Dog Breeding

Before discussing more about dog breeding business, let me first describe what actually dog breeding is. ‘Dog breeding is actually the practice of mating selected male and female dogs with the intention of maintaining or producing specific qualities and characteristics’.

Characteristics of the offspring are determined by natural selection, when the dogs reproduce without human intervention. While ‘dog breeding’ refers specifically to the artificial selection of dogs, in which the dogs are intentionally bred by their owners. [1]

Successful breeding of dogs relies on the science of genetics. So, the breeder with a knowledge of canine genetics, health, and the intended use for the dogs attempts to breed suitable dogs.

Before starting dog breeding business, you need to know as much as possible about this business. Because breeding a dog is a serious commitment, and there are numerous factors to consider for ensuring the health of the mother and her pups, and also happy future owners.

So, if you want to be successful in this business, then you should know how to breed dogs, and study in depth before starting this business.

How to Start Dog Breeding Business?

As we have mentioned above, breeding dogs is a serious task. So, you should know as much as possible about this before starting. Breeding of dogs has a long history. Humans have maintained populations of useful animals around their places of habitat since pre-historic times.

Over these millennia, domesticated dogs have developed into distinct types, or groups, such as livestock guardian dogs, hunting dogs, and sighthounds. To maintain these distinctions, humans have intentionally mated dogs with certain characteristics to encourage those characteristics in the offspring.

Through this process, hundreds of dog breeds have been developed. Artificial selection in dog breeding has influenced behavior, shape, and size of dogs.

Today, the dogs are raised mainly as pets. And most of the dog breeders used to breed their dogs for producing the ongrowing demand of pets. It’s a large market now.

And there are huge opportunities for you to earn some extras from this dog breeding business. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting your dog breeding business.

Make a Proper Plan

First of all, make a proper plan and work according to the plan. A clear plan is very important for establishing a successful business. A clear and proper plan will help you to map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. Consider the following aspects while making a good plan for your new business.

• Determine the type of dogs you want to start breeding. There are different roles for dogs from family pets, comfort dogs for elderly patients, police dogs, rescue dogs, children who are hospitalized, security dogs and border patrol dogs.
• Determine the costs involved in opening and operating a dog breeding business. The startup costs for this business can be substantial. Startup costs includes but not limited to purchasing female and male dogs or pay stud fee, food costs, vet costs, equipment cost and accommodation costs. Along with this, there are business registration costs, licensing costs and also insurance fees. Consider all these before starting.
• There are also some ongoing expenses for this business. Such ongoing expenses include purchasing food for dogs, vet costs for puppies and mothers. And depending on your area, there may have an organization registration fees. For example, if you want to start your business in the United States, then each litter must be tested by a veterinarian and should be registered with the AKC.
• Determine your target market before starting this business. Most of the dog breeders used to make money by selling the puppies to the interested buyer.
• Depending on the breed, each puppy is sold for between $500 and $3000, or even more. Well bred, popular and rare dogs are generally sold at very high price.
• Try to figure out the amount of profits you can make from this business. Exact amount of profits from dog breeding business depends on numerous factors. Exact amount of profits depends on the quality of the dogs, and how many litters it produces in a year. A low budget breeder who doesn’t have good quality dogs may sell their dogs for about $800 each. While a high end breeder may have just 4 litters a year, but sell their dogs for $2500 each. If each litter had 6 dogs, then the business would have an annual revenue of $60000. For the low budget breeder need more than 12 litters of 6 dogs for making the same amount of high end breeder.
• In your plan, also include how you can make more from your dog breeding business. You can enter your dogs in shows and winning for making more profits.
• Have a contract drawn up that outlines the purchase agreement when a puppy is sold.
• Choose a good name for your business. It will help you to brand your business and extend the business further.

Form a Legal Entity

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC prevents you from being personally liable if your good breeding business is sued. There are many business structures to choose from. (including Corporations. LLC’s. And DBA’s.). You should also consider using a registered agent service to help protect your privacy and stay compliant.[2]

Tax Registration

Depending on your area, you will need your business to be registered for taxes before starting this business. For registering for taxes, you will need to apply for an EIN (it’s really very easy, simple and free).

Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

Depending on your area, you will need to obtain necessary permits and licenses for starting your dog breeding business. Because, failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

Get Your Business Insurance

Insurance is highly recommended for all business owners. Insurance may be a legal requirement in your area if you hire employees, workers compensation.

Establish Web Presence

Establishing your web presence will help your customers to learn more about your business and the products and services you offer. Make a website for your business and also use social media for attracting new clients or customers.

How to Start Breeding Dogs

After being prepared for starting this business, it’s time to breed your dogs. Here we are trying to describe more information about breeding your dogs.

Estrous Cycle

Depending on the breeds, the dogs generally reach puberty within their 6 to 24 months of age (at which age a female dog will start having an estrous cycle). There are 4 stages of estrous: proestrus, estrus, diestrus and anestrus. A dog in estrus (also known as being ‘in heat’) can become pregnant during this 3 to 21 day period.

Breeding Methods

There are two methods for breeding your dogs. The breeding can take place naturally or through artificial insemination. Here we are shortly describing about both methods.

Artificial Breeding Method

An artificial insemination breeding method may be carried out if a natural breeding is either impossible or undesirable. In case of artificial insemination method, a vet collects sperm form a male, and uses a syringe equipped with a catheter to deliver the sperm to the female’s uterus.

Then the bitch is kept quiet for about an hour to help ensure the sperm reach their destination. If all goes well, fertilization will take place and a litter will develop.

Natural Breeding Method

A natural breeding takes place between the stud and the bitch with little or no human interference. Generally, a male mounts the bitch from behind and commences to mate with her. The sperm are mainly delivered during the period of the ‘tie’, but some sperm may be delivered before that moment.

The sperm will then race toward the ovum in an effort to be the first one to fertilize the eggs. And once the sperm fertilizes an eggs, no other sperm can penetrate it. The fertilized eggs then implant themselves at intervals along the uterine horns where they will continue to develop until it’s time for delivery.

Gestation and Pregnancy

Gestation in dogs is 63 days in length, if measured from the day of ovulation (no matter which breeding method is used). Although, it is difficult to determine the exact date of ovulation (errors are often made in calculating gestation period).

Delivery

Delivery can happen as early as 58 days gestation, but pups born this early may be slightly premature and are usually identified by the bright pink skin tone of their furless paws. Most of these pups will survive quite well, as long as they are given ample opportunity to nurse.

Dog breeding is a serious business. So you should learn all the ins and outs related to the the basics of this business. This includes genetics, health testing, the estrus and gestation cycles, whelping puppies and caring for the newborn puppies. Breeding a dog and continuing on the traditions of your favorite breed can be immensely rewarding. But for being a responsible breeder, you should do all of your homework first for making sure your efforts are successful. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!

Related Queries & FAQ

There are lots of questions and queries related to dog breeding business. Here we are trying to list the common questions and queries about this popular business and trying to answer them. Hope you will find answers of your questions or queries. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

What is Dog Breeding Business?

As we have mentioned above, dog breeding is actually a purposeful bringing together of a stud (this is the male dog that performs the breeding on the bitch) and a bitch (this term is used for a female dog) during the fertile portion of the bitch’s heat cycle in order for the animals to mate and produce a litter.

Breeding dogs is a serious task, and it should always be undertaken seriously. There are thousands or millions of unwanted pets in need of a stable and loving home. So, any breeding should be given ample consideration before deciding to go ahead.

Best Tips for Dog Breeding

Whether you are a professional breeder or a pet owner looking to breed your dog for the first time, there are several tips that you should keep in mind to ensure a successful breeding experience.

1. Choose Healthy Dogs

When selecting dogs to breed, it is essential to choose healthy dogs that are free of genetic defects or hereditary diseases. Before breeding, it is crucial to have both dogs undergo a thorough health checkup by a veterinarian to ensure that they are free of any health issues that could be passed on to their offspring.

2. Understand Genetics

Understanding genetics is crucial when breeding dogs. Breeders need to have a good understanding of genetics to make informed decisions about which dogs to breed.

They need to know about dominant and recessive traits, and how to avoid breeding dogs that could produce offspring with genetic defects.

3. Consider the Temperament of the Dogs

Temperament is an important factor to consider when breeding dogs. Dogs with aggressive or anxious personalities should not be bred, as their offspring may inherit these traits. Instead, dogs with stable, friendly personalities should be selected for breeding.

4. Choose the Right Time for Breeding

Dogs have a specific breeding cycle, and it is essential to choose the right time for breeding to increase the chances of a successful mating.

Female dogs usually ovulate every six months, and they are most fertile during the middle of their heat cycle. Breeders need to be aware of these cycles to ensure that they breed their dogs at the right time.

5. Provide Proper Nutrition and Care

Proper nutrition and care are essential for both the male and female dogs during the breeding process. Breeders need to provide their dogs with a balanced diet to ensure that they are healthy and have enough energy for breeding. Regular exercise and grooming are also important to maintain the dogs’ overall health and wellbeing.

6. Seek Professional Help

Breeding dogs is not an easy task, and it is essential to seek professional help when necessary. If you are a first-time breeder, it is recommended that you work with an experienced breeder or a veterinarian who can provide guidance and support throughout the breeding process.

7. Prepare for Pregnancy and Whelping

After a successful breeding, the female dog will become pregnant, and it is essential to prepare for the pregnancy and whelping.

Breeders need to ensure that the female dog is getting proper nutrition and care throughout her pregnancy, and they need to be prepared for the whelping process by having a whelping box, towels, and other necessary supplies ready.

8. Socialize Puppies

Once the puppies are born, it is important to socialize them at an early age. Socialization helps puppies to develop healthy relationships with humans and other animals.

Puppies should be exposed to different environments, people, and animals to help them adapt to new situations and become well-adjusted adults.

9. Screen Potential Owners

Breeding dogs also involves finding suitable homes for the puppies. Breeders should screen potential owners carefully to ensure that the puppies are going to good homes.

Potential owners should be asked questions about their lifestyle, family, and previous experience with dogs to ensure that they are capable of providing a safe and loving home for the puppy.

10. Be Responsible

Breeding dogs is a big responsibility, and it is important to take it seriously. Breeders should be responsible for the health and welfare of the dogs they breed and the puppies they produce.

They should be honest and transparent about the health and genetic history of the dogs they breed and provide ongoing support and guidance to the new owners.

11. Follow Ethical Breeding Practices

Breeding dogs ethically means following responsible breeding practices that prioritize the health and welfare of the dogs.

Breeders should not breed dogs that are too young or too old, and they should not breed dogs excessively. They should also avoid inbreeding and crossbreeding without a clear purpose or understanding of the potential consequences.

Interesting Facts About Dog Breeding

Here are some interesting facts about dog breeding:

1. Dog breeding has been happening for over 15,000 years. Humans have been selectively breeding dogs for specific traits since ancient times.
2. The term “purebred” refers to a dog whose parents and ancestors are all of the same breed. Purebred dogs can be traced back for generations and are registered with kennel clubs.
3. The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes over 190 breeds of dogs.
4. The most popular dog breed in the world is the Labrador Retriever. In the United States, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed for 30 years in a row, according to the AKC.
5. The breeding of certain dog breeds can lead to health problems. For example, pugs and bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties, while German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia.
6. Dog breeders can use a variety of methods to breed dogs, including natural breeding, artificial insemination, and in vitro fertilization.
7. In some countries, dog breeding is heavily regulated to ensure that dogs are bred responsibly and in a way that promotes their health and well-being.
8. Some people breed dogs as a hobby, while others breed dogs professionally and sell them to pet stores or directly to buyers.
9. Dog breeding can be a lucrative business, with some purebred dogs selling for thousands of dollars.
10. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards adopting mixed-breed dogs, as they are often healthier than purebred dogs and can have unique and interesting traits from different breeds.
11. Breeding dogs is not just about creating new breeds or maintaining the purity of existing breeds. It’s also about producing dogs with certain characteristics, such as a good temperament, intelligence, and agility. These traits can be developed through careful breeding practices and selection of the right breeding pairs.
12. The practice of crossbreeding has become increasingly popular in recent years. Crossbreeding involves breeding two different dog breeds to create a new hybrid breed. Some popular hybrid breeds include the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix) and the Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle mix).
13. Dog breeders must take into consideration the genetic health of their breeding pairs to avoid passing on harmful genetic traits to their offspring. This involves genetic testing to identify any potential health issues that may be present in the breeding pair.
14. Dog breeding is not without controversy. Some people argue that breeding dogs is unethical, as it can lead to overpopulation and abandonment of unwanted dogs. Others argue that responsible breeding can produce healthy and well-adjusted dogs that make great pets.
15. In some cases, dog breeders may engage in unethical breeding practices, such as inbreeding or overbreeding. These practices can lead to serious health problems for the dogs and should be avoided.
16. The process of breeding dogs involves a lot of planning and preparation. Before breeding two dogs, a breeder will typically conduct a health checkup and genetic testing to ensure that both dogs are healthy and do not carry any genetic disorders.
17. The breeding process can be time-consuming and costly. It can take several months for a female dog to come into heat, and the pregnancy typically lasts for around two months. The cost of breeding can vary depending on factors such as veterinary care, food, and housing.
18. Different dog breeds have different gestation periods. Smaller breeds tend to have shorter gestation periods, while larger breeds have longer gestation periods. For example, Chihuahuas have a gestation period of around 63 days, while Great Danes have a gestation period of around 65-68 days.
19. In some cases, dog breeders may use artificial insemination to breed their dogs. This can be useful in situations where the male and female dogs are in different locations or if the male dog has difficulty breeding naturally.
20. The breeding of dogs is regulated by various organizations around the world, including the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club, and the International Federation of Cynological Sports. These organizations work to promote responsible breeding practices and ensure that dogs are bred in a way that promotes their health and well-being.
21. The practice of line breeding is a common technique used by dog breeders. This involves breeding dogs that are closely related, such as siblings or parent and offspring. The goal of line breeding is to maintain certain desirable traits while minimizing the risks of genetic disorders.
22. The concept of breed standards plays a major role in dog breeding. Breed standards are a set of criteria that define the ideal physical and behavioral characteristics of a particular breed. Breed standards are used to evaluate dogs in shows and competitions and are also used as a guideline for breeders to produce dogs that meet these standards.
23. In some cases, dogs may be bred for specific purposes, such as working dogs, hunting dogs, or guard dogs. These dogs are often bred for specific traits, such as intelligence, strength, or agility.
24. The breeding of dogs has been criticized for contributing to the overpopulation of dogs in animal shelters. In some cases, dogs that are bred for specific purposes may end up in shelters if their owners are unable to care for them.
25. Dog breeders must follow a set of guidelines and regulations to ensure that their dogs are bred responsibly. These guidelines may vary depending on the country or region, but typically involve requirements for genetic testing, veterinary care, and socialization.
26. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in adopting rescue dogs. These are dogs that have been abandoned, surrendered, or rescued from abusive situations. Adopting a rescue dog can be a rewarding experience and can help to reduce the number of dogs in shelters.
27. The breeding of dogs can have a significant impact on the health and welfare of the dogs involved. Responsible breeding practices can help to minimize the risks of genetic disorders and ensure that dogs are healthy and well-adjusted.