It’s easy to be swayed by stunning photos of dogs online, especially when they’re surrounded by social media buzz. But while looks matter, they aren’t everything! Be sure to dig deeper—ask the right questions, look at health screenings, and evaluate the stud’s overall suitability for your female dog.
An ethical breeder will have their stud dog tested for specific health conditions that can affect the offspring. For French Bulldogs, key health tests include:
You should always ask for a copy of the DNA results alongside the health tests. Look for clear results (not just color DNA) to avoid breeding dogs that carry harmful genes. It’s essential not to breed two dogs with “No/No” results for certain traits, such as merle, which could lead to birth defects.
If you plan to register your litter with the American Kennel Club (AKC), it’s essential that the stud dog has full AKC registration. Many people miss this point, and it can create unnecessary complications down the line.
The stud dog’s history matters. Ask how many successful litters the dog has produced, and inquire about the temperament of the stud. A stud with a strong, calm temperament is more likely to pass those traits on to the puppies. Remember the size of the litter is dependent on how many eggs the female has to fertilize, but the stud has to have a good sperm count with lots of mobility.
A professional stud owner should offer a written guarantee that outlines what happens if you don’t get a successful litter. Typically, if fewer than two live puppies are born, the stud owner should offer a repeat breeding free of charge. Be sure to get everything in writing!
Some stud owners require upfront payment, while others may allow payment in person at the time of collection. This part is entirely up to what you’re comfortable with. But one thing that’s critical is making sure you are clear on how the semen collection will be handled.
It’s a huge mistake to rely solely on online photos and descriptions. Visit the stud dog in person before committing! I can’t count how many times I’ve seen dogs that look amazing online but were disappointing in person—too thin, too long, or just not the quality I expected. Always meet the stud dog firsthand!
One of the biggest takeaways I’ve learned through experience is the importance of how the semen is collected. A recent encounter taught me that some stud owners will only allow the stud dog to be collected by their team, and this can cause logistical headaches and poor results if an unseasoned person is preparing the semen collection.
I had to drive 1.5-2 hours with the semen after it was collected, only to discover that 70% of it had died due to improper preparation. The semen was either prepared with the wrong extender or packaged in a poor-quality ice box, lacking the necessary precautions during transport. This situation could have been avoided if I had taken control of the collection preparation and transport, which is why I now handle these processes myself.
Before inseminating your female dog, always ask to have the semen evaluated. This ensures that the stud is capable of producing healthy, viable puppies. If the semen quality is poor, inquire about why it may have been compromised. It could be due to overuse of the stud or improper handling during collection. Don’t hesitate to ask the stud owner for details on the stud’s breeding history to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Lastly, make sure that proper collection procedures are in place. The semen should be stored in a foam-protected ice box that has an inner insulation tube/envelope that is placed in a cut out compartment within the container to prevent it from coming into direct contact with ice packs. Temperature management is crucial—the semen must be chilled at the right rate, frozen semen is handled in a completely different process to ensure the sperm does not die. If not, you risk wasting money on poor-quality semen and missing your female’s most fertile day.
By following these tips and taking the time to thoroughly check every detail, you’ll be well on your way to a successful breeding program with healthy, happy puppies. Breeding is an investment in both time and money, so make sure it’s worth the effort! Happy breeding!
Breeder Hacks is an excellent resource for breeders, offering both education and guidance. They have a detailed video on properly preparing a semen collection, making it a valuable tool for anyone in need of step-by-step instructions. If you’re looking for guidance, be sure to check out their Collection Preparation Video. Check out their website for supplies and other helpful tips. Breeder Hacks Website.
The box on the top is incorrect because it has only one compartment, which is shared with the ice. In contrast, the box on the bottom is designed with two separate, recessed compartments that securely hold the foam tubes. These compartments are not level with the ice packs, ensuring the semen is protected from direct contact with the ice.