Max is our Labrador retriever born 20.10.99. He is handsome and black, good natured and well trained. we have his pedigree certificate, noting his great grand parents, his grand parents and his parents. we were told that his heritage is chocolate labrador. we do not want to have him "done" as our vet advises, but lately he has become rather frisky and we would welcome any advice as to where to go from here. can anyone let us know how to handle this situation. we live in north london, NW11. if anyone can give us some advice we would welcome it

thanks for your advice.

Using him at stud will not reduce his sex drive!

I would have thought using him at stud would increase his sex drive. Once he's had a little taster he would want more, whereas if he's never given the taster then he won't know 100% what he is missing.

That's how I've always thought it works but I'm sure more experienced people will know better

Claire, while I agre with most of what has been said, I don't think that using a dog at stud increases his sex drive. I do keep my boys apart for a cpople of hours after thy have mated, but they have never strayed and necer fought.

Why do people presume because a dog has a pedigree its a good specimen of the breed? I believe there is one only valid reason to breed and that is to improve on the breed itself or produce dogs for a valid purpose,The Rescue figures for Labradors are staggering and I know that for a fact.
Why not enjoy your dog for a good looking lab and wonderful family pet.
Using him on bitches will make him worse not better.
My eleven year old lab (ex showdog) has only been used a few times at stud and he is eleven now and doddery and sleeps most of the time but when my young Lab came in season recently he turned into a sex maniac,how he did I dont know because his arthritis is so bad he can no longer Lift his leg,anyway he went off his food and howled the place down.
So my advice is dont use him at stud.Good luck

Hi there Tjelmslie,

The majority of Stud Dogs are KNOWN to Breeders through various dog shows, i.e. Breed Shows, Obedience Shows, Agility, Working Trials etc...

This means that potential breeders get to see and meet a Stud Dog, particularly his ability in the chosen field of dog sport. He will equally have progeny that will be following in his footsteps in Shows, and therefore people can see the type of youngsters he produces, (looks, temperament, working ability).

The reason this is important is because he will then have reasonably regular female visitors. Once he is used at stud he will WANT females! - and reasonably regularly too!

A dog unknown to the 'dog fraternity' is not going to find sufficient mates to satisfy him, and it would be cruel to do so from his point of view, and be very difficult for you as well, because when he feels 'the need' he will become VERY frustrated. The odd neighbour or friend's bitch will simply not do!!

I too have owned very beautiful and excellent specimens of certain breeds of dog, but have not bred. Also remember the Stud Dog Owner has just as much responsibility of checking that the potential bitch is 'suitable' - if you make a mistake, and the puppies reflect this, so will your reputation!

There are MANY wonderful dogs out there, because most are carefully bred by good caring Breeders. So it is NOT unusual to find lovely specimens of the Breed.

My advice - neuter, and enjoy the admiring comments you receive. If someone is interested in his pedigree line, refer them to the Breeder who bred yours (presumably this is someone experienced and caring of the breed). By the way, how old is he? and what do you mean by 'Frisky'?

Hope this helps, all the best,
Denise.

How well put!

Hi,

To put your dog up for stud, you would need to have hips scored and eye tests. Do you really want a stud dog or do you want a puppy to carry on his line? If the latter go to his breeder. All males get frisky(the two legged kind too)!!! He may well smell a bitch in season near to where you live, you will have to take extra care he can't get out, as he will go looking for it so to speak.

If after all the posts on here, you are still interested get a professional opinion of your dogs good and bad points, and talk to a stud owner, then if you decide to go ahead please let me know as I am new to breeding game,so new no litters yet,next year hopefully. Chocolate Labs! It could good to help each other, I have done a lot of investigating of Labs and yes there are a lot in rescue(I volenteer for rspca in my area) and the ones that come to us are mainly change in circumstance and the breeder not interested, or they are labx. I am not saying they don't come in for any other reason as they do but in this area thankfully not often. Staying with rescue, Brainless is it alaskens you breed as a pure bred is currently at battersea. Sorry about spelling. My point being any breed can come into rescue for many reasons, lab and labx come in a lot as there are many more bred than other breeds, German shepherds being a major problem here, much more than labs. Lastly before you all fall asleep, there is no reason not to breed Labs as long as it is for the GOOD of the breed and you can offer a lifetime care with them.

Kim

I'm calling Battersea as we speak. Won't be in there long.

I have just called the three Battersea centres and they haven't got any Mals. They told me that I would not find one except possibly in Breed rescue, which to my knowledge has only had one in over a year (and they probably had a waiting list as long as your arm for that one).
Naomi

Hi,

Sorry guys i have just rechecked and its a japenese akita, talk about get your facts wrong!!!! But these are unusual to have in rescue, a lovely dog its on their web site if anyone wants to look.

Kim

Brainless and I have Elkhounds.

Sorry I did not know what you had at all,
Kim

Don't be sorry I'd love a Mal but I'd also like to keep my husband. Jackie H

I am afraid that Akitas in need of Rescue are not unusual at all. since they came in in 1980, their breeding has risen to a couple of thousand a year. A well known Akita breeder (reputable) has a Boarding Kennel, and they take in strays for Mendip. when I wasw visiting the quarantine kennel, the dog warden was just picking up a very poor specimen (white), the owner had been found, and didn't want it anymore! the Warden had it listed as a Husky cross!

No it is Elkhounds, smaller, and always grey with a dark mask and ears (in case you ever see one in there)!