Young Stud Dogs

• How to start studding a dog
• First time stud dog difficulties

How to start studding a dog

Q: How do I go about using my male Husky for stud service? He is AKC registered, is up-to-date on shots, and he's a wooly.

A: The best way to generate interest in others using your boy for stud service is to be involved in a local breed club, show and compete in events with your dog, or run your dog in sled events if that is what he was bred for. 

People looking for a stud dog look for a dog that has all of the appropriate breed health clearances, OFA Hips/Elbows, Eyes, and a genetic panel, as well as complete morphology to make sure that he is producing appropriate numbers of healthy sperm that will offer maximum opportunity for pregnancy. Every breed has certain health standards that should be met, and you should be familiar with what your breed requires and do that as a minimum. The bitch owner will also be looking at whether or not he compliments the bitch they are looking to breed, or adds to what they are hoping to improve in their lines. Offering stud service is not easy. It also requires you to understand how to handle a natural breeding or if you are shipping semen, the ins and outs of semen collection, extenders, and different shipping methods. 

First time stud dog difficulties

Q: I have been breeding Australian Shepherds with ease for 3 years, but finally have 2 young Pembroke Corgis which are my breeding goal. I adore the breed and have worked hard to get 2 all around great dogs. All my "boxes" are checked for health, temperament, etc. In December of 2019 I surgically inseminated my female with a Repro Specialist. She was "in glaring heat" and her numbers were spot on, the procedure went flawlessly and we used frozen semen. Knowing the rates are lower for frozen vs fresh chilled, she unfortunately did not take although the specimen was in excellent condition according to the vet. Fast forward to May of this year, I attempted a live cover with my male who was 11 months old. Understanding he was still rather young, he had the right idea with no follow through. He would mount, but couldn't quite enter the female. He had ejaculated at least once, outside the vagina of the female. If I would attempt to step in and offer any assistance both dogs would shy away and quit. My female was not willing to stand very well, and he was a bit too "gentleman" like to ever get the job done. The female is 2 years old having 4 heat cycles. Was my male just simply too young and will get more natural instinct as he gets older, or is there something I need to do to help the pair? I have never used a virgin male before, and never have had an issue with breeding my Aussie.

A: Corgi’s are such great ‘big dogs in a little dog body’!! Breeding is never easy is it? You mentioned that you worked with a reproductive veterinarian, so I am going to presume you ran LH surge as well as did progesterone testing for the surgical implant. Using all the tools at our disposal helps even the odds in our favor. My suggestion would be to run progesterone testing on your girl every time she is bred. This way, you can pinpoint the optimum time to breed, and you will know if you have to go to “plan B” with another male because you are not having success with your boy.

Over the years, when doing live cover, I have found that it is easiest for me to use an experienced male on an inexperienced female and then flipping it around and using an experienced female with an inexperienced male for the first time. Also, some breeders have had issues with dogs who live together. You mentioned your boy was too much of a “gentleman,” so I am sure your girl had previously disciplined him for ‘inappropriate’ behavior. This most likely was confusing to him as he was unsure if this was allowed!

I would get your male used to having you there to support and help as needed. I would practice collecting him, in case you need to do an AI as well.