How To Choose Stud Dogs

Hi, I'm James Crittall from Beech House Veterinary Centre in Surrey and I'm here to talk to you today about Dog Breeding. How to choose a stud dog: Well, you've decided that you want to have a litter of pups. You think you've got the most beautiful bitch in the world; but you need to make sure that you find a dad that is just as good so, therefore, their puppies are wonderful and you'll be able to find wonderful homes for them.

You may already know of a great stud dog. You may have seen one at Kruft's and you may want to go for the cream of the crop. But, often, the best place to look is, actually, your own breeder, who produced your bitch.

Ask them who they'd recommend. They may even have one. The internet is also a good source that you can actually see a large number of stud dogs of the right breed, and I think that's one of the most important things.

Make sure you go for the same breed. Cross-breeds are notoriously hard to get good homes for their puppies. So, from my advice: don't do that.

Once you've made a short list or you've decided upon which stud dog that you'd actually like, get in touch with the owner and exchange Kennel Club registrations. Find out as much about them as possible and see whether, genetically, they're going to be compatible; and also, from a temperament point of view. Do you think your bitch might like that dog, and the stud dog's owner will give you a good idea.

Then, it's really, really important you discuss terms, conditions, how much the stud dog fee is going to be, and get everything in writing. Sometimes, the stud dog owner might actually waive the fee by having a pick of the litter. Once you've chosen the stud dog, it's all then down to the planning.

When is your bitch going to be in the perfect position to be mated, and hopefully end up with a successful mating and therefore a wonderful litter of puppies. .