fertility

Question
I know I wont get an exact replica, but I would just like to have a puppy that resembles him in someway.
So from what you said about the AKC requiring proof if the dog is over 12. I was unaware that dogs were still fertile at that age.
If you do the sperm freezing thing why does the dog have to be between 2 and 3 if some dogs can still be fertile until they are 12?
Do you know how I should go about contacting one of the freezing places?
thanks youve been very helpful
Brad-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I have an againg yorkie who has been the best dog I have ever had. The yorkie is a male, and I was wondering about fertility and ages in dogs. At what age to they lose their ability to reproduce.
thank you so much
Brad
Answer -
This varies from dog to dog, but generally dogs who have never been used have lower sperm rates than those who have been. When sperm is collected for freezing (for later insemination), the most viable (and preferred) sperm is from dogs who are no older than 2-3 years old... the younger the better, I have been told. AKC requires veterinary proof of viable sperm on any breeding male who is over 12 years old.

If your intention was to breed your boy to try to get another one just like him, I will tell you that this is just about impossible. (I have been trying to reproduce my favorite dog for something like 25 years, and although I have seen "bits and pieces" of him over the years, that same dog has, and will always, elude me.)

Your best bet is to go back to the same breeder who bred your dog, or to find a dog with his comparable pedigree. I will also say that while pedigree is very important in making a great dog, environment also plays a crucial role. If your yorkie is the best dog you have ever had, give yourself a large pat on the back, because a large part of what he is, is due to the work you put into him when he was a puppy.

Answer
>>So from what you said about the AKC requiring proof if the dog is over 12. I was unaware that dogs were still fertile at that age.

Well, that is why they require it! :o) (Wrong rooster might have been in the hen house, so to speak*g*)

>>If you do the sperm freezing thing why does the dog have to be between 2 and 3 if some dogs can still be fertile until they are 12?

As the dog ages, the sperm tends to become less viable... some are actually deformed, some just don't "swim" very well, and there just aren't as many anymore. Freezing sperm is a very expensive proposition, and one wants to be sure that when that sperm is thawed and surgically implanted (possibly) several years down the line that it will be able to complete its mission.

>>Do you know how I should go about contacting one of the freezing places?

Ask your vet if there is a place in your area.