Help.. more questions!

Hmm...yes, early. Esp on a larger dog...but since it looks like it will happen. OFA prelim as close to age 18 mos as possible. PennHip would be better as it's a more finite answer that is not going to change with age.

Eyes and whatever will be done right?

He should have a stud dog work up...that is Brucie, testicle and prepuce/penis check and motility screen so you know a)there are in fact, sperm b)in what numbers and health the sperm are. If he has low count...start drawing him by hand every other day as that can raise the count...or consult with your vet to see what meds might help but again...a good stud dog should not need help to make healthy sperm...

Yes use a contract always...always...use a contract. You can probably find some generics online. TEST THOSE GIRLS for Brucie...recent tests too, not like..."last seasons".

Charge? Well that's breed dependant. Akitas it's usually $600 for unproven...Beagles $500 will get you a breeding to a very nice proven dog.

Payment is due at time of service when they pick the bitch up. If they're being shipped get it before they arrive or at least again...before they leave. Just put in that they get a REPEAT service free if she doesn't take or there is no viable litter. Most stud owners do not refund...they do a repeat free...and only one.

Viable is usuallly 1-2 (your choice) puppies surviving for 14 days. Bitch owners resp if they want to do progesterone prior...you can decide if you will cover her every other day til no longer standing, or only once...that depends on the bitch and your schedule.

Are you handling the breedings yourself? Because that is a whole nuther issue..

Wheee... and so it begins. I feel so in over my head and so appreciative for your help Gina!  My breeder is awesome as are the friends that have been helping, but perspective is nice.

Yep a bit young, I was fighting this for awhile. I've been getting inquiries since he was about 10 months old... my breeder was against that too, but has been good about allowing me the final say.  She feels it would be fine now but, I figured 18 months was decent enough and as I've been researching this is fairly common in my breed, though I must say these are some very nice males, not just Bob's weimaraner, you know?  One is 1 month older than Logan and he has 3 litters on the ground one of which is 4 months old.  So yes, he's been bred since a year.  This is by a VERY top weim breeder on the east coast.  I was not comfortable with the idea of breeding my baby that young.  It's been insane.  What an introduction to competitive dog sports, huh? :)

First, no. I will not be the one handling the breeding. First to breed has been in weims for 20 years is on the Board of the Weim Assoc of Canada and is a member in good standing of local clubs and the Weim Club of America. My best girl pal (the only one against the breeding) lives nearby, and is a mutual friend of all. She is also very familiar with Logan, she will be here for the breeding, too.  She's been in weims for about 15 yrs.  So, I'm well covered there.

Good call on the stud dog work up, hadn't even known it was an option.  Will make calls tomorrow, my friend will recommend a vet for hips and the work up... I need to find out more about eye stuff, it's not a common problem in weims. Our main problems with eyes is extra eyelashes sometimes severe and needing surgery.  But, I'll look into that, too. So far what the Bitch owners want is prelim on hips.... so I'll ask for brucelosis testing and hips/cerf on their bitches?

Stud fee's in weims vary greatly, too.  I think the most expensive I can remember hearing about is an uncle of logan's, BOB at Westminster and a BIS winning dog he's at $2500. From what I gather $1000 -$1500 is about average.  I was thinking I'd charge whatever my expenses are, I cannot imagine them being more than $500.  I was thinking more like $250 for an unproven male.  But, I'll talk to the breeder and let you know what she thinks.  LOL should be interesting!

 THANKS AGAIN!  I know you don't approve and I appreciate you helping me out anyway. I really do.

 My Breeder said $1000 for an unproven male of Logan's status. ... I don't agree. Particularly for the first breeding. I'm going to suggest $500 for the first.

The other bitch is very, very nice. I want her to breed to Logan.  If I wanted a Logan pup at the moment this would be the litter I'd get it from.  But, i"m talking to my breeder about a pup from another of her girls. But, this litter could be gorgeous.  The first litter will likely be nice, but more performance oriented, I like that his first two litters have the potential of proving him as a versatile producer.
 

Lani...don't think that I don't approve...

I have used a dog at that age or even younger actually...my own red dog...the Grease litter's sire. But I did that under duress of the bitch's then co owner who wanted the breeding done then...and I did not want to risk upsetting her and having her give me trouble about signing off on the bitch later.

Turns out he produced hitchers and all 3 pups are now spayed pets My instinct was good LOL. But he was a gorgeous dog and now does great things in agility as a neutered finished Ch. he just wasn't a great producer.

We ALL in dogs have to do things we aren't 100% comfortable with...no man is an island and we need the support of those around us...and sometimes compromises need to be made in order to move forward.

Now I am at the point where the bitches I own are mine, and people know me well enough to sell me other bitches or dogs outright...so it's all worth it in the end. I am no longer beholden to anyone with regards to my breeding choices...and that is what I was striving for.

You are a responsible lady and your dog is a gorgeous example of his breed in every way...don't think I am disapproving of you...I completely understand and I think you are going to make a positive impact on your breed.

Thank you Gina.  That was extremely generous and really awesome to hear.  It's been a tad bit overwhelming and I just don't want to make a dumb mistake I'll regret, I'm sure if I haven't yet, I will eventually.  But you can only do so much.. and then you just have to go with your gut and instinct.  And sometimes with the crowd.  There are a ton of dog people who are way too pushy, all things considered, clearly!  Sounds like you've dealt with your share!  I'm very, very lucky my breeder gives me options, ideas of what they'd do and then leave the decision to me.

Why I gave in to the 18 month thing had to do with the bitches available, I wanted a breeder who would make sure the puppies were sound of mind and health at the expense of everything else, but hopefully they will be as beautiful as their parents.  But, I turned down the first bitch due to concerns over her temperament. I don't want scary pups out there, particularly from his first breeding. 

Thank you again, really what you said makes me feel so much better.. I really just want to do what's best for Logan first, then the breed and then for me... i don't like feeling pressured into making fast decisions especially when they can have lasting repurcussions.  I dont' work like that! :)

THANK YOU!!! ((HUGS))

 Lani I will find out for you what my friend in NY charges for her lab - he is not a champion but only a few points off and I think he gets at least $1500 so the $1000 - despite Logan's age and being 'unproven' - sounds reasonable to me.

I can't believe my baby Logan is going to be a dad - I'm stressing LOL. However from what you say the pups should be awesome!

Good luck, I'm sure you will do fine and he will too - I want to see pics of the pups!

Thank you Karen, I'd appreciate hearing how much he charges.  I know different breeds charge different amounts and apparently weims are fairly spendy! lol 

My first dog.... turns out he maybe my once i a lifetime boy.  What an introduction! :)

I know, our boy is growing up!!! I definitely will share pictures!!!!! Oh, boy will I!  I can't wait to see the baby beagley's soon, too!

 They are at a show this weekend so I will have to wait til Monday to call - I would think that weims are more $$

Oh I know baby beagles and baby weims squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I think what hits is that I have - through photos - seen Logan grow up from the first pics you posted so it is so hard for me to think of him as a dad LOL

Lani I know nothing about what a great specimen looks like technically but Logan makes my heart stop.  Sure I have a thing for large athletic dogs so it isn't a surprise but still..............

I wish you much luck and keep me informed!

(I thought there was more in this post originally, no?)

There was more... but, it sounded different than I had intended it and didn't have the time to edit it.  So, I just deleted it :)  made it easier!

Thank you for the help, I appreciate it!

... well, Karen, when you are ready for your weim, you just let me know!  Bugs wants one, I think :)  Logan will have babies and in a few years, with any luck I will have my first litter myself.  ANY of you ladies that want a weim, let me know, you are all clearly superior homes.

And Gina, getting a weim would give the beagles a break from Cleo.... though, I don't know who would give Cleo a break!

I will definitely keep you informed.  With any luck there will be a litter on the ground in the spring with some amazing homes, I hope he produces lots of puppies and beautiful, athletic ones, too! :)

Thanks again!!

 I can't believe my nephew's gonna get some!  Just yesterday he was in the back of your car, with his big floppy dumbo ears, and you sent me a pic to let me know he'd arrived safe and sound from BC.  Now he's nearly a man!

I am still getting the giggles picturing his face when he's actually allowed near Posie or Rose:  "really mama?  I'm ALLOWED now?" hahaha!

When you breed YOUR first litter...I want my Seeker.  You know that. ;)