Looking for a stud/bitch to breed

[zeta1454]

Periodically enquiries appear on the Forum ( as they do on other social media ) asking for anyone with a stud dog to mate with their bitch, or for a bitch to mate with their stud. Neither of these can possibly be coming from responsible breeders / owners of dogs as no-one who is knowledgeable and concerned to breed ethically and with the health and welfare of the dogs as a priority would use social media as a way to plan a mating.

A novice breeder with a bitch they feel could be a good foundation for a line of dogs (or even for a quality single litter) should be planning a mating with the support and guidance of the breeder of their bitch who will be best placed to know the pedigree on her side and who should ( if a responsible breeder themselves) be able to advise on the best sires to complement or enhance the virtues of the bitch. If the breeder is no longer available to offer this kind of support, then advice and information should be looked for from knowledgeable and experienced breeders via breed clubs. Social media (including the Forum) where few members may know who lies behind a name is one of the last places to be responsibly looking for a stud dog.

As for stud dog owners, no quality stud dog will need to be advertised via Forums. A stud dog is sought out to improve or complement a quality bitch and the owner of the bitch will want to be assured of good health and good temperament, that the dog has been judged by a range of dog judges to be likely to contribute excellent genes to the breed gene pool. Preferably he will be an older dog whose longevity will indicate his good health and whose progeny will have been shown to also be healthy and of good conformation and temperament. Again, advertising a stud's services via social media is an indication that the owner does not have the knowledge or care to understand how responsible breeding is conducted.

I would hope that anyone thinking of using their dog or bitch for breeding will fully research what breeding responsibly actually means and that they will realise that advertising via the Forum for a mating is irresponsible and not how the best breeders would ever plan a litter.