FACT SHEET

Topic: The Stud Dog

Variety of Poodle: Toy, Miniature, Standard

Goal: To ensure that only superior representatives of the breed are used at stud and to offer a responsible management program for the stud dog owner.

Criteria for Breeding: Since a stud dog, in his lifetime, may have a far greater impact on a breed than any bitch can have in her lifetime, it is important that he be structurally correct (no major faults or disqualifications) according to the breed standard. He should have a superior temperament (no shyness or aggression).

He should be tested for genetic health disorders. If a dog tests positive for any genetic health disorder, he should not be used in a breeding program. A dog that has produced offspring with life threatening or life shortening genetic health disorders is a carrier and should not be bred since 50% of the offspring will be carriers for the disorder(s). In those circumstances where it is absolutely necessary to breed a known carrier, great care should be taken to ensure that the bitch he is bred to is not a carrier for the same disorder. All offspring should be monitored throughout their lifetime for evidence of the disorder.

A dog should be tested for brucellosis (a highly contagious veneral disease) prior to each stud service or at least annually. A male with the brucellosis bacteria will become sterile or produce abnormal sperm.

Responsibilities of the Stud Dog Owner: The owner of a stud dog must screen all incoming bitches to ensure that they meet the same standards as required above; i.e., no major structural faults or disqualification, a stable temperament, and all genetic test results are normal.

A contract should be used which outlines all agreed upon conditions such as return service or stud fee in the event the bitch does not conceive, the amount of the stud fee and when it is payable, extra fees for housing and care of the bitch, if applicable, transportation charges to and from the airport, etc.

The owner of the stud dog must provide a safe and clean environment in which to house incoming bitches. Bitches should be housed separately from all other dogs. The owner of the stud dog must ensure that the breeding will be handled responsibly so that the bitch is not traumatized or injured during the mating. A bitch should be bathed prior to being returned to her owner.

The information contained above is based on published research current at the time of this writing and is accurate to the best of VIP's knowledge.