A good stud dog is healthy, health-tested and used responsibly, not as often as possible.
He should be mature, health-tested for the problems known in the breed and have a temperament worth passing on. A vet examination and, if needed, a semen test tell you whether he is fertile.
Write a stud agreement before the mating: the fee, what happens if no puppies are born, repeat matings and who pays for travel and tests. Ask for the female's health tests and vaccination status too, since you share responsibility for the litter.
A popular stud dog can father a large share of a breed's puppies and narrow its gene pool. Many breed clubs recommend limiting how many litters one male sires. Follow the health of his offspring and share the results openly.
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