As a breeder what do you look for in your breeding stock?

Question

could you add your breeds as well..

Answer 1

In no particular order:

* Conformation to the Standard
* Health Clearances
* Working Ability
* Temperament
* A pedigree I can deal with
* Personal preferences in overall "type"

ADD: Siberian Huskies :)

Answer 2

I look for perfection. I know that sounds a bit over the top but it is what we strive for. I insist that the dogs I breed to be the carry the characteristics and traits that I want to see in all of my breed. I breed Bull terriers BTW. That means that they must be to the standard or above. They must have the perfect temperment. They must be free of any defects of heart, kidneys, hearing or etc. The studs must be either a Champion or be a optimal dog who has two champion parents. But... I don't care how stunning a dog looks (to the eye or on paper) I wont touch it if it is an idiot. I am a stickler for mental stability.
My dogs are known for being among the best although I have only had 5 litters in 16 years. This is fine with me. I am known in the higher circles because I don't produce fodder!
Reputation is everything in the breeding game and as you will quickly find out.. you are never going to make real money breeding dogs so go for being the best and helping to create the best!
~Tyed~

Answer 3

I don't look for 'breeding stock' at all ... I look for the lines that have characteristics I desire that adhere to the standard of perfection for the breed, with stable temperaments, a high degree of intelligence, breed type (which goes hand in hand with adherence to the standard), with known health evaluation, both those that can be tested for as well as researching into historical data on health, as well as structure and temperament as much as possible. If a dog happens to be fairly close to perfect in these areas (health, temperament, structure and type) then it might be considered for possible breeding. I have Dobermans which I have had for over fifty years - have shown, trained in various performance venues, completed breed surveys, health testing, temperament evaluations, etc., before deciding if there was a suitable mate that could potentially complement to add to the future of the breed overall. No one aspect is any more important than another -- a gorgeous typey dog that drops dead at five or is a fear bitter is useless to the breed; a dog that is great in bite sports that is wholy lacking in breed type or sound structure and has little in the way of health clearances going for it, is useless; a dog that will live to be twenty that is sickly or vicious and looks like a poor quality Rottweiler is useless to the future of the breed. ALL aspects need to be considered -- some issues in these areas may be 'dealt with' in one generation, some may have to be planned on for future generational breedings but all have to be something a breeder is cognizant of and capable of knowing how to deal with and be honest about. Also the dog needs to likely be capable of passing the good traits in these areas on and not that prepotent in passing on the problems.

First off though, I look for a dog that will be my companion, not as future 'breeding stock'.

Answer 4

My stock usually comes from my own dogs. That way I know their history, their background, their personalities. I am very proud of the pups I produce. My lines just keep getting better and better. My breed of course is chihuahuas. I do use studs from outside my lines so there is no inbreeding or linebreeding.

Answer 5

Breed Standard
Conformation
Temperment
Health
Pedigree

There are a lot of puppy mill (backyard) breeders out there. So I also do a LOT of research on any breeder to whom I may be interested in purchasing a puppy from...

Answer 6

First off, genetic health. Researching the bloodlines and knowing where health issues come from is my number one priority. Second, conformity to breed standard and working ability.

Answer 7

Temperament must be docile and confident. This is the most important thing in using a dog to breed. After that you look to health and size/cuteness and qualities you want the puppies to have.

Answer 8

Health, temperment, degree to which they conform to the standard, good pedigree.

Answer 9

temperment eyes hips and all around personallity