It's not something I've looked into in any great detail as I can see it being something I would consider (although I can see the reasonings behind it) - but I think it is to do with larger breeds and long periods between cycles, litter sizes etc - but happy to be corrected on the reasons behind it.

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What you need to know before buying a Labrador puppy

I am hopefully mating my bitch next week. In the stud contract it is stated that even the live birth of even 1 pup constitutes a successful mating & fulfillment of the agreement.

The only way a second mating is offerred is if no pregnancy is achieved. I don`t know if this is standard practise in contracts or if it depends on the owner.

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4 working cockers dexter 7, dizzy 3, murphy 2, charlie 1 and Eccles the dalmatian
5 cats cleo, katie & mickey (all 11) Merlin & Starr MC`s kittens
4 chinchillas (ranging from 19 to 4 yrs)
2 red foot tortoises
tropical fish in 6ft tank

Sprocket the rocket....(hamster) RIP


Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
Anatole France
www.clarevilloscockers.co.uk

We cross posted then...but I didn't mean at the same time - God no!
Hope my cross post answers you a bit!

I'm only speaking for myself...not advocating a practice, and that's something I would discuss at length with my mentor, the understanding of the stud side of things etc if I needed to, which I doubt I would, as I'm not in it for a big litter, just a healthy one.

Obviously if I get the timing wrong one time, there's no guarantee that I'll get it right another, not blaming the stud at all, but there could be factors on both sides!

Why can't we have an L plate smiley.....

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Stella, Louis and Asha

The point is, you couldn't put one small litter down to a stud dog - now if he consistently missed / produced very small litters - then yes - you could start looking that way - although I believe some stud owners do check their boy's fertility from time to time - but a one off small litter could happen to anyone.

I know someone whose stud dog was consistently producing large litters - but only produced 2s and 3s to her own bitch.

My friends boy is the result of a repeat mating after a very small litter - personally I would probably allow a repeat if requested - but yes, I guess it is something that will be decided on a case by case basis by breeders

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What you need to know before buying a Labrador puppy

That's interesting, thanks! It's really valuable having an insight from people like you who have so much experience. I am a total newcomer to breeding, very much feeling my way and trying to do everything right. I have a great mentor, and support from others, and I read as much as I can, but it's great when you learn something that you'd never even thought of. Especially as I'm so focussed on things from the bitch's side.
I mean, you think you know the mechanics of dog+bitch, but that tells you nothing compared to what you can learn from those who know! I think maybe it was my own uncertainties that made me think I'd be more inclined to use a different stud, but your points have given me food for thought...
Fascinating stuff! Thanks

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Stella, Louis and Asha

Over the years I have owned 4 dogs which have been used at stud (all successful show dogs with super temperaments and good health test results ) I know the convention has been that you are paying for the service of the dog (if proven) rather than for the resulting puppies, but I am soft and only charge if there is a resulting litter. And on the one occasion where a small litter was produced, I charged a smaller stud fee. I did / do what I feel happy with

I do feel that there is something to be said for charging a handling fee (there can be a lot of inconvenience to the stud dog owner!) and a set fee per puppy. It does feel fairer to all concerned.