Maverick Pedigree and Health Testing

CHOOSING A STUD DOG -

A lot of research goes into choosing a stud for each of our girls.

• Firstly, it is beneficial to look at their pedigree to help eliminated possibility of introducing known issues from certain lines. And what we might like to add to our lines to improve them.

• Ensuring that when you decide on a stud dog, he is going to compliment your girl and the best of the breed in mind to hopefully with a goal of producing better than you currently already have.

• Looking at the confirmation of a dog - his shape, build, bone structure, height, body set, coat, how he carries his tail. His ear set, eyes - both shape and color.

• Color and his genetic color DNA too so we can determine what colors we may produce. I like to try and breed back with a black dog that carries varying colors as this will keep good strong color pigment with my lines. I will breed back with chocolate dogs. Currently I don’t have any ee (red) or dilute in my lines as this is something I have avoided due to breeding merle girls.

• Studying his movement is very important, he must have good fluid movement that tells me more than about his hips and his coordination and his general confirmation.

• Temperament is VITAL, they must be social both with other dogs and people. They must be confident, playful, willing to give anything a go and happy generally in all situations.

• Working ability is something I also look at. I don’t necessarily need that in high levels in the stud. A calm, mature, intelligent and sensible personality can only compliment natural working drive and that in their future puppies.

• Ensuring stud is up to date with all genetic testing including Hip/elbows so they are a genetic match for the girl.

• Obviously, timing and availability is taken into consideration. This is why it is imperative to plan ahead and make sure everything lines up, so the mating goes smoothly.

• Make sure that the stud owner has a good relationship with a repro vet so if assistance is needed, they are readily on hand.

• I also only like to deal with breeders who have same ethical values and principles as I do so then I am assured that their dogs are treated well and are in optimum health.