“He’s proven.”
That is often one of the first things we hear when someone is telling us about a stud dog.
So naturally, my next question is: “When was his last litter?”
Sometimes it was a few months ago. Sometimes the answer is, “Oh, about two years ago.”
A previous litter is useful information, but it tells us what that dog’s fertility was capable of at that point. It cannot tell us what his semen looks like today.
A dog’s fertility can change.
Age, illness, fever, infection, medication, excess weight, heat exposure and changes in general health can all affect a dog’s sample. The sperm we examine today has developed over approximately the previous two to three months, which is why a dog may take time to recover from a setback or respond to supportive changes.
This also means that a mating which produced a healthy litter several years ago cannot replace a current semen analysis.
The sample is collected calmly and non-invasively. In many cases, we don’t require a bitch in season, although having one nearby can sometimes help.
Once collected, we examine several parts of the sample rather than looking for one single “fertility number”.
We record the volume collected, but more fluid does not automatically mean more sperm. Volume needs to be considered alongside the sperm concentration and whether the important sperm-rich portion of the ejaculate was collected.
Concentration tells us how many sperm are present in each millilitre.
We then consider this with the volume to calculate the total number of sperm collected. That complete picture is more useful than concentration alone.
Motility means movement, but we also need to know what kind of movement we are seeing.
Sperm swimming strongly and purposefully forwards are far more encouraging than sperm that are twitching, spinning or moving in circles.
We suggest a good sample would typically have at least 70% forward motility.
Morphology means the structure and development of the sperm.
We examine the head, middle section and tail, looking for abnormalities that could affect movement or the sperm’s ability to fertilise an egg. In a good NWBS sample, we would typically expect fewer than 10% of the sperm to be classed as abnormal.
The results must still be interpreted together. One strong figure cannot completely compensate for several poorer ones, and no semen analysis can guarantee that a mating will result in pregnancy.
Not necessarily.
An incomplete collection, anxiety, pain, recent illness, frequent collections or another temporary influence could affect the result.
Depending on what we see, we may suggest repeating the collection, reviewing the dog’s recent health and medication, or seeking veterinary investigation.
Body condition, diet, heat management and appropriate fertility support may also be worth reviewing. Targeted supplements can be helpful for some dogs, particularly where nutritional or oxidative support is appropriate - we recommend the Canine Nutrition Coach Super Stud Bundle and Isobel's Coaching support for further advice: https://www.caninenutritioncoach.co.uk/store/p14/studsupplements.html
Because sperm take around two to three months to develop, a genuine improvement plan needs time before it is properly reassessed.
Yes. By approximately 12 months old, many dogs are sexually mature enough to provide a useful sample, although development varies between individuals and breeds.
However, producing a semen sample does not automatically mean a dog is ready to be used at stud.
Temperament, physical maturity, family history and all breed-relevant health testing must also be considered. Some health-screening schemes cannot be completed until a particular age, so always check the current recommendations for your breed.
Useful times include:
- Before he is offered publicly at stud
- Before an important or time-sensitive mating
- If it has been a long time since his last successful litter
- After significant illness, fever or medication changes
- If a previous mating has failed despite good timing
- Before collecting semen for chilling or freezing
A semen analysis isn’t about passing or failing a dog.
It is about understanding where he currently stands, identifying concerns before a bitch’s season is committed, and making the next breeding decision with better information.
That is far more useful than simply crossing your fingers because he was “proven” two years ago.
Book him in for a canine semen analysis with us. The cost is just £50 (at time of publishing). We’ll assess the sample, show you what we can see and discuss what the findings may mean for your next steps.
If you need help with the wider responsibilities of offering a dog at stud or choosing the right stud for your bitch, you can also book a one-to-one breeder mentoring session with us.
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