Depending on your dog’s breed, he may not be able to mate successfully after the age of seven years old. You may need to speak to your vet to confirm your dog is healthy enough to breed if he is over seven years old.
Your vet will exam your dog’s reproductive anatomy and his prostate. They will also collect semen from your dog to be examined. If your dog is older, the vet may also require a sperm sample for testing. [3] X Expert Source Tom RobertsonDog Breeding Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2022. The vet will do a semen count to make sure your dog has a good amount. [4] X Expert Source Tom RobertsonDog Breeding Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2022. Your vet may also ask you about your dog’s history of breeding. For example, they may ask, “Has your dog mated successfully with a female before?” “How many litters has your dog sired?” “What issues does your dog seem to have during mating?”
If your dog has a thyroid issue that results in a low spear count, your vet may recommend thyroid replacement or a hormone replacement. If your dog has prostate issues, such as an infection, your vet may recommend antibiotics and hormone therapy.
Your vet should also check his ears and his eyes to ensure they are in good working condition. You should have your vet run a blood test and a urinalysis to check for any diseases or disorders, such as bone disease.
The cost of a genetic test can range from $60 to $150. These tests will tell you about the dog’s heritage and therefore any diseases they are at greater risk of carrying. They do not, however, tell you if a dog carries the gene for those diseases or not.
You can also speak to other pet owners who have the same breed to get a sense of the standards for the breed. You want to ensure your male dog is a high example of his breed, as this will increase the quality of any litters he sires.
You should also look for a female dog that has a temperament that is calm, collected, and friendly, as this often indicates she will be a good mating partner. Make sure the female dog is in good health and does not have any genetic issues. This will ensure the resulting litter is free of health problems or deficiencies.
You can find out more on registering your dog with the American Kennel Club by looking at their website or by contacting them by phone.
If you are unsure how much to charge in the stud contract, talk to your dog’s breeder or the American Kennel Club for guidance. If your dog has not been used as a stud before, you may charge the female dog owner a nominal fee to cover health checks and fertility checks as part of the contract.
