- by PetsFindly
- 27 min read
On this page
- Quick answer
- Why do the questions matter more than the photos?
- Health and screening questions
- Pedigree and genetics questions
- Temperament and structure questions
- Track record questions
- Paperwork and money questions
- Logistics, contract and reference questions
- What should a good stud owner ask you?
- Which red flags mean you should walk away?
- Which documents should you request?
- What mistakes do breeders make most often?
- Stud dog owner question checklist
- Frequently asked questions
- The bottom line
A stud dog ad is a sales pitch, and a good one. The photos are taken on the dog's best day, from his best angle. The pedigree is full of impressive names. The words "health tested" sit right under the price.
None of that tells you what you actually need to know. What's in his hips, his eyes and his DNA? What did his last few litters look like at three years old? What happens to your money if your female comes home empty?
I've been on both sides of this conversation, as the female's owner and as the person fielding stud inquiries. The best breedings I've been part of had one thing in common: the hard questions were asked early, answered openly and written down before anyone booked a vet appointment.
This guide gives you those questions. There are 20 of them. For each one, I'll cover why it matters, what to ask to see, what a reassuring answer sounds like, which red flags to watch for, and what you should check yourself instead of taking someone's word for it.
Quick answer
The short version, for breeders in a hurry
Before breeding, ask the stud dog owner for his official health test results, breed-specific DNA results and a recent negative brucellosis test. Also ask for his registered pedigree, the COI of the pairing, his temperament, fertility and offspring history. Settle the stud fee, what it includes, return-service terms and costs in a signed contract.
Why do the questions matter more than the photos?
You are choosing half of every puppy's genetics, and a business partner
Your female is already a known quantity. You live with her. You know her faults, her quirks and her family. The stud is the variable, and his genes will show up in every puppy you produce and in every litter those puppies go on to produce.
As the female's owner, you usually carry most of the risk. You manage the pregnancy and the whelping. You raise the litter and place the puppies. Your name is on the health guarantee those puppy buyers rely on. If something goes wrong genetically, it's your phone that rings.
There is also a practical side. A stud owner you can't reach after the breeding, who won't sign litter paperwork, or who "forgets" the return-service promise can cost you a season, a litter and a lot of money.
Health and screening questions
Start here, because nothing else matters if the health foundation is weak
Question 1 of 20
Health certificates
Ask
Which health screenings has he completed, and can I see the official results?
- Why it matters
- Every breed has its own inherited health concerns. Depending on the breed, that might mean hips and elbows, eyes, heart, patellas, thyroid, hearing or breathing. In the US, many breed parent clubs publish a recommended testing protocol through the OFA's Canine Health Information Center (CHIC).
- Ask to see
- Official result documents or registry numbers from the testing body (for example OFA or PennHIP), with the date of each test and his age at the time.
- A reassuring answer
- "Here's his OFA page. He has every test our parent club recommends, and his eye exam was updated this year."
- Red flag
- "He's been vet checked," or "He's health tested," with nothing specific behind it. A general wellness exam is not breed-specific screening.
- Verify yourself
- Look the dog up in the OFA public database. A CHIC number means the required tests were done and published, not that every result was normal, so read the actual results. Check the dates too. Hip and elbow results done before 24 months are preliminary under OFA, and eye exams are usually repeated regularly because some conditions appear later in life.
Question 2 of 20
Breed-specific DNA tests
Ask
Which DNA tests has he had for our breed, and what was his status for each?
- Why it matters
- DNA tests can reveal whether a dog is clear, a carrier or affected for specific inherited conditions. The tests that matter depend on your breed, and a dog can be carrying something you can't see.
- Ask to see
- The full lab report, not a screenshot of a summary. It should show the lab name, the dog's identification and his result for each condition.
- A reassuring answer
- "He's clear on everything except one condition, where he's a carrier. That's why I only breed him to females tested clear for it. It's written into my contract."
- Red flag
- Treating "carrier" as a dirty word to hide, or not knowing what the results mean.
- Verify yourself
- Confirm the test is validated for your breed, then check your female's status for the same conditions. For a simple recessive condition, pairing a carrier with a tested-clear mate avoids producing affected puppies, though some puppies may be carriers. Pairing two carriers is a conversation for your vet or breed club. And remember that many conditions have no DNA test at all.
Question 3 of 20
Brucellosis testing
Ask
When was his last brucellosis test, and what testing will you require from my female?
- Why it matters
- Canine brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, is a contagious reproductive disease that can cause infertility, pregnancy loss and weak puppies. Infected dogs can look perfectly healthy. There's no reliable cure, it can infect people, and it's reportable in several states. One positive dog can devastate a breeding program.
- Ask to see
- A dated, negative result from a veterinary lab, taken close to the breeding. Agree on the exact testing window in writing.
- A reassuring answer
- "I test him on a regular schedule and again before every breeding. I'll need the same from her, dated within the window in our contract."
- Red flag
- A stud owner who doesn't test, doesn't ask you to test, or says "he's never been sick." A stud owner who skips this step with you has probably skipped it with other females too.
- Verify yourself
- Test your own female through your vet. If any result is not negative, your vet will talk you through confirmatory testing before anything else happens.
Question 4 of 20
Current and reproductive health
Ask
Is he in good health right now, and has he had a recent reproductive exam or semen evaluation?
- Why it matters
- A dog can have perfect screening results from two years ago and a problem today. Recent illness, medications, skin infections or testicular issues can affect both fertility and your female's safety.
- Ask to see
- His current vaccination and parasite-prevention records. A recent semen evaluation from a veterinarian is a strong plus, especially for an older, unproven or rarely used dog.
- A reassuring answer
- "He had a reproductive exam and semen evaluation this season. Everything looked normal, and I'm happy to send you the vet's notes."
- Red flag
- Vague answers about "a little infection" that's "basically cleared up," or reluctance to share vet records.
- Verify yourself
- Ask your own vet to review whatever records you receive. If you're using shipped or frozen semen, your vet or reproduction specialist should see the semen quality report.
Question 5 of 20
Family health history
Ask
What health problems have shown up in his parents, siblings and wider family, and how long do dogs in his line usually live?
- Why it matters
- A dog's own results only tell part of the story. Patterns in his relatives, like several dogs lost young to the same illness, can point to a risk that no single certificate will show.
- Ask to see
- Test results for his sire, dam and siblings where they exist, plus ages and causes of death for older relatives.
- A reassuring answer
- An owner who knows the family well, talks openly about the one or two problems that did appear, and can tell you what they did about them.
- Red flag
- "No problems at all, ever, in any of them." Every line has something. Owners who know their dogs can tell you what it is.
- Verify yourself
- Use the OFA database's links to his relatives to see their published results. Talk to your breed club's health committee or experienced breeders in your breed about the line.
Pedigree and genetics questions
How related are your two dogs, and what are you concentrating?
Question 6 of 20
Pedigree and COI
Ask
May I see his registered pedigree, and what is the coefficient of inbreeding for a litter from our two dogs?
- Why it matters
- The coefficient of inbreeding (COI) estimates how closely related the puppies' parents are. Higher inbreeding can concentrate good traits, but it also concentrates hidden problems. The COI that matters is the one for your planned pairing, not the stud's own number.
- Ask to see
- A registered pedigree going back at least four or five generations, plus his registration number.
- A reassuring answer
- "Our dogs share one ancestor six generations back, so the pairing COI comes out low for our breed. Let's run it on your pedigree software too."
- Red flag
- A stud marketed on one famous ancestor, with no interest in how related he is to your female.
- Verify yourself
- Run the COI yourself using your breed club's database or pedigree software, and compare it to typical figures for your breed. Also ask how many litters he has already sired. A heavily used stud spreads his genes across the breed and narrows everyone's future options.
Temperament and structure questions
Look at the dog himself, not just his paperwork
Question 7 of 20
Temperament
Ask
How would you describe his temperament at home, with strangers and in new places, and can I meet him?
- Why it matters
- Temperament is influenced by genetics as well as upbringing. A nervous, reactive or unpredictable stud can pass tendencies to puppies who will end up in family homes.
- Ask to see
- An in-person visit if at all possible. If not, recent unedited video of him meeting a stranger, at the vet or in a busy place. Temperament evaluations and working or sport titles are useful context.
- A reassuring answer
- "Come meet him. He's friendly with visitors and settles quickly. He can be a little pushy with other intact males, so I manage that."
- Red flag
- "He's great with us but doesn't like visitors," or excuses like "he's having an off day" when you notice fear or aggression.
- Verify yourself
- Watch how he greets you, how he recovers from a sudden noise and how he behaves when handled. If you can, meet some of his adult offspring too.
Question 8 of 20
Conformation strengths and weaknesses
Ask
What are his strengths and weaknesses against the breed standard?
- Why it matters
- You're looking for a complement, not a twin. If your female's rear is weak, you need a stud who is correct in the rear. If they share the same fault, you're likely to produce more of it.
- Ask to see
- Standing and moving photos or video, show or performance records, and critiques from judges or experienced breeders if available.
- A reassuring answer
- An owner who names real faults without prompting: "His front is lovely. His tail set could be better, so he suits females who are strong there."
- Red flag
- "He's perfect." No dog is, and an owner who can't see faults can't help you balance them. Be especially wary of exaggerated features that affect health, such as extreme flat faces, heavy wrinkling or poor movement.
- Verify yourself
- Write down your female's faults before you look at studs. Ask a mentor or experienced breeder in your breed to review the pairing with you.
Track record questions
What he has already produced is his most honest reference
Question 9 of 20
Litters and offspring
Ask
How many litters has he sired, and can I see some of his grown offspring?
- Why it matters
- Newborn puppy photos tell you very little. Adult offspring show you whether his strengths come through consistently, and whether his faults do too.
- Ask to see
- Photos or videos of adult offspring, their published health results where available, and contact details for owners who are willing to talk.
- A reassuring answer
- "He has sired a handful of litters to different females. Here are several of his adult kids, and a couple have their own results published."
- Red flag
- A long list of litters with no follow-up on how any of those puppies turned out. Be cautious of very high usage too. In the AKC system, a sire with seven or more lifetime litters, or more than three in a calendar year, must be DNA profiled.
- Verify yourself
- Search the OFA database for his offspring's results, and ask his previous breeding partners directly (see Question 20).
Question 10 of 20
Problems in offspring
Ask
Have any of his puppies developed health or temperament problems, and what did you learn from it?
- Why it matters
- This is the honesty test. Any stud used more than a few times has produced something less than ideal. What matters is whether the owner tracks it, admits it and adjusts.
- Ask to see
- Any health reports or owner feedback they've collected. A good stud owner keeps in touch with litter owners.
- A reassuring answer
- "One puppy from his second litter developed a problem, so we looked hard at that pairing. Here's what we changed."
- Red flag
- "None. Never. Not one." Or an owner who has no idea, because they never followed up.
- Verify yourself
- Ask references specifically about health and temperament at one, two and three years of age, not just at eight weeks.
Question 11 of 20
Fertility and mating history
Ask
Is he proven, when did he last sire a litter, and how have his previous breedings gone?
- Why it matters
- "Proven" can mean he sired one litter four years ago. Fertility can change with age, illness and time, so you want to know about recent outcomes and any difficulties.
- Ask to see
- Dates of recent litters and litter sizes, any missed breedings and their likely cause, and ideally a recent semen evaluation (see Question 4).
- A reassuring answer
- "He sired a litter this spring. He's had one miss in his career, and our vet traced it to timing on the female's side."
- Red flag
- Multiple unexplained misses, or evasiveness about when he last sired a litter.
- Verify yourself
- Ask previous female owners how the breeding went. Timing on your side matters too: ovulation timing with your vet, often through progesterone testing, is one of the biggest factors in whether a breeding takes.
Question 12 of 20
Age and reproductive history
Ask
How old is he, and has anything about his breeding changed as he's aged?
- Why it matters
- Younger males may be less experienced and may not have final health results yet. Older males have had time for late-onset problems to show, which is useful information, but their semen quality may decline.
- Ask to see
- His date of birth on his registration papers, and the dates of his health results.
- A reassuring answer
- "He's five, fully tested with final results, and his last semen evaluation was good. We're watching him as he gets older."
- Red flag
- A very young dog heavily advertised before he has final orthopedic results, or an older dog with no recent reproductive check.
- Verify yourself
- Match his age on the pedigree to the test dates, so you know which results were preliminary and which are final.
Paperwork and money questions
Where most stud disputes actually start
Question 13 of 20
Registration and litter paperwork
Ask
Is he fully registered, who are all his registered owners, and will you sign the litter registration paperwork?
- Why it matters
- This is a trap many first-time breeders fall into. In the AKC system, a dog on limited registration can't have his offspring registered. If the stud is co-owned, you may need every owner's cooperation. Most registries also need the sire's owner to confirm the breeding before a litter can be registered.
- Ask to see
- His registration certificate showing registration type and listed owners. For fresh-extended or frozen semen, or a frequently used sire, ask for his AKC DNA profile number too.
- A reassuring answer
- "He has full registration. My co-owner has signed off on this breeding in writing, and I'll complete the litter paperwork as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed."
- Red flag
- "The papers are being sorted out," reluctance to show the certificate, or a stud owner who wants to hold litter paperwork hostage over an unrelated dispute.
- Verify yourself
- Confirm his registration status with the registry. Check that the microchip number on his health results matches the dog you meet, so you know the paperwork belongs to him.
Question 14 of 20
Stud fee and what it covers
Ask
What is the stud fee, when is it due, and exactly what does it include?
- Why it matters
- Stud fees vary widely by breed, demand and the dog's record, so there's no universal "right" price. What causes trouble is not the number. It's the unspoken assumptions around it.
- Ask to see
- The fee and payment terms in writing: any deposit, the due date, whether any part is refundable, and whether a puppy (a "pick of the litter" arrangement) is taken instead of or in addition to cash.
- A reassuring answer
- "The fee is due at the first breeding and covers two breedings in the same heat cycle. If you'd rather give me a puppy instead, here's how pick order and timing work."
- Red flag
- Fees that change after you've started, "extras" that appear on the day, or pressure to pay in full before you've seen any records.
- Verify yourself
- Ask breed club members or your own breeder what's normal in your breed. Compare what's actually included, not just the headline price.
What to clarify | Why it catches people out |
|---|---|
Number of breedings included | "One breeding" and "breedings through this heat" are very different |
Payment timing | Due at breeding, or at confirmed pregnancy? |
Refundability | Is any part refundable if she doesn't conceive? |
Puppy instead of fee | Which pick, chosen at what age, and what if the litter is small? |
Semen collection and shipping | Usually billed separately for AI |
Boarding | Daily rate, supervision and liability if she stays with the stud |
Question 15 of 20
Breeding method
Ask
Will this be a natural breeding or artificial insemination, and who arranges and pays for each step?
- Why it matters
- Natural breeding, fresh AI, fresh-chilled shipped semen and frozen semen all carry different costs, timing demands and success considerations. Some pairings aren't safe or practical naturally, for example because of a big size difference or an inexperienced dog.
- Ask to see
- A written plan covering the method, who collects the semen, which vet or reproduction specialist is involved, and who pays for collection, shipping and insemination.
- A reassuring answer
- "We can do natural if they're compatible, with fresh AI through my vet as a backup. Collection is included in the fee. Shipping would be extra."
- Red flag
- Any suggestion of forcing an unwilling or frightened dog, or casual home insemination with no veterinary involvement when the situation calls for it.
- Verify yourself
- Talk to your own vet about the best method for your female. For shipped or frozen semen, confirm your vet can receive it and inseminate on the right day.
Question 16 of 20
No pregnancy or a small litter
Ask
What happens if she doesn't get pregnant, or has only one or two puppies?
- Why it matters
- This is the single most common source of stud disputes. A "return service," meaning a repeat breeding on her next cycle, is common, but the details vary enormously.
- Ask to see
- Return-service terms in the contract: when it applies, whether it's limited to her next cycle, whether the fee is refunded instead, what counts as a litter, and what happens if the stud dies, is sold or retires before the repeat breeding.
- A reassuring answer
- "If she misses, you get a free repeat breeding on her next season, and if he's unavailable, I'll refund the fee. We define a litter as the number of live puppies we write in here."
- Red flag
- "Don't worry, we'll sort something out." Verbal promises about return services are worth very little a year later.
- Verify yourself
- Read this clause twice. Make sure it covers the stud becoming unavailable, not just your female missing.
Question 17 of 20
Vet costs and risk
Ask
Who pays for veterinary and reproductive costs, and what happens if either dog is injured or becomes ill during the breeding?
- Why it matters
- Progesterone testing, brucellosis tests, collection, insemination, travel and boarding add up. Accidents happen too, like an injury during a breeding or a female slipping out of a kennel.
- Ask to see
- A written split of costs, plus the stud owner's plan for supervising your female if she boards with them, including what happens if another dog on the premises breeds her by accident.
- A reassuring answer
- "You cover her progesterone tests and your travel. I cover his tests and collection. She'll be kenneled separately from my other males and supervised at all times."
- Red flag
- Several intact males loose on the property, no clear answer on supervision, or no mention of liability.
- Verify yourself
- Visit the premises if she will board there. If an accidental second mating is possible, know that the AKC requires DNA parentage verification to register a litter with more than one sire.
Logistics, contract and reference questions
Where good intentions become enforceable agreements
Question 18 of 20
Timing and availability
Ask
Is he available when she's due in season, and how much notice do you need?
- Why it matters
- Heat cycles don't wait for anyone. Popular studs get booked well ahead, and shipping or travel adds pressure on timing. Searching after she's already in season is how corners get cut.
- Ask to see
- His commitments around her expected season, and how you should notify the owner when her cycle starts.
- A reassuring answer
- "Let me know on day one of her season. I keep his schedule clear around booked females, and my vet can collect on short notice."
- Red flag
- A stud owner who is hard to reach now. They will be harder to reach at 7 a.m. on breeding day.
- Verify yourself
- Start talking to stud owners several months before her expected season, and have a backup stud you've vetted just as carefully.
Question 19 of 20
Written contract and responsibilities
Ask
Will everything we've agreed be in a signed contract, and may I review it before the breeding?
- Why it matters
- A contract protects both owners. It sets out health testing requirements, the fee, the method, the return service, costs, registration cooperation and any puppy arrangement, plus each owner's responsibilities from the first breeding through registration.
- Ask to see
- A draft contract in advance, not at the door on breeding day.
- A reassuring answer
- "Here's my standard contract. Read it over, and if you want anything changed or clarified, let's talk before we book."
- Red flag
- Refusing to put terms in writing, or presenting the contract only once your female is already there.
- Verify yourself
- Read every clause and keep a signed copy. For higher-value breedings or unusual terms, consider having the contract reviewed by someone qualified, since the law varies by state.
Question 20 of 20
References
Ask
Can you put me in touch with people who have bred to him before?
- Why it matters
- Other breeders' experience tells you what the contract can't: how the owner communicates, whether promises were kept and how the puppies turned out.
- Ask to see
- Contact details for at least two or three previous breeding partners, ideally including one whose breeding didn't go perfectly.
- A reassuring answer
- "Absolutely. Call these three. One of them had a miss, and she'll tell you how we handled it."
- Red flag
- No references, or only references who are friends or co-owners.
- Verify yourself
- Ask each reference three things. Would you breed to him again? How did the puppies turn out as adults? Did the stud owner do everything they promised?
What should a good stud owner ask you?
If they don't ask, that is information too
A responsible stud owner is choosing you as much as you're choosing them. Expect them to ask about your female's health results and brucellosis test, her temperament, pedigree, age and previous litters, your breeding goals and your plans for placing the puppies.
If a stud owner asks you nothing beyond "when can you pay?", take it seriously. The same casual attitude probably applies to every female he's bred to, and that affects the health of his lines and the safety of your kennel.
Which red flags mean you should walk away?
When to slow down, and when to leave
Red flag | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
"Health tested" with no documents | Tests may not exist or may not be breed-appropriate | Ask for official results, or keep looking |
No brucellosis testing required | Kennel biosecurity may be weak | Walk away |
Refuses to name any faults | Can't help you balance the pairing | Get an outside opinion on the dog |
No written contract | Nothing to enforce later | Don't proceed without one |
Limited registration or missing co-owner signature | Litter may not be registrable | Confirm with the registry before booking |
Pressure to book fast | Avoiding scrutiny | Take your time. A good stud will wait |
No references or grown offspring to show | No track record you can verify | Treat him as unproven |
Microchip doesn't match the paperwork | Records may belong to another dog | Stop until it's resolved |
Several intact males loose where she'll board | Risk of accidental mating or injury | Arrange a supervised breeding or choose another stud |
Which documents should you request?
Ask for them in writing, and check every one
Document | Where it comes from | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
Orthopedic, eye, cardiac or other breed-relevant results | OFA, PennHIP or the relevant testing body | OFA public database. Check dates and age at testing |
Breed-specific DNA results | Accredited genetic testing lab | Full lab report with the dog's ID. Confirm the test is validated for your breed |
Recent negative brucellosis test | Veterinary lab via his vet | Date falls within the agreed window |
Registration certificate | AKC or other registry | Registration type, owners and number. Confirm with the registry |
Pedigree (4 to 5 generations) | Registry | Use it to calculate COI for your pairing |
DNA profile (when applicable) | AKC DNA program | Required for frequently used sires and for fresh-extended or frozen semen |
Recent semen evaluation (if available) | His vet or reproduction specialist | Have your own vet review it |
Vaccination and parasite-prevention records | His vet | Current and complete |
Signed stud contract | Both owners | Keep a signed copy |
What mistakes do breeders make most often?
I have seen every one of these, more than once
Choosing by photo and price. The most striking dog in your feed may double up on your female's faults. The cheapest fee may have no testing behind it.
Waiting until she's in season. Panic leads to compromises. Start the conversation months ahead.
Accepting screenshots instead of records. Anything can be cropped or edited. Look results up yourself.
Checking the stud's COI instead of the pairing's. Two dogs with low individual COIs can still be closely related to each other.
Forgetting your own female's testing. Everything you ask of the stud, you should be able to show for her.
Assuming "proven" means healthy offspring. Proven means he produced puppies. It says nothing about how they turned out.
Trusting a verbal return-service promise. If it isn't in the contract, it probably won't happen the way you remember it.
Not checking registration type. Discovering limited registration after the puppies are born is heartbreaking and avoidable.
Stud dog owner question checklist
Save it, screenshot it, or print it and take it to the meeting
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Frequently asked questions
Short answers to what breeders ask us most
What health tests should a stud dog have before breeding?
It depends on the breed. Start with your breed parent club's recommendations, many of which are listed through the OFA/CHIC program. Typical screenings may include hips and elbows, eyes, cardiac, patellas or thyroid, plus breed-specific DNA tests. All breeding dogs should also have a recent negative brucellosis test. Always ask for official results and look them up yourself.
Should both dogs be tested for brucellosis before breeding?
Yes. Brucellosis can spread during breeding, infected dogs can look healthy, and there's no reliable cure. Both the stud and the female should test negative shortly before the breeding, and a responsible stud owner will require it of you as well.
How much is a typical stud fee?
There's no single answer. Fees vary by breed, region, demand and the dog's record. Ask your breed club or experienced breeders what's typical in your breed, then compare what each fee actually includes, not just the price.
What is a return service?
A repeat breeding if the first one doesn't produce a litter. Terms vary, so your contract should spell out when it applies, whether it's limited to the next cycle, what counts as a litter and what happens if the stud is no longer available.
Can I breed my female to a stud who is a carrier for a genetic condition?
Often yes, with care. For a simple recessive condition with a validated test, a carrier paired with a tested-clear mate won't produce affected puppies for that condition, though some puppies may be carriers. Discuss it with your vet or breed club, especially for conditions with complex inheritance.
Is a proven stud always the better choice?
Not automatically. A proven stud shows fertility and gives you offspring to evaluate, which is valuable. But a well-tested, well-bred young dog can be a good choice too, and a heavily used stud raises genetic diversity concerns for the breed.
Do I really need a written stud contract?
Yes. A signed contract protects both owners and prevents most disputes over fees, return services, costs and registration. Review it before breeding day and keep a copy.
What should I do if the stud owner won't share health results?
Keep looking. Openness about health testing is one of the clearest signs of a responsible stud owner, and refusal is one of the clearest warning signs.
The bottom line
Ask early, verify everything, and get it in writing
The right stud isn't the most famous dog or the cheapest fee. He's the dog whose health is documented, whose temperament you'd want in your own home and whose strengths answer your female's weaknesses. He should come with an owner who welcomes your questions and puts every promise on paper.
Ask all 20 questions. Look up every result. Talk to references. And if something feels off, trust that feeling. There will be another stud and another season. There's only one chance to get this litter right.
