How To Breed Dogs

 

Are you interested in becoming a dog breeder? This page includes lots of information on how to breed dogs. But the first step in learning how to breed dogs is debunking the myths about breeding dogs:

You will not get rich.
It is impossible to get rich breeding dogs. The cost associated with breeding dogs, which you will learn about as you learn how to breed dogs, are significant. Unless your dog is a titled show dog, there is a very good chance you will be making $30 or less per puppy by the time they are ready to go to their new homes.

You cannot do it part time.
Dog breeding is not an evening and weekends job. Unless you work from home and have another source of income you will find yourself very disappointed. You will have 8 weeks of 24/7 supervision and cleaning per litter.

You cannot make hundreds or $1000+ per puppy.
As the public becomes more educated about puppy mills, puppy buyers are becoming more and more savvy, using the internet to research and check references of a breeder. As you learn more about how to breed dogs you’ll learn that puppy buyers are learning to recognize that if a breeder requests a large amount for a puppy that it is a red flag to background check that breeder.

Dog Breeding is not a retail business.
A mistake in learning how to breed dogs can kill a puppy, the mother, or even the entire litter. Unlike retail, your entire “inventory” can get sick from a mistake in cleanliness or genetics. Unlike a retail store, buyers may decide or be forced to give up their dog several years down the road, will you take that dog back into your home or let them take it to a shelter where the dog you bred will be put to sleep?

You will be responsible for the long-term health of your dogs.
Because of puppy mills and irresponsible breeders, many states are passing laws that hold a breeder responsible for genetic diseases throughout a puppy's life. This legislation has been met favorably and will likely be passed in more states in the near future. As you learn how to breed dogs you should learn about your states legislation that applies to breeders and learn about the genetic testing of the parents that must be done to clear you of liability.

Your breed alone will not make you successful.
“But everyone loves a Labrador, they’ll have no problem selling.” Everyone loves a Labrador, and everyone breeds Labradors. Labradors and other well-known dogs are so over-bred that the price they will bring won’t cover whelping costs. Alternately, if you breed a rare breed you’ll have trouble finding anyone interested unless you sell them for less than the cost of the breeding.

If, despite all this, you would still like to learn how to breed dogs then you need to take the responsible next step. First, read one or more of the following books and mark pages for future reference, then get in touch with a breeder mentor. A mentor who has been breeding for a decade or more will have a wealth of information and will be delighted you are taking the appropriate steps towards becoming a responsible breeder. Many breeder mentors can be found through a kennel club near you (kennel clubs can be located through the akc website).

Seasonal Dog Collars	Leather Dog Collars	Buckle on Martingale

---