If you have a love for dogs, you may decide to be a dog breeder at some point. To help you decide if this would be a workable business operation for you, here are some main points to consider before you take the career plunge.
1) Begin by interacting with breeders to learn the ropes, see how others run their operations, if you like handling dogs as well as the look of their operations. Also research dog books to find which breed you would like to begin working with, unless you already know. Ask your local vet, pet stores and Humane Society chapter for any info, newsletter articles, workshops, business cards, etc. they may have to help you with your research. They may have many breeder contacts who wouldn’t mind giving you a tour.
Take notes and ask questions. Keep all your pamphlets, business cards, notes, etc. all in one place, in a handy folder with pockets for reference.
2) Check into any special licensing requirements your state may have. Start with the Humane Society chapter for guidance. In most states you do not have to license and register your kennel until there are four dogs total. So three and under, would work similar to being a pet owner, getting licenses and shots each year for the animals. You may needs a sales license and other paper work, though, so check with your local Small Business Administration chapter or other similar state organization for help.
3) If you already have a special breed in mind to work with, your goal will be to improve the dogs’ traits. You will be focusing on certain bloodlines to breed improved traits into the next generation. And you may need special items form time to time like an orthopedic dog bed.
4) The basic starting line up list that you will need for your operations includes the following:
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One or two female dogs that have not been spayed. You’ll want dogs with excellent qualities to start your line. So interview potential owners before you buy, checking out birth certificates, any championship award certificates, etc.
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When you seek a breeder with a male stud to use, seek help from an experienced breeder and check out the dog’s lineage, too. An experienced person can help mate the dogs when time is running short, which can often happen during the few days’ window when the female goes into heat.
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Warm, safe, sheltered, dry, clean living area for the dogs with dog beds, toys, grooming supplies (brushes, combs, nail trimmers, shampoos), clean bowls for food and water.
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For great networking, connections, industry knowledge and promotional purposes for your own business, look into naming your kennel, then licensing and registering it with the American Kennel Club.
5) Check with your vet to make sure what to feed your dogs, the amounts, the frequency and any snacks allowed. And make sure to have plenty of fresh, nutritious food on hand in dog food storage containers at all times as well as vitamins, if approved by the vet, and any other types of supplements you may have to add to the diet.
6) When your dog is pregnant, take it to the vet for regular check ups and get prenatal vitamins. Ask the vet to discuss the birth with you ahead of time so that you can prepare for it and have all items on hand that you will need like plenty of towels.
In summary, if you have an interest in being a dog breeder, so a little home work and see if it looks right for you and your environment. Then take the necessary steps you need to grow and run your operations successfully.
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