Breeding

Selecting a Study Dog

Selecting a Study Dog

Well in advance, decide on the male to which your female is to be mated. If possible, select a dog offered at stud by a regular breeder rather than some unknown, untried dog in the neighborhood. For this service you will be asked to pay a stud fee, but it is well worth it. Occasionally a stud’s owner will mate his dog without fee, instead taking first choice of one or two puppies in the litter. If such an arrangement is agreeable to both parties, record all the facts in a contract signed by each owner. A signed agreement protects against misunderstanding, before problems arise. 

If you cannot find a stud of your breed, contact your local all – breed kennel or specialty club; most local groups publish a directory of area breeders, from which you can select one near your home. Go and see several stud dogs if you can, then select the one you like. Some pedigrees combine better than other, so take your female’s pedigree along and be guided by the breeder’s advice. 
Having decided on the dog you will use, make a reservation for his services then and there. You should know the approximate date when your female is due in season.