To those of you out there who use outside or out of state studs, is frozen semen used much, or is it always fresh/cooled or live cover? I have a very nice English ex-show boy (Yes, full genetic panel and hips/elbows blah blah all done) who I was considering having frozen, mostly for my own program's use as he is getting a bit older. However I would consider studding him out to approved bitches if there was interest. But is a stud who is only available via frozen vs. fresh/cooled a turnoff because it all has to be done at a repro vet, and good repro vets can be harder to find or maybe a long ways from the bitch owner?
Hi there and welcome. Personally, when I was looking for a stud dog for my bitch, I was only interested in a dog that I could visit, and where there was a 'natural' mating. But maybe others will have more information for you.
Thank you for your input. Definitely a wise approach, I do know that sometimes there are those who are looking for specific lines or characteristics that may not be available in their areas, so will use studs farther away.
Indeed, and in fact I do know people who have used AI for just that reason. But it certainly isn't the norm here in Europe - in fact I know lots of people who drive hundreds and hundreds (and more!) of miles to take their bitch to a stud dog in person - it is very common for German breeders to drive their bitches to the UK, or Sweden, or Italy, or Hungary, etc for mating.
