SearchRe: To stud or not to stud
I have a one year old pure breed red male that I am looking to breed with a female. What do I need to do to do this right? What is best way to find a "partner"?
Even if we are only breeding quality companions, not show dogs, we have a responsibility to bring forth only the best quality dog that we can. The Von Williebrand's test, the Dysplasia examination and thyroid should be done. While problems may not show up for years, it is not fair to the puppies, not to give them the best start we can. You surely want the pups to go to good homes, and if a dog has extensive heath problems they will either have a short life or be dumped to shelters.
I have bred many of my dogs over the years, but no longer do so. There is no need to breed a male dog. In fact, a male that has never been bred, but is still intact is a better pet, and is far less likely to mark territory in the house.
Thank you for the responses, I intended on getting all the tests done before going forward but wasnt sure when to start.
In your experience, what is the best way to find a female to breed with?
I apologize, I just saw the last of the previous response--- to be in the public eye, thanks again!
The best advice is to go about the process NOT intending to breed your dog. What I mean is, at one year you really aren't sure if he's going to be one of the few Dobermans that should be bred. Go about the process intending to investigate - just to see if he's suitable. Then, take your time finding a prize female owned by a reputable and knowledgeable breeder.
Understand too that the actual copulation is dangerous, especially with two dogs that don't know each other, and especially with a new stud who doesn't know what the heck he's doing. Trust me. It will probably take a several miserably unsuccessful tries - and then you get to wait and see if it took. Unless all the people involved know what their doing, someone will probably get bit too - lol - most likely the stud. Remember too that they stay tied for as long as 30 minutes and if one of them get upset and pulls away they can both get badly injuries.
It's not an easy process...
Any contrary to popular opinion, many females are not receptive especially to an inexperienced male.
:D That's a popular opinion? LOL Boy is that off indeed. I've seen the kindest little sweetheart having to be held physically by her owner to accept the mating - and that was with an expert stud who mounts on command. LOL
Amen. I was not referring to knowledge of experienced breeders, but the popular opinion of the general populace. And as you said, in that situation some one may get bit, and it won't be the female Dobe and most likely not the male Dobe since nice available parts of the person holding the female Dobe are between her head and the male Dobe.
A one year old male is still a puppy, even though he may not look like it. He still has a lot of growing to do physically and mentally.
Certain health tests can not be done until the dog is at least 2 years old, so I would never consider breeding any dog until those tests were done after that time.
First of all, he should have his conformation evaluated to determine if he's, in fact, breeding quality. Are you showing him?
Secondly, as I mentioned, anyone offering a stud dog should make sure that he is completely healthy. He should have his hips x-rayed and evaluated for dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the same goes for his elbows, he should have a VetGen DNA test to determine his von Willebrand's disease status, he should have a full thyroid panel, he should have his eyes examined by a CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) certified ophthalmologist for inherited eye disease, he should have a cardiac ultrasound and Holter monitor ekg, he should have a liver and kidney panel, not to mention a brucellosis test. Some bitch owners also are looking for males that have a colour DNA test done as well so we know if the male carries dilution.
Obviously, with the health problems inherent in this breed, one would want to do whatever they can to be sure the dogs they breed are healthy. This means you must also have a complete understanding of his pedigree and background and the results of his parents and ancestors for the above tests, and knowledge about their strengths and weaknesses in conformation, health, longevity, performance ability, etc.
Usually, responsible breeders see interesting stud dogs at dog shows, obedience trials, agility trials, Schutzhund training or trials, in the breed publications, etc and we then contact the stud dog owners to find our more about their dogs. So, the best way to find a partner is to be in the public eye at dog events with your dogs.