How to Find a Stud Dog

How to Choose the Right Stud Dog: What Most Owners Get Wrong

​It’s not just about looks or lines — here’s what really matters when selecting a stud and owner you can trust.

It’s one of the most important decisions in your breeding journey, and one of the most misunderstood. Choosing a stud dog isn’t just about finding a boy that’s available, looks the part, or has an impressive ad. It’s about selecting the right match, with the right owner behind him, to protect the health, structure, and future of your line.
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We have a really exciting set of Breeder Brief Files - long, gritty, double length podcast episodes that deep dive into topics including this. This blog shares some important lessons we share in the "Stud Options Breeder Brief File". If you want to get your hands on the full audio, join the Brew Crew now for instant access.

We’ll walk you through the biggest mistakes breeders make when picking a stud, what to look for beyond the surface, and why the right owner matters just as much as the right dog.

​​1. Choosing a Stud Too Late

If your bitch is already in season and you’re frantically searching for a dog, you’ve left it too late. This is how most corners get cut — and it’s how breeders end up compromising. The best stud owners (the ones who care, educate, and guide you) are often booked months in advance. Finding a stud should be a conversation that starts before you need it. Sometimes, a year or more ahead isn’t too early.

Planning ahead gives you time to evaluate health tests, temperament, compatibility — and the person behind the dog. It means you’re making a decision based on values, not panic. And that’s where good breeding begins

​2. Confusing Good Looks with Good Breeding

Just because a stud looks impressive doesn’t mean he’ll improve your line. Ask yourself: What are you hoping to achieve from this litter? If your bitch has a weaker topline, don’t pair her with a dog that has the same. If her coat texture isn’t ideal, find a boy that corrects it. This is how you breed forward.
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Two pretty dogs don’t always make pretty puppies — especially if they share the same faults. The smartest breeders aren’t looking for a match, they’re looking for a compliment. A stud should elevate what you’ve got, not just duplicate it.

​3. Ignoring the Stud Owner

Here’s the bit no one talks about: You’re not just choosing a dog. You’re entering into a partnership with another human. The stud owner should be someone you trust — someone who wants to support you, not just take your money and disappear. A great stud owner will:

• Talk you through the breeding process calmly
• Help you understand faults and virtues on both sides
• Be honest about whether the match is suitable
• Provide a clear written contract (and stick to it)
• Be available if something goes wrong — not ghost you once the mating’s done

If you feel like you’re being rushed, pressured or upsold — walk away. Stud owners should want to work with you, not just breed their dog.

Stud Dog, or Stud Partner?

This decision should never just be about "the dog in the photo". It's about the bigger picture — the dog, the owner, the pedigree, the values behind it all. The right stud owner can become one of the most important contacts you have as a breeder.

And if you’re not sure where to begin, or what questions to ask, you’re not alone. Inside our Brew Crew mentoring club, we’ve created a full Breeder Brief episode on exactly this topic. It’s packed with practical questions, examples, and red flags to help you choose your stud with confidence.
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If you’re serious about doing things the right way, and want support that’s honest, current and non-judgemental - come join us inside the Brew Crew.

Want help choosing the right stud, and personal support throughout your breeding journey? Come join the Brew Crew for live Q&As, bite-sized Breeder Briefs, and honest breeder-to-breeder support. 

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