hi,

i have a staffordshire bull terrier who we are trying to mate.  we are finding it a bit difficult to say the least.  tonight he got in the bitch and stayed there for about 4 minutes with everything in, and us holding them, but we don't think they tied as 4 minutes isn't very long!.
after he came off he had this strange expression on his face, bit like a smile! and was really quiet.  do you think anything could of happened?

thanks

Guest I sugggest you read soem books on canine reproduction.  the dogs do not need to tie, and four minutes would be quite sufficient time (about a minute woudl probably do) as the sperm fraction of the ejaculate is normally produced then during the thrusting stage of mating, though a tie is preferable.

I am of course asuming that you or the stud owner are expereinced in the mating of dogs, and that they ahve both been hip scored and eye tested, and tested for a metabolic conditon that can onoy be tested for by DNA .  It coes without saying that both should be excellent examples of the breed to be considered for breeding, and of course Kennel Club registered.

If any of the above is not in order please please think again about trying to mate the dogs, as there are huge numbers of poorly bred and cross bred Staffies in rescue.  It is not too late to have a pregnancy stopped.

i am the owner of the stud dog, the bitch has had one litter of puppies before.  i am not one of these breeders/puppy farmers.  i believe i have a good dog that would benefit the breed.  perfect bite, clear eye certificate. 
what you don't seem to understand is that us novices have to start somewhere.  can you tell me the first time you mated a dog you knew what you were doing?
i can read all the books in the world about this subject, but again other peoples experiences are also a good way of learning about dogs mating.  i bought my dog off a stafford judge who and yes i have had his opinion on what to do, but the more people you ask, surely the more you know??
i am not being sarcastic or nasty in this post, but please don't tare me with the same brush.  everyone has to start somewhere.

what you don't seem to understand is that us novices have to start somewhere. can you tell me the first time you mated a dog you knew what you were doing?

I had a basic knowledge because I had studied the breed for 4 years, my bitch had many placings at Championship Shows, proving her quality and I'd attended Breed Seminars.  I was helped every step of the way by my bitch's breeder with 30 years experience, who had allowed me to watch her mate, whelp and rear litters.!  I didn't want to learn by making mistakes and selling 2nd rate puppies to unsuspecting families.

my dog has had many placing at champ show too, does that make us a better breeder??  i don't know, i am fortunate in that if i ever need advice i have stafford judges who can give me there opinion, which i take, but i do think when it comes to mating dogs, it is a different experience for everyone.  i will not be selling puppies to unexpecting families both dogs have had the tests necessary in there breed, what more can we do in that they both have clear eyes, lovely temperments and are really good examples of the breed.

also i have the stud dog not the bitch x

And I was advise to use an experienced stud dog and handler. :)

maiden dogs have to start somewhere.  we thought he would be okay as the bitch has already had a litter, but unfortunatly he would rather just lie next to her and smile!!

My advice is to ask the breeder of the stud dog for help and advice. I had to on the 3rd bitch my dog lined.She told me she was not ready, wait a few day's and try again. 9 weeks later puppies. I phone the owner of my stud before every lining and after. She is a good friend now and know's what's she's talking about.
Ask the owner who has the stud to contact the breeder of his dog. Trust me,,,every bitch is different

thanks,

i have phoned her tonight and she has put my mind at rest also saying they don't need to tie.
thanks for your advice.  this is my first stud dog, and obviously i don't want to stress him out or put him off.  i am not getting anything out of this ie not getting paid or having a puppy, as i don't want or need anything for the show ring at the moment.
but again thanks for the advice.

x

I must add I own my stud dog,,I ment the owner of my stud dogs father is the person I phone for advice.

All the best and your dog will work it out in time

thanks,

i mean't i don't own the bitch, "val" was saying how i should be watching what happens before he is put to stud.  never mind, i feel it will come from talking to nice people who don''t mind giving me advice.  thanks susan w much appreciated!

Why can't an experienced breeder allow you to handle an experienced stud dog to gain experience yourself?  I have never kept a dog but have been taught how to handle a stud dog. :) 
In my breed (not Staffies, thankfully) we have a number of older exhibitors who own lovely dogs, some Champions, who just aren't up to groping around on the floor anymore.  I couldn't use these quality dogs if I hadn't learned to handle them myself.

hi,

i never thought of that, i  might ask if i can be there.  see i wouldn't of thought of that if i didn't ask advice.
why do you say thankfully your not in staffies?

I love a well bred Staffie, but my local rescue kennel is over run with them!  When I was there a couple of weeks ago, I can't remember the exact numbers now, but it was something like out of 28 dogs, 22 were Staffies or Staffie crosses!  Very sad. :(  I'm going there again tomorrow and I bet it's much the same.

it is really sad, but i am not in it to make money, and if and when i do eventually start breeding my own bitch there will be breeding restrictions on all my dogs.  i will only let them breed if i think they are good enough.  also if they need to rehome any of the puupies they bring it back to me.
i am in it for the love of the breed and thats it.  if i won the lottery i would rescue staffies, as far as i am concerned is if i can help one stafford have a nice home, i have done a good job.
thankyou for your advice and i will ask to be there and hopefully handle a stud dog, before using my dog again.
again thankyou.

if im right i read somewhere eles that the bitch is only on day 13? she could still not be ready for him, so there maybe still time