Mating a Male Dog pro's and cons?

~Chameleon~

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

from what you have said, I thik it would probably not be a good move for you - the positives do not appear to outweight the potential risks and changes in your dog.

I wholeheartedly agree with this having just read your last post.

orlao

Sorry, I'm with Chameleon on this.

The other thing is that he's still very young so since I assume he hasn't been tested for any congenital defects, there is still a chance he could pass on defects that haven't shown yet IYSWIM, also if he mates now I think you will have a working dog that doesn't have his mind on work......I can only imagine how unpopular you will be if he gets the scent of a *lady* in the middle of a shoot!

If you really want to use him for breeding I'd wait a couple of years and wait for a b***h you really like.....if he's a good working dog you will be able to pick and choose as you will have a queue of people wanting to use him and by that stage his training and work should be well established enough to work through any distraction he may suffer a lot easier.

The other option of course is too have him castrated now to remove the temptation to breed him as only you know in your heart of hearts if he really is of breeding standard:D

Sagz_2

If the female dog is in season and the owners are only now looking for a sire then they have not done nearly enough homework!

Have they asked if you dog has been tested for hereditory conditions? Have they asked to see your dogs pedigree? Have they offered to show you her papers? Are you sure the two dogs do not share close relatives?

If they haven't, then do you want your dog associated with a possible sub-standard 'female dog'?

As for behaviour after mating...... it's like riding a bike! IMHO once a male dog knows what it's all about he is always looking for a chance to practise his new skill. Wouldn't you? This might interfere with his working life a tad.

xxlaurissaxx

Im with Norbertsmum here. Dont do it if your not sure of the b**ches owners. If you know people who go shooting you'll know the owners and b*tches who are good for breeding if you want to breed him.
xx

DanceInThe_Dark

Interesting reading the responses here...

I have stud dogs (all top quality winners, who've sired top winners) so know a bit about the ins and outs (so to speak) of stud work and the effects on dogs.

I have never noticed any inclination to roam in my particular breed (not working breed) however you may find that your boy is less inclined to settle ie crying at night and disturbing the neighbours. All dogs are different and some never want to go back to being just a pet. Are you willing to take the risk?
Who is going to handle the dogs during the mating? It isn't just a case of leaving them to it. Doing so can cause injury to both the dog and b*tch should a struggle occur.
Has your boy and the b*tch he is to be mated to being health tested for the appropriate breed tests?

You might not think you get involved with the whelping and rearing of puppies but good breeders do. I have gotten up in the middle of the night to help whelp a litter of pups for a b*itch our boy mated. I also have a waiting list of people wanting puppies sired by our boys (both here and abroad). I also help in the rehoming if that should occur a few years down the line too.

personally I think you are doing a good thing hesitating over this and if I were you I'd get in touch with your breed clubs to see how mating your boy may effect him and check up on the tests needed etc. Maybe in future you will decide to breed your boy but only when you feel comfortable doing so.

Raksha

Do you know what health tests are appropriate for Springers (they are prone to some joint and eye problems - my own springer has a congenital eye problem which may contribute to her aggressive tendancies)? Has the !!!!! been tested? Are you prepared to have your dog tested (which for hips means a GA normally) and for the costs involved?
Are you prepared to take joint responsibility with a casual aquaintance for the pups for their entire lives? Taking them back if their new owners can't cope. Springer Spaniel rescue is being stretched to its limits (along with most other breeds) and they may not be there to 'pick up the pieces'......

suki1964

Pros - None

Cons - ten fold

If you are not happy with the b1tch !!!!! then thats the first indication to walk away.

If you are worried that your dog will get a taste of what hes missing - another reason to walk away.

Its a bit more common in Show spaniels to have both sire and dam hip and eye scored. It is Slowly catching on in the working world and if you are really looking at perhaps putting your dog to stud, these are tests you may want to start arranging now - long before you find a proven !!!!!.

Also think about homes. Too many springer pups are finding their way into rescue because they are such good working stock being sold into pet homes. A pet home isn't the place for a working stock, the pups are rarely given the stimulation they need, become bored and destructive and given up for re homing as being "hyper"

Your lad is only a youngster still. Take the next six months in doing your homework and getting the tests done then see how you feel - theres no rush and if he is as good in the field as you say - there will be a queue of proven B1tches waiting on him

Hintza

Many thanks for all your input.

I have decided against it mainly from the the point of view of potential wandering. The kids springer spent a month with us and went back last week. During the time it was here we had big problems with the two off the setting off exploring!! culminating in them being returned by the dog warden on one day which was very embarrasing.

Anyway we are all back to normal and he is behaving himself again, so I really do not want to give him the excuse to set of in pursuit of the ladies.

I will at this stage keep him intact whilst we go into the next shooting season and see how he goes. Although I haven't done much with him in the close season he has come on leaps and bounds and I expect a good season from him this year.

Paparika

DanceInThe_Dark wrote: »

Interesting reading the responses here...

I have stud dogs (all top quality winners, who've sired top winners) so know a bit about the ins and outs (so to speak) of stud work and the effects on dogs.

I have never noticed any inclination to roam in my particular breed (not working breed) however you may find that your boy is less inclined to settle ie crying at night and disturbing the neighbours. All dogs are different and some never want to go back to being just a pet. Are you willing to take the risk?
Who is going to handle the dogs during the mating? It isn't just a case of leaving them to it. Doing so can cause injury to both the dog and b*tch should a struggle occur.
Has your boy and the b*tch he is to be mated to being health tested for the appropriate breed tests?

You might not think you get involved with the whelping and rearing of puppies but good breeders do. I have gotten up in the middle of the night to help whelp a litter of pups for a b*itch our boy mated. I also have a waiting list of people wanting puppies sired by our boys (both here and abroad). I also help in the re homing if that should occur a few years down the line too.

personally I think you are doing a good thing hesitating over this and if I were you I'd get in touch with your breed clubs to see how mating your boy may effect him and check up on the tests needed etc. Maybe in future you will decide to breed your boy but only when you feel comfortable doing so.

:T Thank you

A very sensible response from a breeder,
It's nice to see someone not thinking about the money they can make on breeding dogs, without thinking of the welfare of those puppies

MissKate1986

Hintza wrote: »

Many thanks for all your input.

I have decided against it mainly from the the point of view of potential wandering. The kids springer spent a month with us and went back last week. During the time it was here we had big problems with the two off the setting off exploring!! culminating in them being returned by the dog warden on one day which was very embarrasing.

Anyway we are all back to normal and he is behaving himself again, so I really do not want to give him the excuse to set of in pursuit of the ladies.

I will at this stage keep him intact whilst we go into the next shooting season and see how he goes. Although I haven't done much with him in the close season he has come on leaps and bounds and I expect a good season from him this year.

Sounds like you have made the right decision, I hope you have an excellent season with him. Your have to be on the ball if he likes to go of exploring otherwise the keeper will not be happy :rotfl: I love seeing my Spaniels work