree and wondered how he could become a stud.  I would only like to make him available to a proper breeder of [breed removed].  Thanks for your suggestions.  Paul

The first thing to do, is to get him health-tested (with whatever the health tests are for the breed - which will include hip scoring) and then to 'prove' his ability. That means to compete in gundog events, working tests, field trials or to show him, or to compete in another dog sport.

You have to understand that it's a buyer's market: The bitch owner chooses the dog they want to use at stud. So they usually choose the dog which is going to sell puppies and better their lines. Which means they need a male which is proven in terms of working ability, dog sports, conformation. When you advertise your dog, he is 'on the shelf for purchase' alongside fully health-tested field trial winners for bitch owners to use. Unless you are able to compete with that in some way, or you think he has something unique to offer the breed (exceptionally rare lines), then it's probably not worth starting down the path of costly health testing only for no one to use him later, and just enjoy him as a pet.

@onetwothreefour thanks for your quick response.  I guessed this was the case and presume there is plenty of choice out there?  Were he to fair well in some gun dog competitions where would you suggest we advertise him?

Agree totally with onetwothreefour.

Your first contact should be his breeder.

They can tell you if there is any likelihood that his particular pedigree might be in demand.

Of course that would also depend on how good a physical and mental specimin he has turned out to be.

Does he show good working ability, and those all important health tests.

His breeder is unlikely to be able to use him, likely having close relatives.

This means he needs to be seen by other potential breeders, and would be in competition for breeders interest with other often proven succesful males.

Great suggestion.  Any idea who much the health tests can amount to?

The show and working events are your advertising arena.

Proof of the pudding so to speak.

Most breeders and stud owners and exhibitors will belong to breed clubs.

These will produce Annuals/Journals in which breeders/owners advertise their dogs achievements and qualities. Many will also have stud adverts.

Hip and Elbow scoring can amount to £300 - £500 ( the main cost is your vets x-ray ing,).

The BVA has set charges for reading hip and elbow plates, and for Eye testing.

Those are the basics.

You will then have breed specific DNA tests.

Depending on labs, if individual tests, or multi-panel tests your looking at around £100 a test, or £200 for combination tests.

Then you may need the Vet to take blood, or confirm identity for swabs.

After all that, the results may not be ideal/acceptable.

Even with all clear DNA tests, perfect Elbows, and low hip score, you may still find no-one wanting to use your dog.

An unproven dog and Novice stud handler are usually not a breeders preferred choice.

With your breeders advice and help you stand a better chance.

You would need their help to determine if any prospective bitches are suitable/compatible matches for his bloodlines, and qualities.

Can I just say if your dog is competing in whatever events you are interested in, and being successful, then he should attract interest from people with similarly successful bitches.  

But it doesn't end there - it's not quite that simple.   When we had a couple of successful males, in the ring, we did have people asking if they could use them (they were at public stud, but to approved bitches only) but fact is I turned away more then I accepted because the owner of the stud is 50% responsible for any puppies he might sire.   So you need to have enough knowledge to know whether your dog's bloodlines might be expected to nick with the bloodlines of the bitch + not to double up on any obvious faults they both might have.   Talk to his breeder who may be able to give you good advice in terms of whether your dog is as good as you think.   Only top quality animals should be bred from.   His breeder will have to agree to lift any endorsement he may/should have re breeding.

And then there's the fact that once used, the dog will be looking for the next one ..... you will have opened Pandora's Box.   You may turn a loving pet into a nightmare.

Such interesting advice from you all - thank you.  I must say I am heartened to know this level of care and attention really does exist and I guess results in dogs such as mine that are healthy, happy and fun loving.  Two things have struck me from this exchange.  The first is the possibility that my Dog's nature might change and also learning how to be a handler of a stud dog.  It's a fascinating world and one I am sure is very rewarding.

> It's a fascinating world and one I am sure is very rewarding.

It is wonderful to follow your dogs progeny and see them grow but it's hard work. Often you will have to put the bitch owner and bitch up for a few days, meaning taking time off work at short notice and a few days of your own dog howling overnight. It's only worth it if you're passionate about the breed, I wouldn't put myself through it otherwise

[breed removed] breeders try to keep the breed's working ability, good health standards & have a fair few imported lines close up in their bloodlines & are very choosy over the choice of stud dogs for their bitches.