How to Start a dog Breeding Business?

For many dog lovers, a career centering around animals sounds like an ideal option. If you have experience in dog breeding and want to produce quality dogs that enhance their breeds, then starting a dog breeding business might be a rewarding opportunity. As the owner of a breeding business, you’ll spend plenty of time with your dogs every day. But there are challenges to becoming a dog breeder, too. Read on to make sure that this is the right career move for you.

Business Overview

Dog breeding businesses work to supply families, show dog owners, and even working dog owners with well-bred dogs who are suited for their purpose. Breeders often specialize in one certain breed of dog, and they carefully select pairings to pass on the best qualities to the puppies.

Many dog breeders who specialize in show animals also compete with their own dogs. Often, breeders have strict requirements for evaluating potential buyers. Breeding operations also vary widely in size. Some breeders may breed a litter or two a year, while larger operations may almost constantly have puppies available.

Industry Summary

According to IBIS World, the dog and pet breeding industry experienced a 3.2% decline from 2014 to 2019. This decline was due to a number of factors, including stricter regulations of puppy mills. The 2017 “Adopt, Don’t Shop” campaign pressured pet owners to adopt pets from shelters rather than buy from breeders, leading to reduced demand. As a result of that campaign, many pet stores opted to partner with local rescues instead of selling puppies from breeders.

In 2019, there were 214,439 breeding businesses in operation, and the industry employed 219,743 people. The pet breeding industry brought in $2 billion in revenue.

While public concern over puppy mills and pressure to adopt is likely to continue, there are still opportunities for dedicated, quality breeders within this industry. Moving forward, breeders will need to demonstrate their dedication to breeding quality dogs in humane, ideal conditions to combat some of the negative perceptions that surround the industry.

Industry Trends

As different dog breeds come into popularity, the prices and demand for those dogs fluctuate, which can affect dog breeders. According to Orvis, popular TV shows and movies can prompt a breed to gain popularity, though the effect is often temporary. For instance, the 101 Dalmations movies caused Dalmations to surge in popularity, while the Game of Thrones series prompted families to seek out more Huskies. In some cases, media can cause a breed to be popular for as long as a decade, but this popularity is a trend and does end. Breeders may adjust their breeding programs to take advantage of the trends, but they also need to be prepared with a plan for when the breed’s popularity drops off.

Who is the target market for your dog breeding business?

On the basic level, dog breeders market to people who want to be dog owners. However, individual breeding programs may have more refined target markets. A business that focuses on breeding show dogs will market to enthusiasts who want to own or compete with a show dog. Breeders of certain sporting breeds may market to owners who would provide their dogs with working homes.

Skills, experience, and education useful in running a dog breeding business

Starting a dog breeding business doesn’t require a business degree, but certain skills and experiences can increase the business’s chances of success.

Dog breeding experience. Experience in and knowledge of dog breeding are essential when starting a breeding business. Dog breeders should know good breeding practices, care for pregnant dogs, and recognize and manage labor and then care for new puppies.

Knowledge of dog genetics. Breeders need to understand genetics so that they can choose breeding pairs that will pass on good characteristics and produce quality offspring. An understanding of genetics is also essential in avoiding some hereditary conditions and ensuring that the puppies have the best chance of being born healthy.

Dog training experience. A breeder with experience in dog training can work to make sure that every puppy is well-socialized and has some basic training before it goes to its new home.

Pet first-aid skills. Dog breeders need to be comfortable doing basic first-aid and triaging an emergency until they can get the dog to the vet. Experience in a veterinary setting or some pet first-aid training is beneficial.

Interpersonal skills. While dogs are the main focus of this business, strong interpersonal skills can also help a breeder engage with potential buyers and find their puppies suitable for new homes.

Costs to Start a Dog Breeding Business

It’s possible to start a smaller dog breeding business with a limited budget, especially if a breeder already owns dogs suitable for use as breeding stock. It’s possible to start a small operation for around $500, while larger businesses with many dogs can cost closer to $15,000 or $20,000.

Common startup costs for a dog breeding business include:

• Facility expenses such as kennels and any property renovations

• Equipment and supplies

• Dog food, veterinary supplies, vaccines, tests, vitamins, supplements, etc

• Breeding stock

• Signage

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