How to Vet a Stud Dog Before Booking: 10 Questions Every Dam Owner Should Ask

Choosing a stud dog is one of the most important decisions you will make as a breeder. The sire contributes 50% of your puppies' genetics, and the quality of that contribution determines your litter's health, temperament, and structure for years to come. Before you book and pay a stud fee, ask these 10 questions — and get satisfactory answers to every one.

1. What Health Tests Has He Completed?

At minimum for your breed, the stud should have breed-appropriate OFA certifications (hips, elbows where relevant), a CAER eye exam within the past 12 months, and a DNA health panel covering the known genetic diseases in your breed. Ask for documentation, not just assurances. Verify OFA results at ofa.org.

2. Is He AKC/CKC Registered and on Full Registration?

If you want AKC-registered puppies, the stud must be AKC registered and on full (not limited) registration. Look him up at apps.akc.org before committing. If the stud owner cannot provide a registration number that verifies, stop there.

3. Can He Produce a Negative Brucellosis Test?

Any responsible stud owner provides a brucellosis test dated within 30 days of the breeding appointment. If the answer is "we don't do that," do not proceed. Brucellosis is a contagious and incurable reproductive disease that would infect your dam.

4. What Are the Stud Fee Terms?

Is the fee payable upfront or upon confirmed pregnancy? What is the return heat policy if the dam does not conceive? Is the stud fee a cash payment, pick of litter, or first pick puppy? Get all terms in writing before the breeding occurs.

5. What Is His Proven Fertility Record?

Has he sired litters before? What was the average litter size? Any missed litters? If he has never produced puppies, ask if a semen analysis has confirmed he is fertile. An unproven stud is a risk — not necessarily a dealbreaker, but worth knowing.

6. Has He Had a Recent Semen Analysis?

A current semen analysis (within 6 months) confirming normal sperm count, motility, and morphology removes uncertainty. For studs used for chilled or frozen AI, this is especially important.

7. What Is His Temperament?

A stud passes his temperament to his offspring. Ask to meet the dog, observe how he interacts with people, and ask about his temperament in the breed context. References from previous dam owners can be valuable.

8. Are His Parents' Health Records Available?

Knowing the health history of the stud's parents and grandparents gives you context on his genetic background that a single generation of testing cannot provide. A responsible breeder can speak to their dog's lineage.

9. What Breeding Method Will Be Used?

Natural breeding, vaginal AI, or TCI? If the dogs are in different locations, who arranges the chilling and shipping? Who are the vets involved on each end? Clarify logistics before committing.

10. Is There a Written Stud Dog Contract?

Any professional stud arrangement should be documented in a written contract signed by both parties before the breeding. A handshake deal leaves both parties unprotected if something goes wrong. The contract should address: stud fee, return heat policy, timing of payment, AI vs natural breeding terms, and what happens if the litter is lost.