How soon should you breed from male dog?

[frostyfingers]

Just a quick question. My friend has a 9 month old springer spaniel and was about to get him neutered, however she has been asked if he can be used to breed from.

I thought 9 months would be too young - he is unproven as a working dog (he is pedigree), and actually is even more barmy than many of the mad springers I have known (I speak as a former owner of several!)

Any advice, as I'd like to let them know if the general opinion is to wait.

9 months is too young for several reasons.

He is unproven in any way (show or working) and he is also too young to have had hip scores done. He is also too young to really tell what he will turn out like and whether he is in fact, decent enough for breeding.

What makes her want to breed from him? Anyone with a good quality, health tested bitch is likely to want an equally or more decent stud dog. There are lots of proven stud dogs available, so the only people, IMO, who are likely to use an unproven, un tested dog are those with equally unproven and un health tested bitches who are also irrepsonible. (and no-one with a good stud dog will touch them with a bargepole!)

Also, there are a number of DNA tests Springer also require before breeding, I think. Your friend would need to check.

Thank you - thought so. I think it's a neighbours dog and it's convenient. Not very well thought through at all, so I will let them know about hip scores etc and try and put them off.

He's a sweet dog, but they haven't really got to grips with him yet - he's unruly to say the least and I wouldn't use him for any of mine.

What Midori said - she's the expert.

You may like to remind your neighbour that unwanted dogs in rescue are not limited to crossbreeds. All too often we see backstreet bred "pedigrees" whose physical and/or psychological problems, not considered or cared about by the breeder, lead the dogs to rescue's door... if they are lucky.

There are hundreds of dogs being killed in pounds each week for want of homes without adding to the numbers competing for a roof and someone to love them. Please, if you can, dissuade your neighbour.

Sorry, my mistake, for 'neighbour', read 'friend'.

I will do my best to dissuade them - like so many they think it's a nice idea, but hopefully with your info I'll change their minds!