ok everyone... Need some advise!
 

Gizmo is almost a year old now. So here is my question. When do you think he is mature enough to breed? Also what tests should I have done before we stud him? Should we bring the female here? Or should he go to her? I have his APR papers and a 3 generation petigree. Any ideas??

Make sure they are both tested for brucellosis (a venereal disease that is passed from dog to dog and makes a stud sterile and the mom abort). He should also be examined and tested for any genetic defects and evaluated for any undesirable traits. Usually, the female comes to you because she is less territorial out of her domain. They are usually bred on the 10th, 12th and 14th day after bleeding starts. You can also have a sperm count and check done. A male is fertile at a year, but until he gets the hang of it he might require assistance.

Are these tests expensive?? And what traits would be undesirable??

Not too long ago we posted our vet charges and they were much higher in some areas so you will just have to call your vet and ask for certain charges.

A routine office visit charge with cover looking at the knees and the bite of the dog.

A brucellosis test is a blood test that is sent in to a state lab, but if you are in a hurry they can do a test in about 20 minutes, but it is much more expensive.

A complete bloodwork panel would also be a good idea.

Undesirable traits would be misaligned jaw, nose too long, not a silk coat, etc., basically how well be meets the standard. Of course, some feel that if the default isn't life threatening then it doesn't matter, but if you care about the breed then only breed dogs very close to the standard.

Thanks for the helpful information. I really appreciate you help and I will get started on these tests asap! Thanks!

just called the vet and he has an appointment on Saturday. I think I am looking at $80.00 for everything. So its not too bad! Yeah! Im glad we are going to have it done!

A brucellosis test is not needed, this dog has NEVER bred before. Save yourself a few pennies! The blood panel is a must it checks the kidney and liver are functioning properly, if you get any abnormalites then do the LS test.

Brucellosis can be passed through mucous membranes (kissing).

It can also be passed through urine and feces.

Brucellosis is a disease caused by a bacteria, Brucella canis. It is found throughout the world. It is spread through contact with aborted fetuses and discharges from the uterus of infected bitches, during mating, through maternal milk and possibly through airborne transmission in some cases. The bacteria enters the body through mucous membranes and spreads from there to lymph nodes and the spleen. It also spreads to the uterus, placenta and prostate gland as well as other internal organs at times.

Not sure if the above breeder is now agreeing or disagreeing, but this is what I found on the subject. Ask your vet and go by his advice, but don't be surprised if the female owner requires it.


The causative agent of canine brucellosis is the bacteria, Brucella canis. Transmission between dogs occurs via mucous membranes, so the bacteria may enter the body through the nose, mouth, conjunctiva of the eye, and vagina. The majority of bacteria in infected dogs are secreted in semen and vaginal secretions, but bacteria may be present in milk, urine and saliva as well. Thus any bodily fluids can infect another dog.

Kennels with active stud dogs should never breed a male to an untested female. The test on the female should be 7 days or less old and an original with the vet's letterhead and showing an original signature, complete address, and current phone number. Kennels should even test their own bitches before breeding them to their own males since brucellosis is not simply a sexually transmitted disease; it can be picked up anywhere that a healthy dog can come in contact with an infected dog's bodily fluids which is everywhere other dogs go such as boarding kennels, dog boxes, dog trailers, hunting fields, field trial club grounds, starting/running pens, and even city parks.

Lacey in all due respect please look at the original posters life style and environment she has one dog and a puppy, she is not a kennel! :confused: It is very rare for saliva transmission!

Lacey its STD, unless you run a large amount of dogs it would be HIGHLY UNLIKELY contact would be any other way the SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED!

Lacey you wrote: "Ask your vet and go by his advice, but don't be surprised if the female owner requires it" Any previously bred female should be tested for the safety of the stud. I require the stud service bitch to be STD tested, UNLESS she has never been bred, in that case I consult with her vet prior to mating.

I would just AI the dogs and you don't have to worry about anybody catching anything.

I live very close to the Mexican border so maybe it is more common here.

Here's some information a prospective stud owner should know.

http://www.debbiejensen.com/mating.html