A friend who is intending to breed her bitch next season has been in touch with one of the country's 'top' show breeders who has suggested she use her 10 month old dog. Although he will be older by the time her bitch is in season and presumably hip scored by then, surely this is still very young for a dog. I am surprised a breeder with many year experience has suggested this mating.

Depends on the breed. It is not uncommon in my own breed for a dog to be used as soon as his health tests are done.

To be honest, that's about the best age to begin a stud dog's career.....
:)

We use our boys as soon a they are eye tested, at about 9 - 10 months. Best way to get them started as uncomplicated, keen studs. Of coure, a lot depend on the breed. I would assume that it might be a bad idea with a giant breed.
bye
Gwen

If the breed requires hip score the the dog will be over 12 month but as soon as the results are through there is no reason not to use him. If it is not usual to hip score then as soon as eye or other test are done then there is no reason not to use him. But this will only be people who know what they are looking at, he must be a good example of the breed.

Dogs that are destined to be stud dogs should have a couple of bitches to mate (as others have said as soon as the relevant health tests are completed with pass/clear/good results) early, to asses his keeness/ability to do the job and give him a taste for it . If a dog is left without a bitch for too long , he may not become a keen stud. Also with a really top class dog you want to see what he produces to very good compatable bitches, as not all stunning looking dogs pass on their qualities. Usually (in my breed)when one uses an unproven dog there is no stud fee paid up front, but both parties wait and she if she becomes pregnant and then the pre agreed fee is paid on birth of live puppies or when they reach 8 weeks safely.Its important to have the exact terms in writing before mating - so there are no misunderstanding later. I think it would be realistic to use a young dog twice or three times over the space of 2 months or so if compatable bitches are available. But then until he is fully mature should only be used occasionally ( to keep his hand in!) - say once every couple of months at the most. Then when he is fully grown he could have a bitch a week if keen enough.
PS I am not saying its ok to breed an adult dog every week or have/produce that many litters, only that he could be without being over used, for his own well beings' sake .