Studs

A friend had mated her bitch to the fantastic Tom. According to the vet the scan at 4 - 5 weeks showed puppies, but he would not commit to even a baseline. By 7 weeks the bitch still did not seem to be showing any signs of pregnancy and I suggested she re scan with a canine pregnancy scanning agency and not a vet. She did, sadly no puppies, just the odd shadow fluttering about. It is impossible to know if she had been pregnant and reabsorbed, or if she was never pregnant in the first place. My friend is devastated, and by the time the bitch comes back in season, Tom will have gone home to Jamaica. 

Tom was probably one of the top winning dogs to ever come into the UK, he was graded VA - Excellent Select, the highest attainable award to a German show dog and granted only at the annual Sieger Show. Most imports to the UK have managed a credible V, but you know, Dexi was V graded. Tom had not been sold to the UK, he was here a short time, I do hope people took advantage of his qualities and that we see his progeny at UK shows. So where does my friend stand now? I honestly don't know. She's a large stud fee lighter and unlike me she will be unable to claim that stud at a later date, unless she uses another male at the same kennel of course! 

Like Nico, Orin is offered at stud and should the bitch miss then a free repeat is on offer. Payment is generally given at the time of the first mating, you pay for a service not a result, but thankfully it doesn't work that way with friends!