How much do you really know about your male's background - beyond what is written on a piece of paper? Pedigrees are important; however, truly understanding the pedigrees (including the possible health issues and problems hidden behind the written names) are even more important. 

        How many of the dogs in your male's pedigree are you actually acquainted with in real life?  What all do you know about them?  Are they free of all genetic problems, and if not, what genes might you risk doubling up on and thus creating puppies with problems?  If you do not have this information, then, you probably should not be considering selling stud services.

        Your male not being "nippy" and not being a "barker" are not alone reasons to be breeding from him.  A stud dog needs to meet the Breed Standard. Does your male meet the Breed Standard?  This is entirely different than merely being AKC registered. 

        Going even beyond that, is your male a superior (both physically and mentally) specimen for his Breed?   How is his conformation?  Does he have a stifle problem?  Is his angulation good or merely fair?  Does he have an overshot or undershot bite or a wry mouth?  Is his top line level?  Does he move out with reach and drive?  Does he possess "type"? 

        Your male also needs to be free of all known genetic problems; or even a possible high risk carrier of such problems.  To determine this, you will need to do some serious research into the ins and outs of genetics in general and then specifically into your own dog's genetic background. 

        I know that sounds like a lot of work.  However, by offering your male at stud, you are also creating life.  This is a great responsibility - not only to the bitch's owner - but also to the owner of the father of a litter of pups. 

        There are so very many poorly bred dogs in this world that eventually end up abandoned.  The future of any puppies sired by your male should not be just merely the concern of the bitch's owner.  As a 50% contributor to the gene pool, you are at least 50% responsible for the future health and welfare of any puppies being sired by your male.  Are you willing to take that responsibility?

        A good owner of a stud dog also selectively screens who he/she will breed the male to.  Cash in hand is not a reason to breed to any one else's dog!!!  This is the absolute worst reason in the world to be breeding your dog.

        Perhaps you haven't given this idea of becoming a stud dog owner a lot of deep thought.  Only the best of the very best males should ever be used as a stud dog.  Probably 98% of in tact males can physically sire a litter.  However at the same time, probably only 2% of those should!  Even for the owner of a stud dog, breeding is a very serious matter.  Again, you are helping to create new life. 

        As much as I am against breeding pets, I would tell the owner of any female to select the best male possible for their female.  Improve your gene pool and try to produce "better" than you started with.  This means a female's owner only breeding to a stud dog that has "everything right" - not to just the dog down the street or the cheapest male with working parts. 

        Owners of truly good stud dogs also do not try to drum up business.  They instead have people specifically seeking out their studs because those males have been proven to have what it takes to sire healthy, high quality children. 

        In this sea of millions of possible stud males, only a small number genetically carry what is needed to create good puppies.  Being AKC registered and having a penis does not make a good stud dog.

Liz Bickel,
Breeder, Owner, Handler - Brite Star Chihuahuas.