Читать книгу The Complete Book of Dog Breeding - Dan Rice - Страница 50

Stud fee considerations are in the purview of the dam and sire’s owners. Generally, the better a stud has performed in exhibition, the higher his fee. If he has sired classwinning offspring or champions, the stud costs may increase also. A proven stud that complements your bitch’s qualities is a bargain, no matter what the fee.

Choice of a sire should never be made on the basis of a low stud fee. Sometimes the fee is negotiable, and if the dam is equal or superior in quality to the sire, a choice of puppies may be made a part of the fee. The fee should always be discussed and committed to writing, signed by both owners, before the bitch is bred.

Always look at the stud’s registration paper to assure that he belongs to the person with whom you are negotiating. Check his pedigree and compare it to the other data you have seen and offspring you have handled. Arrive at a definite, written agreement on where the breeding will take place and who will witness it. Note repeat service guarantees in case no pregnancy results. If a kennel boarding fee is to be charged, it should also be stated.

Chocolate Labrador Retriever dam and her six-week-old litter of blacks and browns.

The fee agreement should also address who is responsible for payment for physical examination of the stud. A reproductive physical examination is absolutely essential for a stud if one has not been done within the previous 90 days (see Male Examination, page 50) and be sure to inquire about his CHIC evaluation. If you decide an exam is not necessary because of a recent certification of health, read the health report carefully. If it does not specify prostatic and testicular examinations, request a new examination.

If the above recommendations seem like overkill to you, consider your investment in time, money, and love. Don’t be intimidated into compromising your standard because of friendship or respect for a person. If the owner of a stud is insulted by your requests and summarily denies them, perhaps you should look for another stud. Handshakes may work for some, but don’t depend on it.