Semen is collected from male dogs to use for artificial insemination, semen analysis or semen shipping. Semen that has been collected can be inseminated fresh or chilled to be shipped anywhere in the world. Semen collection is a very quick, straight forward and non-invasive process and normally can be done without the need of a bitch to tease, however the use of a bitch who is in season will allow to produce quicker and for more semen to be harvested giving a bigger sample. When collecting the sample we just want the use the Sperm-rich fraction to ensure it’s not diluted with the Pre-sperm or the Prostatic fraction, Once the sample collection has been completed it is then ready for analysis then insemination or to be chilled. Semen collection analysis & shipping is all done at my in house clinic in Darlington.

When analysing the dog’s semen we would expect the sample to have at least 70% forward mobility. Analysing your dog’s semen is crucial to be successful in the breeding process and to rule out any abnormalities in the semen. If the sperm is found to be of good quality but lacking in suitable mobility an extender can be used to boost the sperm and achieve the desired result. 

Most dogs are sexually mature by 12 months of age so can be tested from around 9 months as some will mature earlier than others. Semen count and quality can start to decrease from the age of 5 years, all though a lot of proven stud dogs have excellent fertility through to their later years and continue to produce healthy litters of puppies.