The questions to ask a stud dog owner before you book
A good stud owner expects questions and answers them gladly. A poor one changes the subject. This VerifiedStuds checklist gives you the questions that matter, in the order to ask them, along with the answers you should hear.
Start here, because nothing else matters if the health proof is missing.
Which health clearances does he have? The answer should match the breed's parent club list. See the health testing guides for yours.
What is his registered name? With it, you can look up his results yourself in the public OFA database.
Which DNA tests has he had, and may I see the lab report? Then compare his results with your female's, since two carriers of the same disease should not be bred.
When was his last brucellosis test? It should be recent and negative. Read brucellosis in dogs.
What health problems have appeared in his family? Honest owners know, and they tell you.
Question
A good answer
Is he proven?
Yes, with dates and litter sizes, or "not yet" with a recent semen evaluation
How many litters has he sired this year?
A clear number, without overuse
When was his semen last checked?
Within the past few months, with count and motility
How old is he?
Old enough for final clearances, and within his working years
Can I see puppies he has produced?
Photos, pedigrees or owners you can contact
An unproven male is not a bad choice. However, he is a bigger risk, so he should cost less and come with a clear return policy. Our guides to stud dog sperm quality and stud dog age limits explain the numbers.
Which methods do you offer? Natural mating, fresh AI, chilled or frozen semen all have different costs and timing. See the dog artificial insemination guide.
Where does the breeding happen? Usually the female travels to the male.
How many matings or inseminations are included? Two, about 48 hours apart, is typical.
Do you need progesterone results? Good owners ask for them, because timing protects the stud's record as well. Read progesterone testing for dogs.
Who handles the dogs? An experienced handler keeps a first breeding calm and safe.
What is the fee, and when is it due? Some owners take payment at the breeding, and others when pregnancy is confirmed.
Is there a return service? That is a free repeat breeding if she does not conceive. Ask how a "litter" is defined, since some contracts count one live puppy.
Do you ever take a puppy in place of the fee? If so, read pick of the litter explained.
Who pays for collection, shipping and vet costs?
Will you sign the litter registration? The sire's owner must sign for the litter to be registered.
The stud fee guide lists typical prices, and our stud dog contract guide explains each clause.
Health comes first, yet you also live with the results. Therefore, ask what he is like at home, with strangers and with other dogs. Ask what he tends to pass on, such as size, coat, head or drive. Then ask what his owner would improve in him. An owner who says "nothing" is not being straight with you.
If you can, meet him. Otherwise, ask for video of him moving, standing and greeting a visitor.
A careful owner interviews you in return. Expect questions about your female's health tests, age, registration and previous litters, and about your plans for the puppies. Do not be offended. An owner who accepts every female does not care where his dog's puppies end up.
Ready to start? Then read how to find a stud dog and find a health-tested stud. Stud owners can list their stud free.
What is the most important question to ask a stud dog owner?
Ask for his health clearances and his registered name. Then verify them yourself in the OFA database.
Should I ask for a semen evaluation?
Yes, especially for an unproven or older male. A recent count and motility report is reasonable to request.
Is it rude to ask for proof of health tests?
No. Responsible owners expect it, and most offer the documents before you ask.
What should a stud contract include?
The fee, the return service, the breeding method, who pays which costs, and the promise to sign registration papers.
What if the owner will not answer?
Walk away. There are other studs, and a year lost to a bad choice costs far more.
Sources: American Kennel Club, guide to responsible dog breeding, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, CHIC program, American Kennel Club, canine brucellosis.
On VerifiedStuds, owners are identity verified and profiles show health results beside the fee.