A plain guide to dog stud fees
A stud fee is what a female's owner pays a stud's owner for a breeding. Dog stud fees range from a few hundred dollars to over $8,000, depending on breed, health testing, titles and demand. This VerifiedStuds guide covers typical prices, the usual deal structures and what to agree in writing.
Breed
Typical stud fee
Notes
As a result, a fee often lands near the price of one puppy.
Fully cleared studs with public OFA results also charge more.
Show, field or working titles also add value.
Similarly, a stud with healthy litters on the ground commands more than an unproven one.
For example, in some breeds, rare colors or specific genes raise the fee.
Arrangement
How it works
Best for
Flat fee
One cash payment per breeding
Most bookings; simple and clear
Pick of the litter
Stud owner takes one puppy instead of cash
Owners building their own program
Fee plus pick
Reduced cash fee and a puppy
High-demand studs
Per-puppy fee
A set amount per live puppy
Breeds with variable litter sizes
On VerifiedStuds, dog studs are booked with a flat fee paid by card at checkout. However, owners who also want pick of the litter state it in their terms.
A fair fee also depends on proven health. Therefore, check the health testing guides for French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, and see how booking works on VerifiedStuds. Fees also vary widely by breed. For example, compare American Bully studs, Cane Corso studs, Rottweiler studs, German Shepherd studs, Poodle studs and Dachshund studs, or browse all stud dogs by breed.
Progesterone testing to time the breeding, normally paid by the female's owner
Semen collection and evaluation
Overnight chilled shipping, or frozen semen storage and shipping
AI or surgical insemination by a veterinarian
Brucellosis tests for both dogs
Travel and boarding for an on-site breeding
Many owners offer a return service: a free repeat breeding if the female does not conceive. However, some limit it to a set time window, the same female, or a minimum litter size. Therefore, ask whether it covers shipping costs and whether a vet confirmation is needed.
The fee, what it includes, and when it is paid
Breeding method and number of attempts
Return service terms and how a missed breeding is confirmed
Health test requirements for both dogs, including Brucellosis
Pick of the litter terms, if any: which pick and by what age
Registration paperwork the stud owner will sign
In addition, every booking here includes breeding terms both sides accept before it confirms.
First, check what comparable studs charge on the breed pages, then price for your stud's testing, titles and record. However, unproven studs often start lower and rise once litters are on the ground. Also plan his workload before you take bookings: our guides cover how often a stud can breed, rest between breedings, age limits, signs of overuse and sperm quality. Ready to list? List Your Stud free, and the first 100 studs pay no commission on their first booking.
How much is a stud fee?
It depends on the breed. For example, Goldens and Labs usually run $500 to $2,000, English Bulldogs $1,000 to $3,500, and French Bulldogs $1,500 to $8,000 or more.
What does pick of the litter mean?
In short, the stud owner chooses one puppy, usually first or second choice, instead of or on top of a cash fee.
When is the stud fee paid?
Usually before or at the breeding. However, on this site it is paid by card when you book.
Is the stud fee refundable if my female does not get pregnant?
Usually not refunded, but many owners offer a free return breeding. Therefore, check the terms before you book.
Who pays for semen shipping?
Most owners charge shipping and collection separately. Therefore, each profile says what the fee includes.
Why are French Bulldog stud fees so high?
French Bulldogs are in high demand, need AI and often C-sections, and rare colors sell at a premium, so stud fees are higher.
First, see health requirements and typical fees for each breed, or list your own stud free.