Stud dog breeding age - maximum - Page 1

When i searched for breeding age of dogs and stud dog, all most all mentioned that we should not breed before 2 years. I would like the opinion of others on upto what age can a stud dog be used for breeding.

I have some access to quality dogs who are not been used to breeding anymore so they are been sold. Kennels are making way to new younger dogs. These dogs are not in my country so I have to import them as I have a plan to improve the breeds but due to the economic situation is not able to import a young stud.

Please advise

Dogs sperm count decreases with age but if they are still producing sperm in good numbers and are generally healthy and in good physical condition, there's no reason a senior dog cannot be used for stud.  If you are purchasing an older dog for stud purposes I'd have their count checked by a repro specialist before money exchanges hands.

If they still have good semen count and motility (checked regularly) and still can breed naturally - or even use him via AI - why not?  The key is to check semen regularly - with older dogs the semen quality can go downhill very quickly.  Also regeneration (semen) time is longer, so the timing of the female's ovulation and first breeding timing is critical as the older stud dog may not produce new sperm in time for a second and third breedign with good count.

molly

I am planning to purchase a 8 or 9 yrs old dog. Is this too old

I had V Bodo v Tiekerhook for his last few years of life - he came over from Holland at 9 years old and lived until he was 12.  Until 12 years old, he was producing 'good' semen - good enough to produce puppies and large litters.  However not all stud dogs will remain fertile - anything could happen - they can just go sterile, reduce semen volume or motility, sperm quality can diminish (less number of straight-swimmers), and they can develop prostrate problems that will wipe out their semen as well.  I'd say starting at 8 years old, the stud dog is at high risk of becoming sterile or low fertility level.  Of course the risk increases the older the dog gets.  If I were you I'd have the dogs semen checked by a repro specialist, or know first-hand of a normal-sized litter on the ground and whelped recently before purchasing an older stud dog for breeding.  Keep in mind that he might go sterile "all of a sudden" with no warning, or he might remain fertile and healthy for breeding for a few years - you never know.  He might earn you money via stud fees and nice puppies - or he might cost you money in elderly-dog care, prostrate problems or other medical bills.

molly

I know there are some "old" dogs still being used as stud dogs that have and still are producing very well but I personally would not buy an 8 or 9 yr old stud dog, especially if I weren't familiar with it's history, current health ect.

At 2 years most dogs have reached their maturity, are who they are, have had their hips done, training in place and you have a good picture of what they are most likely to produce.  Besides if you're gonna invest the time and money into a good stud dog wouldn't it make sense to get a younger one you'll have for several years??