AKC English Labrador Stud Service
Preserving world-class English Labrador conformation, calm temperaments, and championship genetics for over 21 years (since 2005). Here is our complete, transparent guide on how our stud service operates, requirements for your female, and breeding logistics.
Cash or pick of litter (breeder discretion)
Safe, on-site artificial insemination
1 rest day between; no boarding
Complimentary return if no pregnancy
Stud Service Policies & Agreement Terms
Female Requirements & Testing
AKC Registered Females Only: Your dam must be an American Kennel Club (AKC) registered Labrador Retriever.
Progesterone Testing Required: Current progesterone blood tests performed by your veterinarian are mandatory. This eliminates guesswork, pinpoints the ovulation surge, and guarantees peak fertility during visits.
Health Certifications: We do not strictly require pre-breeding health exams or formal certifications for the female.
Breeding Method & On-Site Logistics
On-Site Breeding Only: On-site stud service at our kennel in Yuba City, CA is preferred and recommended.
Side-by-Side AI: We employ the artificial insemination side-by-side method. This safeguards both sire and dam against injuries or infection and provides optimal sperm motility and viability.
Two Visits Protocol: We recommend two visits with one day of rest in between.
No Dog Boarding: We do not board outside dogs. You bring your female for each scheduled appointment and take her home immediately after each session.
No Shipped Semen: We would rather not ship fresh semen, as historical results with shipped semen have not met our quality expectations.
Stud Fee & Conception Guarantee
Stud Fee: $1,700 for the stud service.
Payment Method Discretion: It is entirely Sterling Labradors' choice and discretion whether we accept cash ($1,700) or pick of the litter as payment for the breeding.
1 Free Return Service: If your female does not conceive or no pregnancy occurs from this breeding, we provide one (1) complimentary return stud service on her subsequent heat cycle.
Litter Registration & Puppy Ownership
Limited AKC Registration Only: All puppies whelped from this breeding are to be sold on limited AKC registration only (as non-breeding companion pets). Full breeding rights may not be transferred or sold to puppy buyers.
Owner Puppy Retention: The owner of the female is entitled to keep one (1) puppy from the resulting litter.
Litter Litter Signature: Sterling Labradors will promptly execute the AKC litter registration paperwork upon litter whelping and fulfillment of stud fee terms.
How to Prepare for Stud Service
Following this timeline ensures the highest probability of a healthy, full-term English Labrador litter.
Day 1 of Heat
Contact us immediately when you notice the first signs of swelling or spotting so we can reserve your stud.
Progesterone Test
Begin veterinary progesterone blood draws (typically starting Day 7–9) to accurately track the LH surge and ovulation.
Session 1 (Day A)
Bring your female to our Yuba City kennel at the peak fertile window for her first side-by-side AI. Return home together.
Session 2 (Day C)
After one rest day in between, bring her back for the second AI session to maximize conception probability and litter size.
Ultrasound & Whelp
Ultrasound confirmation at ~28–30 days. In the rare event of no conception, you are guaranteed 1 free return breeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you use side-by-side AI rather than natural ties?
Side-by-side Artificial Insemination is the safest method for both dogs. It prevents back, hip, or penile injuries, eliminates the risk of female aggression or stress during breeding, and ensures the semen is placed with utmost precision and hygiene.
Why do you require progesterone testing?
Natural visual signs and counting calendar days from spotting are notoriously inaccurate and lead to missed heats or tiny litters. Progesterone blood testing accurately measures the LH surge and pinpoint ovulation (typically 5 ng/mL), allowing us to inseminate precisely during the peak fertile window (usually 48–72 hours post-ovulation).
Can I ship fresh chilled semen instead of bringing my dog?
We would rather not ship fresh semen. Historically, transit delays, temperature fluctuations, and third-party vet handling have produced inconsistent conception rates. In-person, fresh side-by-side AI provides vastly superior success.
How does the conception guarantee work?
If your female is confirmed not pregnant by veterinary ultrasound or X-ray after following progesterone timing, we will provide one (1) free stud service at her next heat cycle using the same female.
What does Limited AKC Registration mean for puppy buyers?
Limited registration means the puppies are registered purebred Labradors with the AKC, but any offspring produced by them cannot be registered. This protects the breed and ensures companion puppies are not bred indiscriminately.
Inquire About Available Stud Sires
Reach out as soon as your female enters her heat cycle, or get in touch ahead of time to discuss which of our active boys is the best genetic match for your female.