When is the best age to start offering my labrador dog up for stud?

Question

I'm aware that he will need his hip, eye and elbow scores before I offer him up for stud, but I'm wondering when to book him in for these. He is one year old today but I'm not sure how desirable a one year old stud would be either. Is it best to wait until he is 2 or so?

My aim is to get him (and us) experienced at it before breeding him with my mother's ***** (perfect match) in about a year and a half.

I'm well aware that it might change his personality etc etc so please don't preach :)

I didnt ask about showing him - but he is from show and FT stock, predominantly show, so is more than good enough for it. He is trained on agility so it is something I am giving careful thought (predominantly due to time contraints - I'm about to go into my final year of a science degree and so that comes first).
Also - there are hardly any lab pups in shelters in the UK but thanks for your concern.... (seriously now....)
Also no he is not AKC registered, since I'm not an American. He is KC reg though, yes, as is the *****. Both dogs need the testing otherwise the pups cannot be KC reg (amongst the other VERY CLEAR problems with not doing so such as breeding in genetic defects, duh..) Show ring will be considered as above but is not so essential here in the UK.
His health clearances will be sought soon and he will not stud until this time so I cant answer that yet (girl isnt 2yr. yet either)The pedigrees make the dogs perfect matches(as stated by her v.well known Jimjoy lab breeder)

Answer 1

Two months after it is neutered.

Answer 2

While you are in at all the sanctioned dog shows you have entered, you'll meet lots of other responsible Lab owners.

Like you, they are also members of the national Labrador Retriever breed club and have signed a code of ethics, etc.

Like you, they will be showing their dogs in conformation classes to ensure their dogs are as close to the breed standard as possible.

Like you, they will have had their dogs' hips and eyes tested (in addition to the other things that "run" in Lab lines -- you, having researched your breed thoroughly, know what they are)

You know your dog's faults, and you will see many quality bltches who do not have the same faults as your dog. As a responsible breeder, you won't breed your dog to the same female more than once.

As a responsible breeder, I know you already have a mentor. He is really the best person to answer your breeding questions and frankly I'm surprised you haven't already asked him this very basic question. Oh well.

Good luck =D

Answer 3

Age is not a factor in stud dogs (that are old enough to procreate).
How well does he represent the breed standard? (Not your opinion ... seek the opinions of folks who are respected in the breed). How well does he score on his health clearances? What is the rest of his pedigree like (again, ask other lab people)? What makes your mother's ***** such a perfect match? How well does she represent the breed standard? How good are her health clearances? What is her pedigree like? How good or bad is the overall health of these dogs? What does your breeder think of this pairing?
Lastly, ask yourself this ... If I was a well respected Labrador person, would I be interested in this breeding?

Try to be honest about your answers. It'll really help in your decisions.

Answer 4

I have no idea how things work in the UK, but here they cannot be cleared for hips and elbows until they are 2. So check and find out.
Also in America, it does not matter if the dog came from great parentage and all that. Not all dogs should be used for breeding. That is why you show them, to make sure that the dog really is a good example of the breed. You can breed a litter from two multi Best in Shows winners, but you are still probably going to get some pet quality puppies....which should NOT be used in a breeding program!!!!!!!! Same goes for the bit ch. Just because they may come from good stock, that alone does not qualify them as good for breeding.

Answer 5

About 2 years old, maybe 3. Age IS a factor. so they are able to produce at 6 months, or younger, that does NOT mean he will produce quality offspring, they will usually be not good quality.
Plus he cannot be tested for some things until he is fully grown. You want to at least make sure he lives to 2 years old!

But its really not a good idea to breed such a common dog like this, there are LOADS in shelters, people dont need your dogs offspring.

Don't breed a dog just because you can.

Answer 6

In the UK you have a completely different set of circumstances than we do here in the US, so it will be difficult for us to give you a proper answer.

Fundamentally, you will want him to be over two years before breeding, and have him certified with your equivalent of OFA & CERF.

I would suggest your local "Game Fair" as a good place to get information. Don't know where you are in the UK, but I do know that the Irish game fair has a lot of dog related events every year.

Answer 7

there is not an appropriate age once you're a outdoor breeder like your self. Has he been genetically examined? Has champion lines? Have expertise of this breed and the plausible wellbeing subject concerns. Care extra approximately money than your dogs or animals in many situations? do not answer the final one, it grew to become into rhetorical. the only people who would opt to artwork with your puppy save doggy are different outdoor breeders, who would be basically as ignorant. canines are killed in shelters usual, you would be including to the unwell bred canines who regrettably in many situations finally end up in shelters themselves because of the fact of their proprietors lack of expertise. pay attention Karen, i'm particular you're actually not a nasty/unintelligent individual. do not exchange into one considering the fact which you like some extra money, that's what Ebay and craigslist are for. canines are not meant to be a money crop.

Answer 8

He will not be ready for the tests until 2 years old.

I take it both dogs are AKC registered are going to be competing in conformation in the show ring first and the female will have the genetic testing too? If any of these are not applicable to both dogs then don't even think of breeding them.

Both dogs will lead longer and happier lives if spayed/neutered.

Answer 9

Never ever tried to breed any dog that is younger than two years old. Are you breeding to improve the quality of the breed? If not you may want to reconsider. Here is a list of responsbile breeding steps. If you can not accomplish one of these steps then I wouldn't recommend you breed at this time.

http://www.akc.org/breeders/resp_breeding/index.cfm

Answer 10

Your dog has to be 8 months old or older. I would wait until he was over one. At 8 months his sperm might not be as they say powerful as it would being older. Akc will not reg. puppies if the stud is under 8 months old. Make sure your mother dog is not related to your male and make sure both dogs are check with your vet and your vet gives you the ok to do this. You are on the right track and I wish you luck. Better read a lot on stud service there are a lot more to it then just putting them together lol..You will see when the times comes. A log of things can not go as plan lol you need to be prepared for that to happen.

Answer 11

he could come from the #1 and #2 top labs ever and still not be breeding quality!! So stop being your backyard breeder POS that you are and think about what could happen to those poor Innocent puppies!!