If you are considering becoming a dog breeder, it is not a decision to make lightly. There is a great deal of work and responsibility that come with breeding dogs. The choice likely stems from a love of dogs or at least affection for a certain breed, and while a loving disposition towards dogs is part of the job, becoming a successful and reputable breeder takes more than just a big heart.
The first step to becoming a dog breeder is to select a specific breed of dog to work with. A responsible dog chooses a purebred dog based on the knowledge he or she has learned about various breeds.
Once you have selected a breed, you need to learn all you can about it. Read books and talk to experts to gain as much knowledge as possible. You will want to use this knowledge to select your first female dog. In addition to learning as much as you can about the breed you have selected, you should also be garnering knowledge about caring for litters, registering your dogs, and other key aspects of being a dog breeder, such as selecting dogs.
Select a female from a good bloodline that you are able to verify. You’ll also want to have your dog checked over by a veterinarian. After you’ve chosen the female, be sure to continue to provide adequate veterinarian care and do not breed her before she is ready. The selection of a male dog to sire your first litter should be made with equal care.
Choose a sire for your first litter only after you have verified his bloodlines and health history. You can expect to pay a stud fee to the male’s owner regardless of conception. If you have elected to purchase both parents, be sure to select good dogs from different bloodlines.
There is a great deal of expense incurred with a first litter. The cost of veterinarian checks, shots, and other health care expenses and feeding the puppies once they are weaned and before they find their homes all adds up. If you are properly prepared, however, you will be able to recoup your expenses and clear a profit when it’s time to sell. By the time the puppies are ready to go, you should have a good idea of their worth. Obviously, as you gain experience and knowledge and your reputation grows, you will be able to command top prices for first rate dogs. Always be responsible in the sale of your puppies, and make sure that you know the person or family buying the dogs will be responsible dog owners.
The person willing to commit the time, energy, and initial money to becoming a dog breeder will often be rewarded both professionally and personally. It takes a great deal of knowledge, a love for dogs, and devotion to being responsible, but in the end it can be a great joy to provide loving families with pets of their own or to even be responsible for creating the next champion show dog.
