Age of stud dog

[sammye]

I discovered today that the brother to my bitch is being used for stud, he has already sired one litter but is only 14 months old himself, this seems very young to me, am  i right!

[cazza]

I have no idea on breeding - but I would have thought 14 months old was too young

I'm sure someone with experience in breeding will be along soon 

[tracey]

As long as all the relevent health tests have been carried out then I think 14 months is about right...that's about the age my boys have been used for the first time.

[Jane S]

Eye testing & hip scoring can be done from 12 months old & DNA tests can be done at any age so if all the tests have been done, then 14 months is not necessarily too young but it does depend on the individual dog as some are still very immature at 14 months. I'd be more interested in knowing why he's being used at stud, unless he's proving himself in the show ring (I'm assuming he's show type) or has some other qualities that could benefit the breed. Is this a boy you bred Sammy?

[*AmandaB*]

As the owner of three girls, I personally wouldn't use a dog as young as 14 months, only because you don't know what he is going to produce until they have seen other litters born. It would have to be something really special for me to want to use him, especially as there are proven, health tested, older boys out there. It is only a personal opinion.

[KellyS]

I think it really depends on who owns the stud dog and how much you know/trust them and know about their lines    Most breeders i think would want to prove the dog themselves on their own bitches first. if thats possible...

[Penelope]

Overheard a discussion (not between Cocker owners!) about a stud dog not performing, but the stud dog owner's 5 month old pup "doing" it instead.  Apparently there was a 25 minute tie, and they are assuming it worked.    Methinks the owner of the bitch will not be happy if it actually worked as the 5 month pup is not a pedigree - but the stud dog was.
I wonder what they were doing taking along a male puppy anyway to such a meeting? 
Still, ours not to reason why etc
Surely it won't work at 5 months???

[Jane S]

Surely it won't work at 5 months???

I hope not but it's not unheard of - some males are fertile at a very early age.