Stud dog / breeding query

Happy_bunny

Hi All

We've decided we'd like to breed our 6 year old border collie !!!!! - and need some advice I'm too embarrassed to ask offline

Firstly the 'yuck' bit! We've been looking at stud dogs on the net - Just how does this work? the closest is still a fair trek away - do the owners leave the dog for a time at my house or bring the stud and make polite chat over a cuppas when the deed is being done? :eek:

Cost - the studs we've found so far are all expensive due to proven working capability or pedigree, is there a lower cost option? And i don't mean let the dog run free until she gets caught by a male

Sorry if this seems a bit basic but really want to check the details before we consider going any further

gettingready

We've decided we'd like to breed our 6 year old border collie

Care to say why exactly?

Happy_bunny

gettingready wrote: »

Care to say why exactly?

As we've been asked for puppies from friends and family - Does this make a difference to my questions?

Rev

Happy_bunny wrote: »

Hi All

We've decided we'd like to breed our 6 year old border collie !!!!! - and need some advice I'm too embarrassed to ask offline

Firstly the 'yuck' bit! We've been looking at stud dogs on the net - Just how does this work? the closest is still a fair trek away - do the owners leave the dog for a time at my house or bring the stud and make polite chat over a cuppas when the deed is being done? :eek:

Cost - the studs we've found so far are all expensive due to proven working capability or pedigree, is there a lower cost option? And i don't mean let the dog run free until she gets caught by a male

Sorry if this seems a bit basic but really want to check the details before we consider going any further

Have you don't all the health check recommended before breeding? And I'm not talking about a check up at the vets.

Hip scores, DNA testing for CEA,CL and TNS Eye testing for PRA and Gonioscopy. Elbows etc.

That will run you a fair whack before you even think about finding the right stud.

Do you have the dog insured? If not do you have cash aside if anything goes wrong? Which is VERY possible. Whelping can cost thousands of pounds.

If you have, my apologies, but you do get a massive amount of people here breeding dogs before doing everything that should be done to ensure healthy puppies.

If you haven't. And have no intention of doing so, then I'm sorry, but your best bet is to direct your friends and family to the local rescue where there will be many dogs/pups waiting for a forever home.

Happy_bunny

Rev wrote: »

Have you don't all the health check recommended before breeding? And I'm not talking about a check up at the vets.

Hip scores, DNA testing for CEA,CL and TNS Eye testing for PRA and Gonioscopy. Elbows etc.

That will run you a fair whack before you even think about finding the right stud.

Do you have the dog insured? If not do you have cash aside if anything goes wrong? Which is VERY possible. Whelping can cost thousands of pounds.

If you have, my apologies, but you do get a massive amount of people here breeding dogs before doing everything that should be done to ensure healthy puppies.

The quick answer is yes - All the checks have been done, and indeed did cost a few pounds!

The dogs got more insurance than me!

This is the reason I'm trying to get some ideas on breeding before i start, Most peeps on MSE have no incentive to sell me stuff!

jenhug

i wouldn't recommend breeding from a female of that age.

Rev

Happy_bunny wrote: »

The quick answer is yes - All the checks have been done, and indeed did cost a few pounds!

The dogs got more insurance than me!

This is the reason I'm trying to get some ideas on breeding before i start, Most peeps on MSE have no incentive to sell me stuff!

Here might be a good place to ask

http://www.petforums.co.uk/dog-breeding/

A huge amount of very knowledgeable breeders there.

geminilady

I am not a dog expert but would have thought six years is a bit old for a first litter.Have you checked this with your vet?

jenhug

most insurance policies don't cover breeding issues I believe? Exactly how many people REALLY want one of your dogs pups? Are they going to want to pay for one or are they expecting it for free?

I'm unsure on the price of a border collie but stud fees are usually price of a pup or pick of the litter. You may find if you haven't shown or worked your dog alot of the stud owners won't let their dog cover your girl anyway. Theres no point in you paying out for health testing if you then use a cheaper untested male.

Will you have enough puppies for each friend and family member? Will you have enough friends and families wanting a pup? You could be left with several unwanted puppies, what then? Someone has one, then 6 months down the line they can't have it anymore, what will you do? Take it back? Send it to rescue? There is an awful lot to think about, its not something i would be prepared to do, even though I bought show quality pedigrees I don't believe in breeding for the reasons you state. Sorry.

UKTigerlily

I also think - but may be wrong - that she is possibly abit on the older side for a first litter. With all of the dogs in rescue couldn't the friends wanting her pups go & rehome ones needing homes already? Are they all experienced BC owners as it's my understanding that they can be on the high maintenance side!

I think most breeders go for the best match for their girl rather than the closest & presumably you'd want a stud that's proven & health tested with no aggression issues, nerves etc?

Personally i'd spay her (why risk her dying if not spayed of Pyometra or Cancer?) & ask friends to go via rescues x

Caroline_a

Echoing what others have said, she's quite old for her first litter, it could traumatise her too. I have known quite a few b1tches whose personality has been totally changed by having a litter of pups - is that what you want? Also is there going to be someone at home for the first 4 or so weeks of the pup's lives to keep an eye on them, etc, particularly if your dog doesn't take to them and they need hand rearing?

If friends and family want a pup that much, send them to the rescue centres, they will find plenty of border collie type pups there if they look hard enough.

Edit - I see from previous posts you are at home on disability benefits, but live in a flat - certainly not ideal for bringing up a litter of puppies!