hi theres a guest advertizing 2 daschund males for breeding on here but there only 14mths old, isnt it atleest 2yrs befor you can breed them?

I think its 18mths but dont quote me on it as i'm  not familiar with dogs only bitches or that breed either?

There is not rule on the age of stud dogs.  Maybe morally we prefer to use them at a certain age but most males will mate from 7-8 months onwards

Some breed clubs do mention a recommended minimum age for dogs to be used at stud in their code of ethics :)

I used Thomas at a year but I do know well known breeders who use them at 6 - 7 months.  I believe small dogs mature younger than larger dogs so it doesnt sound excessively young.

In our breed the breeding stock is required to be hip scored and eye tested, so this means in practice they are going to have to be t least 13 -14 months old, depending on how long it takes to get the scores back.

Our boy was used for the first time I think at about 15 or 16 months.  certainly it is useful to get a male proven sometime betwen a year and two years, as then even if he hasn't a chance of mating a bitch for a long time he never forgets how.  In my breed many males never get a chance to amte a bitch until they are some 5 years plus, and sadly some never do get the hang of it.

I am planning on using a Champion male who has placed in Groups, yet he only sired his first litter last summer at the age of nearly 6 years old.  Sometimes no matter how nice the dog there just isn't the bitch that will suit him in himself or his pedigree.

Teri, BRainless,

I forgot to mention and thankfully you did that they shouldn't be used until the have had their tests.. :-)) My breed dog require hips etc but I think moste genuine folk want to see how the dog is in quality itself before they use it.. BFN

Hi Blue,

I agree - I think apart from C of E in breed clubs it's really down to a moral issue and I've known of a pup just under 6 months siring a litter (in a slow maturing breed too) - however any breed as far as I know has to be at least 12 months for KC/BVA hip scoring scheme.  Then again, I guess if someone's morals aren't all that they should be that's not going to be part of their game plan anyway :P

regards, Teri ;)