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Dog Breeding Business

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How to Start a Dog Breeding Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Updated on May 22, 2023

Investment range

$4,500 - $11,500

Revenue potential

$36,000 - $110,000 p.a.

Time to build

Profit potential

$25,000 - $75,000 p.a.

Industry trend

• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Dog Breeding Business Name
• Create a Dog Breeding Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Dog Breeding Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Dog Breeding Business - Start Making Money!

Dog Breeder Business FAQs

Dogs make wonderful pets – loving, loyal, and fun! Many a dog lover finds that beloved breed that holds a special place in their hearts, which is why the US dog and pet breeding industry is worth $2 billion. If you choose to breed dogs, you can get a share of that market while caring for and enjoying dogs and giving people the pet of their dreams.

Starting a dog breeding business presents many challenges, however, and will take time, work, and knowledge to launch. This step-by-step guide is loaded with all the information you need to get you on your way to starting a lucrative dog breeding business.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a dog breeding business has pros and cons that you should weigh before deciding if it’s the right path for you.

• Dog Days – Spend your time caring for adorable dogs and pups
• Strong Demand – Who doesn’t love a cute puppy?!
• Never Leave Home – Breed your dogs at home
• Time Consuming – Dog breeding is a 24/7 job
• Expensive – Costs for shots and vet care add up fast
• Knowledge Required – Extensive breeding knowledge is a must

Dog breeding industry trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth – Market analyst IBISWorld values the US dog and pet breeding industry at an impressive $2 billion.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/dog-pet-breeders-united-states/ ))  
• Growth forecast – While the industry has declined slightly in recent years, it’s still a huge industry and full of opportunity. 
• Number of businesses – There were more than 200,000 dog and pet breeders in the US in 2021.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/dog-pet-breeders-united-states/ ))
• Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 219,000 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/dog-pet-breeders-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Some trends include:

• The number of US dog owners has increased during the pandemic, from 50% to 54% of US households, according to the American Kennel Association (AKA). ((https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/current-trends-pet-spending-2021-2022/))
• The share of pet owners that own purebred pets has held steady at 56%.
• The most popular dog breeds in 2020 were Labrador retriever, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. 

Some challenges also exist in the industry, including:

• Pet and animal health costs are rising, including dog medication. The number of dog owners who give their dogs medication has increased from 63% to 70% since 2018.
• Dog breeding, also sometimes known as dog farming, is suffering due to bad press. Some people and organizations, including leading animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), present a negative view of dog breeders (with criticisms such as “puppy mill!”), and promote dog rescues instead.

Consumer spending

• Average consumer spend – Dog owners spend an average of $1,200 a year on their pets.(( https://www.statista.com/statistics/250851/basic-annual-expenses-for-dog-and-cat-owners-in-the-us/ ))
• Potential customer base – Nearly 70 million US households own a dog.(( https://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp ))
• Average prices – A puppy costs $500 to $3,000, depending on the breed and condition. 

How much does it cost to start a dog breeding business?

Startup costs for a dog breeding business range from $4,500 to about $11,000. The expenses will vary based on how much you spend on your first female dog and your first stud fee, as well as your vet bills and equipment such as kennel crates. Breeder education courses are included as well. You can take courses through the AKA, which range from free to $60 per course. 

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your dog breeding business. Here’s a list to get you started:

• Kennel crates
• Leashes and collars
• Blankets and dog beds

How much can you earn from a dog breeding business?

A female dog can have 3 litters per year and the average litter size is 6 puppies. Puppies can be sold when they reach the age of 8 to 10 weeks. Puppy prices range from $500 to $3,000 depending on their breed and condition. You should look for the finest pedigree dogs. Your profit margin after food and veterinary expenses should be about 70%.

In your first year or two, if your one female has three 6-puppy litters per year and you sell each for $2,000, you’ll have $36,000 in annual revenue and about $25,000 in profit, assuming that 70% margin. As your brand gains recognition, you can add two female dogs and have 9 litters each year, giving you annual revenue of nearly $110,000 and more than $75,000 in profit. And that’s with only three females! 

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for dog breeding. Your biggest challenges will be:

• You need enough space, indoors and out, to care for your dogs
• Extensive knowledge of the breed and pregnant dog care is a must

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in being an animal breeder and starting a dog breeding business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research dog breeders in your area to examine their offerings, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a Bulldog breeder.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as only breeding dogs of a particular breed.

Focusing on an unusual breed like Tibetan mastiff, Irish wolfhound, or Chow Chow could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away.

What? Determine your products or services

You can specialize in one breed, or you can choose to have a variety of breeds. You also need to decide if you want to offer to spay or neuter the dogs for your customers after they are adopted or offer any other kinds of follow-up services such as training or medication. Remember, pet medication is a growing market that could offer added opportunity. 

How much should you charge for puppies?

Prices for puppies from dog breeders range from $500 to $3,000. Your price will mainly depend on the type of breed. You’ll have ongoing expenses for food and vet care. You should aim for a profit margin of 70%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price point. Remember, the price you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be dog lovers. Interestingly, according to the AKA, most purebred dog owners are millennials. You can find this target market on sites like Instagram. 

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your dog breeding business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out a facility. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Dog Breeding Business Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “purebred dogs” or “dog breeder”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Forever Friends Breeders” over “Labradoodle Lovers Breeding”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step Business Name Generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Dog Breeding Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary : Brief overview of the entire business plan; should be written after the plan is complete.
• Business Overview : Overview of the company, vision, mission, ownership, and corporate goals.
• Product and Services : Describe your offerings in detail.
• Market Analysis : Assess market trends such as variations in demand and prospects for growth, and do a SWOT analysis .
• Competitive Analysis : Analyze main competitors, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and create a list of the advantages of your services.
• Sales and Marketing : Examine your companies’ unique selling propositions (USPs) and develop sales, marketing, and promotional strategies.
• Management Team : Overview of management team, detailing their roles and professional background, along with a corporate hierarchy.
• Operations Plan : Your company’s operational plan includes procurement, office location, key assets and equipment, and other logistical details.
• Financial Plan : Three years of financial planning, including startup costs, break-even analysis, profit and loss estimates, cash flow, and balance sheet.
• Appendix : Include any additional financial or business-related documents.

If you’ve never created a business plan yourself before, it can be an intimidating task. Consider hiring an experienced business plan writer to create a professional business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to dog breeding businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your dog breeding business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp  – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2023

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding : Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

SBA loans are one of your best options. The SBA offers an SB 7(a) loan for small businesses with favorable terms. Personal funding is also a good option since the startup costs are not high, and you won’t have to make payments on a loan.

Step 8: Apply for Dog Breeding Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a dog breeding business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. You should register your business with the AKA and register your litters and each puppy. Customers who go to dog breeders are looking for registered dogs.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health license and permit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level licenses and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements. 

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

For peace of mind and to save time, we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state, and provide them to you to make sure you’re fully compliant.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your dog breeding business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability : The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property : Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance : Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation : Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property : Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto : Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability : Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) : This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You can use industry-specific software, such as DogBreederPro , Breeder Cloud Pro , or BreederZOO , to manage your dogs, contacts, puppy waiting lists, and veterinary records.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress , Wix , or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Some of your business will come from the casual online visitors, but still, you should invest in digital marketing! Getting the word out is especially important for new businesses, as it’ll boost customer and brand awareness. 

Once your website is up and running, link it to your social media accounts and vice versa. Social media is a great tool for promoting your business because you can create engaging posts that advertise your products: 

• Facebook : Great platform for paid advertising, allows you to target specific demographics, like men under age 50 in the Cleveland area. 
• Instagram : Same benefits as Facebook but with different target audiences.
• Website : SEO will help your website appear closer to the top in relevant search results, a crucial element for increasing sales. Make sure that you optimize calls to action on your website. Experiment with text, color, size, and position of calls to action such as “Schedule Appointment Now”. This can sharply increase purchases. 
• Google and Yelp : For businesses that rely on local clientele, getting listed on Yelp and Google My Business can be crucial to generating awareness and customers. 

Kickstart Marketing

Take advantage of your website, social media presence and real-life activities to increase awareness of your offerings and build your brand. Some suggestions include:

• Post a video – Post a video about your puppies. Try using humor and maybe it will go viral!
• Email marketing/newsletter – Send regular emails to customers and prospects. Make them personal. 
• Start a blog – Start a blog and post regularly. Change up your content and share on multiple sites.
• Paid ads on social media – Choose sites that will reach your target market and do targeted ads.
• Pay–per-click marketing – Use Google AdWords to come up faster from searches. Research your keywords first.
• Make a podcast – This allows you to make a personal connection with your customers.
• Do a webinar – Share your dog breeding expertise online with a video seminar.
• Case studies – Show how your puppies helped a family find joy.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your dog breeding business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your dog breeding business could be: 

• French Bulldogs bred with loving care
• Gentle Labradors for your family
• Registered purebred dogs – pick your breed

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a dog breeding business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in dog breeding for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in dog breeding. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

You may need help caring for your dogs and running your business at some point, even though you’ll be running your business from home. Potential positions for a dog breeding business would include:

• Helpers or Dog Sitters – help care for dogs, clean up after dogs
• Dog Trainers – help train dogs after adoption

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Dog Breeding Business – Start Making Money!

Most people agree that dogs are lovely animals and a great addition to any household. Dog breeding gives you the opportunity to care for dogs, find them good homes, and make a nice profit. It’s a $2 billion industry and you can capitalize on that market while providing a valuable service. You now have some knowledge about the business, so you’re ready to start your journey to becoming a successful dog breeder.

Prices for puppies range from $500 to $3000. A dog can have up to 3 litters per year and litter sizes average 6 puppies. Even with one dog, you can make a nice profit, and if you acquire more dogs, you can increase your income substantially.

You can register your business, your litters, and your puppies with the American Kennel Association (AKA). Costs to register are nominal.

French Bulldogs are a very profitable breed, selling for high prices. They are also a very popular breed. German Shepherds are also very popular and profitable.

It is not appropriate to categorize dogs as “easy” to breed and sell. Breeding dogs should be done responsibly and with the welfare of the dogs in mind. The focus should be on breeding healthy, well-tempered dogs that meet breed standards.

The number of times a dog can be bred depends on various factors, including the breed, the dog’s health and age, and responsible breeding practices. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of the dog and consult with a veterinarian and breed-specific guidelines to determine appropriate breeding limits.

Some breeds known to be among the more expensive include English Bulldog, Samoyed, Chow Chow, Rottweiler, Akita, Tibetan Mastiff, and Pharaoh Hound. However, it’s important to note that the cost of a dog should not be the sole consideration when choosing a breed, as responsible dog ownership involves much more than the initial purchase price.

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How to Start a Dog Breeding Business

Many dog lovers are very enthusiastic about a particular breed of dog. A dog breeding business lets dog lovers who like a specific breed pick out a puppy of that breed. Most businesses focus on raising one breed of dog and, thus, serve people who love that breed.

Learn how to start your own Dog Breeding Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a dog breeding business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Dog Breeding Business
• Form your Dog Breeding Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Dog Breeding Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Dog Breeding Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Dog Breeding Business
• Get Dog Breeding Business Insurance
• Define your Dog Breeding Business Brand
• Create your Dog Breeding Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your dog breeding business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Dog Breeding Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your dog breeding business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a dog breeding business.

The startup costs for a dog breeding business can be substantial, although they’re controllable. Business owners must have a facility for their dogs, purchase female dogs, buy a male dog or pay a stud fee, have food for their dogs and pay for their puppies’ shots and tests. Most dog breeding businesses are located in rural areas, in order to keep facility costs minimal.

Additionally, a dog breeding business should be registered with the AKC, and each litter ought to be registered with the club. Registering a business is $100, and litter registrations are $25 plus $2 per puppy. Here is a full list of the AKC’s fee schedule .

Other startup costs include licensing and insurance fees.

Business owners who want to keep their costs as low as possible can begin by breeding just one female dog. Starting out with just one dog keeps feeding costs, veterinary costs for puppies and AKC litter registration fees minimal. A single dog can also usually be housed in a home without building any special facilities. As puppies are sold, the proceeds can be reinvested in the business to grow it.

What are the ongoing expenses for a dog breeding business?

The ongoing expenses for a dog breeding business include purchasing food for dogs, veterinary costs for puppies and mothers, and AKC registration fees. Each litter must be tested by a veterinarian and should be registered with the AKC.

Who is the target market?

A dog breeding business makes money by selling the puppies they birth and raise.

How does a dog breeding business make money?

Dog breeding businesses have two ideal customers. Dog lovers who are enthusiastic about a specific breed and have discretionary income are often willing (and able) to pay a premium for a well-bred dog in their favorite breed.

Pet stores can provide a more stable revenue stream, even though they may not pay as much as an individual. Many pet stores, however, prefer to work with rescue agencies and offer adoptions, and are moving away from reselling puppies purchased from breeders.

A dog breeding business may charge anywhere from $500 to $3,000 for each puppy. Where a puppy falls within this price range usually depends on the pedigree of the puppy’s parents and how much care the breeder puts into breeding their dogs. Responsible breeders, for instance, won’t breed dogs who have behavioral problems or genetic health issues. Breeders must be able to cover the potential costs of having such a dog.

How much profit can a dog breeding business make?

How much a dog breeding business can make depends on the quality of its dogs and how many litters it breeds in a year. A high-end breeder may have just four litters a year, but sell their dogs for $2,500 each. If each litter had six dogs, the business would have an annual revenue of $60,000. A low-budget breeder who doesn't have the same quality of dogs may only sell theirs for $800 each. To make the same amount, they’d need more than 12 litters of six dogs each.

How can you make your business more profitable?

A dog breeding business can increase its revenue by entering dogs in shows and winning. This not only adds prestige to the business, but it also lets the business breed award-winning dogs that will have puppies with better pedigrees.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your dog breeding business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from Divvy and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Legally a commercial breeder is defined as someone who breeds more than 20 dogs within a 12 month period. Commercial breeding is state regulated. Here is a list of  dog breeding regulations categorized by state .

Other state and local state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a dog breeding business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Service Agreement

Dog breeding businesses should consider requiring clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example  services agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your breeding business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Dog Breeder Contact

It is important to have a contract or purchase agreement which clarifies what is to be expected of both the breeder and the buyer.

• Example dog breeder contract

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Dog Breeding Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Dog Breeding Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a dog breeding business

A dog breeding business that specializes in a particular breed should look for ways to reach dog lovers who are enthusiastic about that breed. Joining both local breed-specific clubs and participating in online groups about the breed are two good ways to begin connecting with potential businesses.

How to keep customers coming back

Both the quality and treatment of puppies are two concerns that potential customers have. A dog breeding business can set itself apart by carefully considering genetics and pedigrees to breed the best puppies possible, and by providing excellent care for dogs.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

TRUiC's Startup Podcast

Welcome to the Startup Savant podcast , where we interview real startup founders at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from launch to scale.

Is this Business Right For You?

People who like dogs and caring for them may be interested in opening a dog breeding business. A business owner should be in good enough physical condition to interact with, care for and play with puppies -- which are often on the floor. Business owners also usually help female dogs with births, so owners should be able to make themselves available when a dog goes into labor. It also helps to not be off-put by the birthing process.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a dog breeding business?

A dog breeding business involves caring for all dogs, including both adult dogs that are bred together and puppies. This typically involves feeding, exercising and playing with dogs, as well as picking up after them. A business owner also puts male and female dogs together when a female is in heat and births puppies. Some business owners offer to deliver puppies to customers.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful dog breeding business?

A dog breeder needs to be familiar with the breeding process, and they have to be able to choose two dogs that are suited for each other. Additionally, they should be comfortable birthing dogs, as taking a female to a veterinarian for each birth is expensive.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has courses on genetics, breeding systems, pedigree and other topics. These courses can either be taken for free, or breeders can pay a nominal fee for an official certificate. The AKC also has a recommended reading list . PetMD has a short, but informative, slideshow on the birthing process.

Dog breeders need to know what shots and tests new puppies need. The AKC maintains a list of health testing requirements by breed .

Breeders should also become intimately familiar with the breed they’re specializing in. Reading books on the breed and joining organizations that work with the breed are ways to learn about it.

What is the growth potential for a dog breeding business?

While dog breeding businesses usually have only one location where dogs are bred, a business can sell dogs locally, regionally or nationally. A business may breed just one or two litters a year and sell them to nearby dog lovers, or they might breed hundreds (possibly thousands) of puppies and sell them throughout the country.

Not sure if a dog breeding business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

How and when to build a team

A dog breeding business can be run as a single-person operation, although some large breeders hire employees to help with all the dogs. Most breeders hire part-time help that assists on an as-needed basis, even if they only have a few puppies. A part-time helper can assist with births, and they can care for dogs for short periods of time so that the breeder can take occasional vacations.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• American Kennel Club
• Breeder Education Course

Real World Examples

• Peyton Farms Dog Breeding and Training
• Dog Breeder Marketplace
• Jubilee Breeder
• Independent dog breeder

Further Reading

• Qualities of a great dog breeder
• Dog breeding course & tips
• Reasons to become a breeder

Additional Sources

• Courses For Breeding
• Dog Breeding Resources
• Dog Birthing Basics
• Health Testing Requirements
• Forbes Article

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

How to Start a Dog Breeding Business

Starting a dog breeding business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful dog breeding business.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a dog breeding business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start a Dog Breeding Business :

• Choose the Name for Your Dog Breeding Business
• Develop Your Dog Breeding Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Dog Breeding Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Dog Breeding Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Dog Breeding Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Dog Breeding Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Dog Breeding Business Equipment
• Develop Your Dog Breeding Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Dog Breeding Business
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Dog Breeding Business

The first step to starting a dog breeding business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your own dog breeding business:

• Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your dog breeding business.

2. Develop Your Dog Breeding Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a dog breeding business is to develop your business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your dog breeding business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your dog breeding business and what type of dog breeding business you operate. For example, are you a pet store, animal shelter, purebred dog registry, or a dog breeding farm?
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the dog breeding industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing services like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your dog breeding business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your dog breeding business make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

    Finish Your Business Plan Today!

3. choose the legal structure for your dog breeding business.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your dog breeding business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the dog breeding business and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a dog breeding business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a dog breeding business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a dog breeding business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your dog breeding business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Dog Breeding Business (If Needed)

In developing your dog breeding business plan , you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a dog breeding business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a dog breeding business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

When starting a dog breeding business, the first step is to find the right location. There are a few things to consider when choosing a location:

– The climate: Dogs need plenty of fresh air and room to run around, so you’ll want to choose a location with plenty of outdoor space.

– The zoning regulations: Make sure the location you choose is zoned for a dog breeding business.

– The distance from other breeders: You’ll want to choose a location that’s far enough away from other breeders that your dogs won’t be competing for customers.

– The cost of living: Breeding dogs can be expensive, so make sure the cost of living in your chosen location is within your budget.

6. Register Your Dog Breeding Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your dog breeding business’ name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your dog breeding business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

A dog breeding business will require a variety of licenses and permits, depending on the state in which you operate. The most important permits will likely be a business license and a license to breed dogs. You may also need to obtain permits to operate a kennel or pet store. Make sure to check with your local government to determine what licenses and permits you need to start your business.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Dog Breeding Business

There are various types of insurance necessary to operate a dog breeding business.

Some business insurance policies you should consider for your dog breeding business include:

• General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
• Auto insurance : If a vehicle is used in your business, this type of insurance will cover if a vehicle is damaged or stolen.
• Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
• Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.
• Business interruption insurance : This covers lost income and expenses if your business is forced to close due to a covered event.
• Professional liability insurance : This protects your business against claims of professional negligence.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right Dog Breeding Business Equipment

To run a dog breeding business, you will need some basic equipment. This includes a kennel, food and water bowls, dog beds, toys, and crates. You may also want to invest in a whelping box, which is used to give birth to puppies.

12. Develop Your Dog Breeding Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your dog breeding business.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your dog breeding business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional dog breeding business website provides potential customers with information about the services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your dog breeding business.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Dog Breeding Business

To run a dog breeding business, you will need software to manage your records and finances. You may also want software to help you track the pedigrees of your dogs. Some businesses also use software to create advertisements and manage their websites.

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your dog breeding business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

How to Finish Your Ultimate Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your dog breeding business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

How to Start a Dog Breeding Business FAQs

Is it hard to start a dog breeding business.

It can be hard to start a dog breeding business, but with the right knowledge and planning it is possible. Be sure to research how to care for newborn puppies, create a business plan and marketing strategy, and find reputable dog breeders for advice and guidance. With dedication and hard work, you can create a successful dog breeding business.

How can I start a dog breeding business with no experience?

There are a few things you can do to get started in a dog breeding business with no experience. First, do some research on the different breeds of dogs, their characteristics and what types of dogs people are looking for. Next, create a business plan outlining your goals and strategies for your business. Finally, find a mentor or join an online forum for dog breeders who can help guide you through the process.

What type of dog breeding business is most profitable?

There are many factors that affect the profitability of a dog breeding business. One of the main ones is the cost of starting up the business. Another important factor is the location of the business. The type of dog being bred is also a major consideration.

In general, the most profitable dog breeding business is one that specializes in breeding purebred dogs. This is because there is a high demand for purebred dogs, and people are willing to pay a high price for them. Most of these businesses register their dogs in the American Kennel Club making them more expensive than unregistered dogs.  

How much does it cost to start a dog breeding business?

Some general costs that you can expect to be a dog breeder include:

-Licensing and registration fees

-Initial advertising and marketing expenses

-Building or purchasing a facility for breeding many dogs

-Purchasing equipment and supplies needed for breeding and raising puppies

-Hiring staff (if applicable)

-Legal fees and taxes

In addition, you will also need to factor in the cost of acquiring dogs for breeding purposes. The price of purebred dogs can be quite expensive, so you may need to consider investing in a dog breeding stockyard.

It is important to remember the cost of starting a dog breeding business can vary greatly depending on your location and the size of your operation.

What are the ongoing expenses for a dog breeding business?

Some common ongoing expenses for a dog breeding business include promotional materials, website hosting and domain fees, advertising, equipment upkeep, and veterinary care. In order to ensure that your dog breeding business is profitable, you'll need to carefully track all of your expenses and revenue. This will help you identify areas where you can make adjustments to improve your bottom line.

How does a dog breeding business make money?

The dog breeding business can make money by selling dogs to people who want to own a particular breed , or by renting dogs out to people who need them for hunting or tracking. Additionally, the business can make money by selling products related to dogs, such as food, toys, leashes, and collars. Many dog breeders also make money by providing dog training services to dog owners.

Is owning a dog breeding business profitable?

The profitability of a dog breeding business depends on a variety of factors, such as the size and location of the business, the number and type of dogs being bred, and the costs associated with running the business. However, if managed correctly, a dog breeding business can be quite profitable.

There is a high demand for puppies and well bred dogs . Dog lovers often buy puppies as pets. There are also many different dog breeds , which means that there is a lot of potential for variety in the types of puppies that can be bred. Finally, pet dogs can be bred cheaply and easily, which means there is potential for high profits.

Why do dog breeding businesses fail?

Many dog breeding businesses fail because they do not learn about the industry. They may not know what type of dog to breed, how to care for the puppies, or how to market them. Furthermore, many people who start dog breeding businesses do not have the necessary financial resources to sustain a business in the long run.

Another reason dog breeding businesses fail is because the breeders do not have enough knowledge about dog genetics. This can lead to puppies being born with health problems, which can cost a lot of money to treat.

Lastly, many dog breeding businesses fail because the breeders do not have the time or expertise to properly care for their dogs. This can lead to a high number of puppies dying, which will drastically reduce profits.

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Dog Breeding Business Plan

If you’re someone who likes to be around dogs and puppies, dog breeding can be a rewarding yet satisfying business experience for you.

You can easily start a dog breeding business, but it needs thorough research, strong commitment, responsible breeding practices, and detailed business planning to succeed. That’s why you need a business plan.

Need help writing a business plan for your dog breeding business? You’re at the right place. Our dog breeding business plan template will help you get started.

How to Write a Dog Breeding Business Plan?

Writing a dog breeding business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your business:

• This section may include the name of your dog breeding business, its location, when it was founded, the type of dog breeding business (E.g., designer dog breeding, work dog breeding, show dog breeding.), and any other relevant information.

Market opportunity:

Product and services:.

• For instance, you may include dog breeding, grooming, training, and boarding as your additional services.

Marketing and sales strategies:

• Your marketing and sales strategies may include social media marketing, advertising, content marketing, attending dog shows and events, etc.

Financial highlights:

Call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business description:

• Designer Dog Breeding: It involves intentionally breeding two different types of purebred dogs.
• Show Dog Breeding: It involves dog breeding for competitions and conformation shows.
• Work Dog Breeding: It involves breeding dogs for specific tasks. E.g., service dogs, rescue dogs, and military dogs.
• Purebred Dog breeding: It’s the traditional dog breeding that involves breeding purebred dogs of any specific breed.
• Company structure: Describe the legal structure of your dog breeding business, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Location: Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission statement:

Business history:.

• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future goals:

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The Market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the dog breeding industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

• For instance, pet owners, show and competition enthusiasts, and working or service dog organizations can be the ideal target audiences for a dog breeding business.

Market size and growth potential:

Competitive analysis:, market trends:.

• For instance, describe how you plan to meet the increasing demand for healthy and ethically bred pets.

Regulatory environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your dog breeding business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Dog Breeds:

Describe your breeding program:, health & genetic guarantees:, additional services:.

In short, this section of your dog breeding plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Develop your unique selling proposition (USP):

• For example, specialized breed focus, health & genetic testing, and transparent and ethical breeding practices can help you make your dog breeding business stand out.

Pricing strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales channel:, customer acquisition & retention:.

Overall, this section of your dog breeding business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your dog breeding business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section , of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & training:

Operational process:, breeding practices:.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your breeding business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your dog breeding business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founder/CEO:

Key managers:.

• It should include, key executives(e.g. COO, CMO.), senior management, and other department managers (e.g. operations manager, customer services manager.) involved in the dog breeding business operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the breeding industry.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

• So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information about roles and years of experience.
• This section should describe the key personnel for your dog breeding services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

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9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more.These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the dog breeding industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your dog breeding business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

This sample dog breeding business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful dog breeding plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our dog breeding business plan pdf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need a dog breeding business plan.

A business plan is essential for anyone looking to start or run a successful dog breeding business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your dog breeding company.

How to get funding for your dog breeding business?

There are several ways to get funding for your dog breeding business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your dog breeding business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your dog breeding business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your dog breeding business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any dog breeding business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

Business Planning Guide & Resources

We have plenty of  free business planning resources  available to help you with your planning. You can download our resources to learn all about business planning.

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How to Write a Dog Breeding Business Plan

There are not many things that are cuter than a little newborn puppy, and being able to watch him be born and grow to be independent is simply amazing. If you are the type of person that likes to be around dogs and puppies , then maybe you should consider looking into starting your very own dog breeding operation. The startup expenses are relatively small and many people make a fairly decent living from being a responsible breeder.

Breeding dogs takes a lot of know-how, and anyone who wants to run that kind of business must be highly educated and informed about the breed they are going to sell. You will also need to be an expert on the canine birthing process and the proper way to take care of the mother and pups.

Perhaps outside of determining which breed you will sell, the most important thing you'll need to do when starting a dog breeding operation is to make a good business plan and stick to it as you get the business started. I know what you're thinking…

Table of Contents

“How hard can it be to be a dog breeder? Why would I need a business plan for such a simple business?”

State the initial and long term goals of your dog breeding business, who is your target clientele and how will you market your puppies, management and employees, legalities and fees, once your business plan is complete, it's time to line up your financing and get your dog breeding business started.

If you think owning and operating any kind of business is simple, think again! You may be an expert on your breed and you may have tons of experience with the canine birthing process, but you'll still need a business plan. Running a dog breeding business is much more than just snuggling puppies.

Your business plan isn't just about how you will run the day to day operations of the business. It will explain how you'll acquire financing, how you'll get the business up and running, how you'll advertise it, and most importantly how you'll continue to keep your dog breeding business running for years to come.

For more information on starting a dog breeding business, check out our column How to Start a Dog Breeding Business . You'll read about everything you'll need to prepare for before you decide to take on the task of becoming a dog breeder. Once you've decided that this business venture is for you, you'll need to begin writing your dog breeding business plan.

Before starting any business plan you first need to assess the need for your business in your local area. You won't just be selling your puppies to people in your neighborhood, so you can expand your view a little bit. You want to do your breeding in an area or region that has a demand for the type of breed that you will raise. No business can survive without demand.

Dog breeding is unique in this area. No matter what type of puppies you decide to sell, there will certainly be a market for them somewhere. You'll just need to decide how far you're willing to travel or ship your puppies. The scope of your business will define all your decisions from here on out, so be sure to give this careful thought. Whether you choose to market in a large or small area, be aware of your competition and be sure there is enough demand for your business to succeed.

RELATED: How to Start a Dog Daycare Business

You also need to check and meet the entry requirements into the breeding field. There are usually zoning laws for places where dogs can be kept, and you can’t forget about the certificates and specialized knowledge that will be required too. These must be attainable or there is no reason to go ahead with your business planning.

The most important part of any business plan, not just for dog breeding, is to state the initial and long term goals of the business. This will help form the focus for the entire business plan. Remember that this is the first thing that investors will see, so make it short and to the point. Let them know what your specific goals are and then explain the details later in your business plan.

Here is an example of the goals for a dog breeding business plan: I will start a dog breeding business on my farm. We will raise Black Labrador Retrievers and will start out with one well pedigreed and papered male and four purebred female dogs. If the business goes well there is room for expansion on the property to double the business size or more.

You can make the statement as detailed as you want; the more detailed, the easier the business plan is to write. Keep in mind this outline is not set in stone ; it is merely a guideline of the important things to cover in any dog breeding business plan. It can be tricky to keep things concise while still being detailed, but just remember to focus on the main goals of your dog breeding business.

You must clearly define who you want to sell the dogs you breed to. You'll need to do a lot of research to complete this part of your business plan. The more market research you do now, the faster your business will become a success. You know your target market is potential pet owners that are interested in your breed, but it isn't quite that simple.

Will there be something special about your breed that makes people want to travel a large distance to pay a premium price for them or will they just be purebred dogs that you will move at a fair price to anyone that has an interest in the breed? What about the qualifications that you will require your adoptive dog parents to have? Being as specific as possible in this part of your business plan will help you a great deal when it actually comes time to market your business in the future.

RELATED: 10 Great Business Ideas for Petreneurs

Speaking of marketing your business, you'll have to explain exactly how you're going to do that in this section. You'll probably need to do such things as build an internet website no matter who your target clientele is, and if you're planning to sell in a large region you will have to know how to drive traffic to your website to draw interest in your pups . It may be wise to request the help of a professional with this , if you can afford it.

Think of other ways to advertise your business as well that may get attention from your target audience. What about magazines, websites, or other publications that are geared toward your specific breed? Because your target audience is smaller than many other businesses, you'll need to get creative and think outside of the box to reach as many potential clients as possible.

Depending on the size of your breeding operation there has to be some sort of management structure put in place, especially if you are planning on hiring employees. For a small operation that you are dedicated to full time, it will probably be easy enough for one person to do everything themselves.

RELATED: How to Start a Pet Business with Dogs

For bigger operations or if your only interest is to oversee the business, then you will need to hire employees or subcontractors to handle some of the day to day operations of the business. If you plan on working with other breeders, you'll also need to touch on that in this sections. They may not be your employees, but if you plan to use a dog from another breeder you'll have to explain your policy on that and how you will oversee the breeding.

This is by far the most crucial part of your business plan. Most entrepreneurs use their business plan to attain financing from banks or investors. Even if you can front the cost yourself, you need a detailed plan for how much capital it will take to get your business off the ground and how you will use the money appropriately.

Make it a point to be very honest about such things as your ability to finance the project. For example, do not plan the business around buying and breeding champion dogs if you only have $2,000 to get the business started. For undercapitalized breeding operations, it is best to raise dogs and enter them into contests to build your name and reputation.

If you look at your business plan when you get to this point and realize you may not be able to finance it, either rewrite the business plan to appeal to investors or bank officials, or rewrite it to cut costs so it aligns with your budget . The number one killer of new businesses is being underfunded from the beginning.  You don't want to become part of that statistic.

Another smart rule to follow is to make sure you have enough financing in place to run the business without any revenue for 6 months. Keep in mind the gestation period for dogs is around 60 days alone.

When you're making a list of your planned expenses the obvious things like rent, utilities, and dog food will come to mind quickly, but you also need to plan for the not-so-obvious expenses. You'll need whelping boxes, supplies for the puppies, and playpens for them to roam around in. What about…

• office expenses including a computer, furniture, and office supplies
• a furnished area where potential pet parents can meet the puppies
• any fees associated with using a stud dog or a canine from another breeder
• initial shots and vet checks for the puppies
• any necessary vet care for the adult dogs
• licensing and insurance costs

…and more. Leave no stone unturned when planning your expenses. The more comprehensive your business plan , the less surprises that you'll have as you begin your business venture.

The point of any business is to make a profit and the price point of your puppies is what enables you to do that if you market them and sell them right. You will need to find out the prices that your competition is charging and seek the advice of other breeders of your type of dog too.

RELATED: How to Write a Dog Walking Business Plan

Take into consideration that you are an inexperienced breeder. Even if you've been around dogs your entire life and you've worked with breeders in the past when their dogs have given birth , you are still inexperienced at breeding your own dogs and running your business, so your prices shouldn't be comparable to those of experienced breeders. As you gain experience and your reputation in the dog breeding industry grows, so will your fees.

You can charge more for your pups if your stud dog has a renowned pedigree or for anything else that makes your dogs of higher quality than the competition. You must also price yourself so that you can establish and count on a steady revenue stream to keep the breeding operation going.

Once you've set your prices you must write contracts that all your adoptive parents must sign. This contract will prevent you from being held liable for any legal issues associated with the dog. It will also protect your clients and the dogs as well. Having a contract is a must , and it may be well worth it to work with a lawyer or other professional when drawing up your initial contract.

Many breeders do create their own contracts, but just be sure you do your research to make sure that all your bases are covered. You can get information on what should be written in your contract and some excellent free samples from the following websites:

• Printable Contracts
• American Dog Breeders Association
• Bulldogs World

There are a lot of other resources you can find as well, and your local library's legal section would be another great resource. If you have contacts in the dog breeding industry, you may want to ask them for a sample of their contract or some guidance with writing yours. Use all the resources you have available to make sure that you take as many legal precautions as possible.

Do yourself a great big favor and take your time and be thorough when making your dog breeding business plan. Remember that it isn't set in stone, but it will make a great guide for you to follow as you begin the exciting journey of becoming a business owner. The more detailed your business plan is, the easier it will be to get your breeding business up and running.

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How To Start A Dog Breeding Business

• Last Updated: July 3, 2023
• By: Greg Bouhl

Affiliate Disclosure

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.

While breeding dogs gives you a chance to make a career out of your love of dogs, this business sometimes brings heartbreak with it, too. Births can sadly go wrong, and you’ll need to be prepared to face the potential loss of puppies and, sometimes, of your much-loved breeding dogs. While careful, deliberate breeding and regular vet care can help to minimize the risk of health problems, breeding is an activity that’s never entirely without risk.

Industry Summary

According to IBIS World, the  dog and pet breeding industry  is projected to grow by 3.4% annually by the end 0f 2023. This decline was due to a number of factors, including stricter regulations of puppy mills and the huge increase in pet ownership during the Covid lockdown.

A recent AlphaWise survey reported that almost two-thirds of 18-to-34-year-olds plan to get a pet in the next five years , driving a 14% increase in pet ownership.

According to IBISWorld , as of 2023, there were 318,781 breeding businesses in operation, employing 322,288 people, and generating $3 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.

Related Industries

Dog Walking Fish Farming Pet Boarding Pet Grooming

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.

Target Market

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.

Checklist To Start A Dog Breeding Business

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If you’re thinking about starting a dog breeding business, it’s important to do your research first. Here is a checklist to help you get started.

Step 1: Choose a specific breed(s) or market to focus on

Starting a new dog breeding business requires thorough research and planning, just like any other business. The first thing to research is deciding on what pets you will sell and making sure there is a market.

The breed of dog people choose can depend a lot on their living situations and lifestyle. Apartment dwellers, for example, may prefer smaller, quieter dogs, while families with a large yard may prefer active, larger breeds. Demographic data can be obtained from local government statistics, census data, or through market research firms.

You can also look at what breeds other successful breeders are focusing on in your area. While you don’t necessarily want to mirror what they’re doing, understanding the competitive landscape can help you identify gaps in the market or breeds that might be oversaturated.

Step 2: Obtain the necessary licenses and permits

As a dog breeding business owner, here are the steps I would suggest to register your business and make it legal:

Research : You’ll want to do your homework on the different legal requirements specific to your state and sometimes even at a city or county level.

Federal law requires certain businesses that use animals, like zoos, research institutions, and commercial pet breeders to meet minimal animal care standards found in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

Additionally, most states have animal health laws and  licensing requirements for commercial pet breeders  once they exceed four dogs.

Business Structure : Decide on a business structure. Your options typically include sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC (Limited Liability Company), and corporations. Each type has different legal, tax, and financial implications, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs. An LLC is often chosen due to its liability protections and tax advantages.

Related: Comparison of business structures

Name Registration : After registering the business structure, you may need to register your business name. This process will vary depending on what business structure you pick. Sole proprietors and partnerships will often be required to register a “Doing Business As” (DBA), while corporations and LLCs register with the state.

Obtain Business Licenses and Permits: Dog breeding often requires specific state and local licenses to operate. This could include a general business license, a pet dealer’s license, and/or a kennel license. Check with your local government and the Department of Agriculture to see what licenses are required in your area.

In addition, you may also need certain licenses or permits to operate. This could include a business license, sales tax permit, and Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Related: State guides for business licensing Zoning: Since you are working with animals that will sometimes be noisy, be sure to check zoning and covenants in case you have a neighbor that doesn’t approve.

Health Inspections : Many states require regular inspections of your facilities to ensure that they meet health and safety standards. Prepare for these inspections and make sure your facilities are always up to par.

Register with the AKC : If you are breeding purebred dogs, consider registering with the AKC or other relevant breed organizations. This gives your business additional credibility and allows you to register your puppies, making them more valuable to potential buyers.

It’s important to remember that this is a general guide and the specific requirements can vary greatly based on your location and the specifics of your business.

Step 3:  Set up your kennel

Assuming you already own the property where the kennel will be located, the next step is to get set up.

At this stage, you will want to work closely with the agency that oversees pet operations to make sure the facility meets all local regulations and standards for dog breeding businesses.

In general, there are some common requirements to follow: – Set up separate areas for different purposes, such as whelping and nursing, feeding, exercising, and grooming. – Install appropriate fencing and secure outdoor areas for exercise and play. – Create a comfortable and safe environment for the dogs, including proper ventilation and temperature control. – Set up appropriate sanitation systems, including waste disposal and cleaning protocols.

Step 4: Establish relationships with veterinarians and other professionals in the industry

Unless you are already skilled, establishing relationships with veterinarians and other professionals in the industry is crucial for the success of a dog breeding business. Here’s why it’s important and how to go about it:

Veterinary Care: Build a relationship with a trusted veterinarian who specializes in reproductive health and can provide regular check-ups, vaccinations, and reproductive services for your breeding dogs.

In addition, veterinarians can provide valuable advice and guidance on the breeding process, proper nutrition, health care, and general dog care.

Pre-breeding Health Checks: Have your breeding dogs undergo health screenings and genetic testing to ensure they are free from hereditary diseases and have the best chance of producing healthy puppies. Veterinarians can help with these tests.

Whelping Assistance: In case of any complications during the birthing process, having a veterinarian on call or readily available for assistance is essential for the well-being of the mother and puppies.

Vaccinations and Deworming: Veterinarians can advise on appropriate vaccination schedules and provide deworming treatments to ensure the health and well-being of your dogs and puppies.

Networking: Connect with other reputable dog breeders, trainers, groomers, and pet professionals in your area to share knowledge, insights, and potential business opportunities.

Referrals: Veterinarians often have clients seeking well-bred puppies. Building a good relationship with them can lead to referrals and potential customers for your breeding business.

Step 5: Create a marketing and advertising strategy

Marketing a dog breeding business effectively requires a multifaceted approach, and one of the most critical aspects is establishing a strong online presence. This can be achieved by creating a professional, user-friendly website that provides comprehensive information about your business, including your breeding philosophy, the breeds you specialize in, and any relevant health or pedigree information.

Regular updates featuring upcoming litters, pictures of your dogs, and relevant blog posts can keep potential customers engaged and informed. Additionally, leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube can help you reach a wider audience and showcase your dogs in a more casual, engaging manner.

Another powerful way to market online is to join organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and participate in their events, as this can help you to network with other breeders and potential customers

Offline, attending dog shows and other local events can help you network with potential customers and other breeders, along with handing out business cards, brochures, and flyers can also be effective for local marketing. Offering to speak at community events or holding open house events at your facility can provide education to prospective clients and allow them to experience your operation firsthand.

Last, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Satisfied customers are often happy to recommend your services to friends and family. Consider creating a referral program to incentivize this. Also, collaborating with local veterinarians and pet stores can yield reciprocal referral relationships.

Related:  Low-cost ideas to market a new business

Step 6:  Develop contracts and agreements for puppy sales

Creating contracts and agreements for puppy sales is crucial to protect both you and the buyer, and ensure the welfare of the puppies. While it’s always recommended to consult with an attorney to ensure your contracts meet all legal requirements, here’s a general guideline for what such a contract might include:

1. Identification Details: The contract should begin with basic information, including the seller’s name and contact details, the buyer’s name and contact details, and the date of the agreement. It should also contain detailed information about the puppy, such as breed, date of birth, sex, color, and microchip number if applicable.

2. Purchase Price : Clearly state the total price of the puppy, including any deposits made and when the balance is due.

3. Ownership Transfer : The contract should stipulate that ownership of the puppy transfers to the buyer once the full payment has been made and received.

4. Health Guarantee : Include a health guarantee clause, where you assure the buyer that the puppy has received a health check and necessary vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian. State the length of the health guarantee and any conditions or limitations.

5. Return Policy and Rehoming : Specify your policy for returns or if the buyer can’t keep the dog. For the welfare of the dog, many breeders require that they are contacted first if rehoming is necessary.

6. Breeding Rights and Spay/Neuter Agreement : If you’re selling pet-quality puppies, you may wish to include a clause requiring the dog to be spayed or neutered by a certain age to prevent unwanted breeding.

7. Buyer Responsibilities : Outline the responsibilities of the buyer, such as providing appropriate care, housing, diet, and regular veterinary checkups.

8. Registration Details : If the puppy is registerable with a kennel club or breed organization, provide the details, including any limitations on registration.

9. Breeder Support : Confirm your commitment to providing guidance and support to the new owner for the life of the dog.

10. Signatures : Finally, both the breeder and the buyer should sign and date the agreement. This formalizes the contract and indicates that both parties agree to its terms.

Remember, this is a basic guide. Each contract will vary depending on the breed, breeder’s requirements, and local laws. It’s always recommended to seek legal counsel when drafting contracts to ensure that they are legally sound and comprehensive.

RocketLawyer and Law Depot have free and inexpensive templates that may be helpful. 

Step 7: Get ready to launch

As you are getting closer to launching your dog breeding business, there are probably a number of small things to finish up. Everyone will have different needs, but here are some of the common things to do before launching.

Insurance: Obtain insurance to protect your business and cover potential liabilities. This could include property insurance for your breeding facilities and liability insurance in case a dog injures someone or causes property damage. Some insurance providers offer plans specifically tailored to dog breeding businesses. Be sure to shop around and find the coverage that best suits your needs.

Bookkeeping: Set up a proper bookkeeping system right from the start. This will help you track income and expenses, prepare for taxes, and give you insights into your business’s financial health. There are many software solutions available, like QuickBooks or Wave Accounting (FREE), that can streamline this process.

Bank Account : Open a separate bank account for your business to keep your personal and business finances separate. This makes your bookkeeping easier, helps you track your business expenses, and gives your business a more professional appearance.

Payment Processing : Set up a system to accept credit cards and other forms of payment. Services like Square, PayPal, or Stripe are commonly used by small businesses and offer easy-to-use solutions.

Remember, everyone’s journey will look a little different based on their specific circumstances and the breed they’re working with. However, these steps provide a solid foundation on which to build your dog breeding business. Be sure to consult with professionals in legal, financial, and veterinary fields to ensure all your bases are covered.

This material is property of StartingYourBusiness.com

Dog Breeding Startup FAQs

How much does it cost to start a dog breeding business.

The cost to start a dog breeding business can vary widely depending on several factors such as the breed of dogs you’re working with, the size of your operation, your location, and more. However, here are some general startup expenses to consider:

Dog Acquisition : Depending on the breed, purchasing high-quality, purebred dogs suitable for breeding can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars each.

Veterinary Costs : Initial veterinary costs, including vaccinations, health tests, and spaying/neutering (if applicable) could range from $200 to $500 per dog, though costs can be higher for certain breeds or unexpected health issues.

Breeding Costs : Stud fees (if you don’t own your own male) can range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the breed and pedigree of the stud dog.

Facility Costs : If you need to build or modify your home or property to accommodate the dogs, these costs can significantly vary. This could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars for basic kennel setups to tens of thousands for larger or more specialized facilities.

Business Licensing and Insurance : Licensing fees will depend on local regulations, but you can expect to pay between $100-$300 per year. Business insurance costs will vary based on the coverage level, but a basic policy might range from $500 to $2,000 per year.

Food and Supplies : The cost of high-quality dog food and supplies such as beds, toys, grooming tools, etc., can add up quickly. Expect to spend at least $500 – $1,000 per dog, per year, though this can be higher depending on the breed and individual dog’s needs.

Marketing and Advertising : Costs for website development, business cards, social media advertising, etc., can range greatly, but budgeting at least $500 – $1,000 for initial marketing expenses is a good starting point.

Miscellaneous : There may be other costs such as professional association memberships, attendance at dog shows, training courses, or emergency vet costs.

Remember that these are rough estimates and actual costs may vary. However, as a rule of thumb, it’s generally recommended to have at least three to six months of operating expenses saved as a buffer. This can help cover unexpected costs or lower-than-expected revenue, especially in the early stages of your business. Therefore, once you’ve estimated your monthly operating costs, you should multiply that by three to six to determine how much money you should have set aside before starting your business.

How much can a dog breeding business owner make?

The income potential for a dog breeding business depends on a variety of factors including the breed of dog, the quality of the puppies (e.g., show quality, pet quality), the reputation of the breeder, the location of the business, and the scale of the operation.

For instance, a well-respected breeder specializing in high-demand breeds might sell puppies for several thousand dollars each, while other breeds or lower-quality puppies might sell for a few hundred dollars.

A basic way to estimate income would be to multiply the number of litters per year by the number of puppies per litter, and then by the selling price per puppy. For example, if a breeder has 4 litters per year, with an average of 5 puppies per litter, and sells each puppy for $1,000, their annual gross income would be 4 litters/year x 5 puppies/litter x $1,000/puppy = $20,000/year.

However, this is gross income and doesn’t take into account the numerous expenses involved in dog breeding, such as dog acquisition, veterinary costs, food and supplies, facility costs, insurance, marketing, and more. It’s also important to note that this is a simplistic estimate. The actual number of puppies per year can vary widely and the selling price of puppies can fluctuate based on various factors.

What skills are needed to run 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.

What are the most popular dog breeds?

Every year the American Kennel Club releases its ranking of the most popular dog breeds based on AKC registration statistics for the previous year. For the first time since 1991, the Labrador Retriever is not in the top spot, and the top spot goes to the French Bulldog, who was at the number two spot in 2021.

The remaining top five dog breeds of 2022 are: – French Bulldog – Labrador Retriever – Golden Retriever – German Shepherd – Poodle

What is the NAICS code for a dog breeding business?

The NAICS code for a dog breeding business is 112990.

The NAICS code (North American Industry Classification System) is a federal system to classify different types of businesses for the collection and reporting of statistical data.

Related: What is a NAICS code?

Resources: American Kennel Club International Working Dog Breeding Association Natural Rearing Breeders Association

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Dog Breeding: Best Business Guide With 11 Tips

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.

Table of Contents

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 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:

• Dog breeding has been happening for over 15,000 years. Humans have been selectively breeding dogs for specific traits since ancient times.
• 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.
• The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes over 190 breeds of dogs.
• 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.
• 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.
• Dog breeders can use a variety of methods to breed dogs, including natural breeding, artificial insemination, and in vitro fertilization.
• 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.
• Some people breed dogs as a hobby, while others breed dogs professionally and sell them to pet stores or directly to buyers.
• Dog breeding can be a lucrative business, with some purebred dogs selling for thousands of dollars.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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This was really helpful, thanks for having this available for us to read. kind regards and God bless, from Riverside Pedigrees Nz

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How to Start a Dog Breeding Business

If you could spend every waking day and night surrounded by the love of dogs, you might have thought about going into business with man’s best friend. As a dog breeder, you can help families grow their homes with the love of dogs, and help breed service animals to better help people with disabilities, too.…

If you could spend every waking day and night surrounded by the love of dogs, you might have thought about going into business with man’s best friend. As a dog breeder, you can help families grow their homes with the love of dogs, and help breed service animals to better help people with disabilities, too.

Why Start a Dog Breeding Business?

Entrepreneurs who truly love their furry friends can help match families to cooperative, safe, and loving support systems to bring more joy to households and even to help those in need.

14 Steps to Starting a Dog Breeding Business

Let’s start your dog breeding business so you can fill the world with friendly, helpful, and safe dogs that bring joy to dog lovers and families everywhere.

1. Research the Business Basics of Dog Breeding

“Becoming a certified dog breeder is established on the premises of both ethics and morality, which are quite revered obligations,” says Breeding Business . As a dog breeder, you hold an incredible amount of power and need to use those privileges for good. The USDA has created regulations against inhumane dog breeders to ensure breeding dogs stay ethical for both dogs and their owners, so your research on how to adhere to the ever-changing federal and state laws not just for your business’s sake, but for the betterment of your pups. 

2. Write a Business Plan

To start your business, identify your goals and values for your dog breeding business. Start by addressing these concepts to flesh out your plan:

Your Mission and Vision — You probably already have one thing for sure: you love dogs; how can that be translated into a mission? There are so many business owners and dog breeders out there who get into business for the money, but with a strong vision and purpose behind you, you can create something meaningful with your business, giving adorable puppies homes and helping families live happier lives with a dog by their side.

Startup Costs — Think about the costs you need for your breeding business, like whelping kits, incubators, crates, beds, and more. Find a reputable site like My Breeder Supply to help equip your spot with everything you need to take care of your dogs and pups and write out your cost estimation and how you’ll be able to profit from it.

Your Niche — There are so many dogs out there already, so what particular niche of people do you want to help with your dog breeding business? For example, take Little Angels Service Dogs , a dog breeding organization that brings bred and trained service dogs to people with autism, seizures, and diabetes as well as bringing them to psychiatric patients. Identify the niche you want to focus on to steer your breeding business in a focused direction.

3. Target Market

Knowing your target market will match your niche to the people who want your pups. Little Angels Service Dogs’ target market includes people struggling with disabilities who could benefit from a trained service dog to help them live their everyday lives. Will your target market be similar, or different? Once you establish this, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to market your services.

4. Breeds You Want to Sell

Knowing your target market will also help identify the breeds you want to sell. For example, service dogs will oftentimes be Golden Retrievers, Labs, Poodles, and Boxers, while Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and Puggles are often deemed “designer dogs.” Through your research, you’ll see just which dogs will fit which business niche.

5. Choose a Location for Your Breeding Business, Project Costs, and Purchase Supplies and Equipment

Unlike some service-based businesses, having a dog breeding business requires lots of upfront equipment costs for birthing and growing, space for training (if needed), and outdoor areas to play. Good dog breeding locations give your pups the space to roam, you the ability to store equipment, and adhere to all the state and federal guidelines of dog breeding.

Here are just a few necessary costs for your dog breeding company includes:

• Whelping Kits — Used for the mother to birth her pups
• Incubator Care Kits — Keeps newborn pups warm and snuggly during their first days
• Enclosed Land — For dogs and pups to train, play, and enjoy themselves
• Fertility Support Kits — To monitor a dog’s fertility
• Crates, Beds, and Pads — For dogs to sleep in, transport in, and potty train with
• Veterinary Costs — So dogs and puppies can stay healthy and happy before being passed onto their forever family

A responsible and ethical dog breeding company won’t cut corners purchasing products and will place the health and safety of their dogs at the forefront of their business.

6. Establish a Pricing Structure

In-depth business and financial planning are key to a successful dog breeding business. Pricing structures are relatively simple— price per pup sold.

But the real pricing structure comes when you compare the cost of equipment and upkeep with the cost of dogs sold. Consider how much your target market is willing to spend on a puppy, and see how it aligns with the materials you’ve invested in.

7. Create a Marketing Strategy and Market Your Business

With your lovely breeding program in action, you can now market your dog breeding services to your area! Review your state regulations of who you’re allowed to sell dogs to and where you’re able to sell them. Create an Instagram account to showcase your pups, a Facebook page to make it easy to share your litter with your community, and build relationships with local pet shops to get the word out there about your venture.

8. Name Your Business

There’s nothing more fun than picking a name for your dog breeding business. Think of what would bring your target market to your doors — a silly quirky name, or a sleek, fancy name? Whatever it may be, check when registering your business to make sure it’s not already taken, as there can only be one business with your name in your state.

9. Source Quality Breeding Dogs

Healthy and happy dogs will promote generations of healthy and happy puppies. When sourcing your dog breeds, find reputable breeders that have a clear line of the lineage of their dogs so you have a clear record of their health and behavior. Whenever you purchase a dog for breeding, you have to make sure that you’re purchasing breeding rights as well, which legally allows you to breed.

10. Choose Your Business Structure

Make your business legitimate by creating a business structure. There are a few ones to choose from, some more common for dog breeders than others:

Sole Proprietorship and General Partnership

These are unestablished business types. A sole prop is for one business owner, and a general partnership is for two or more owners. Note that your personal assets like your home, car, and items won’t be protected against legal issues that might come against your business.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

This is an established and incorporated business type that gives you an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open a business bank account. It also protects your personal assets by establishing a business entity that can be held liable for legalities charged against you. An LLC is for one member (founder), and an LLP is for two or more partners. These are common business structures to start with due to the relatively easy and inexpensive setup and protection for business owners.

Limited Partnership

This is an incorporated business structure where two or more people start a business together. Partners are only held liable for the amount of money they have invested in the business.

Corporation

This is an incorporated business structure that you probably won’t be dealing with, at least at the beginning of your business, because they’re a little more complicated than LLCs . S Corporations have fewer than 100 shareholders, and C Corporations are owned by stockholders.

11. Register Your Business

After deciding on your business entity, go ahead and register it! You can either go to your state’s Secretary of State website or have business formation specialists at doola take care of the nitty-gritty for you.

12. Acquire Certificates, Licenses, and Permits

As an ethical breeder, having licenses and certifications that ensure the betterment of your animals. There are federal and state laws for dog breeders to ensure they’re staying humane. Here are some popular dog breeder certificates, licenses, and permits to make your company trustworthy:

• USDA License: Required if you have more than 4 breeding females and sell puppies wholesale to pet stores, brokers, and online
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): Ensures that your dogs don’t have medical diseases that could be passed down
• CERF Examinations: Checks for eye diseases or disorders that dogs could carry down to puppies

This is just a small list— there are more ways to ensure your dogs are being properly cared for and show your clientele the care you have for their future fuzzy family member.

13. Open a Business Bank Account

Opening a business bank account will help you organize your spending come write-off season. All those dog beds, playpens, food, and more will be tax write-offs for your business when you report in the spring of each year. Opening a business bank account— like ours at doola — will give you a clear view of your business expenses without having to hand-pick them amidst your personal ones.

14. Get Business Insurance

For breeding dogs particularly, complaints and claims can sometimes come years after selling a dog. Browse insurance companies like KennelPro for dog breeding insurance that covers your business in case a customer is unhappy with their little pup.

Build Your Doggy Dreams With doola

Dreaming of your business is one thing— starting it is another. We know you’ll have a lot on your hands with caring for your four-legged friends, so let doola help you form your business and manage your finances for you. Never leave it up to guesswork so you can focus on spending time with your furry friends. 

Do you need a license to breed dogs in the US?

You need a breeding license if you have more than 4 breeding female dogs and sell dogs “sight unseen.” Take a look at American Kennel Club’s dog breeding requirements outline for more information.

How much money do I need to start a dog breeding business?

Prepare to invest a few thousand dollars to start your breeding business to cover materials, space, and dogs.

Can anyone breed dogs and sell them?

The dog breeding requirements are still relatively lax compared to what many animal rights activists want, as almost anyone can start a breeding business.

What is the age limit for dog breeding?

While there isn’t currently a legal age requirement for breeding a dog, it’s recommended to keep litters to between 4-6 per dog and for dogs under 7 years old.

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How to Start a Dog Breeding Business in 5 Simple Steps

For dog lovers, the idea of starting a dog breeding business may seem like a natural fit.

This type of business pretty much requires someone who has an appreciation and affection for dogs, as they will be spending a lot of time together.

However, dog breeding sometimes is a difficult business, as health concerns for the animals, problems at birth, and constant cleaning requirements can be challenging.

Dog breeders need to understand what they are facing with this type of business before they make the initial investment.

For an established breeder, generating a steady income becomes an easier process over time, but it can be a significant challenge to reach that point.

5 Steps to Start a Dog Breeding Business

Ready to start breeding dogs? Just follow this guide:

• Understand the costs
• Focus on a particular breed
• Find a location for the business
• Create a legal entity and name
• Prepare for opening the business

The Easy Parts of Starting a Dog Breeding Business

Starting a dog breeding business has quite a few challenges, but it also can be quite rewarding. Some of the easier aspects of starting this type of business include the following.

Starting As a Part-Time Business

A dog breeding business often works well for someone seeking a part-time business. The owner can try breeding while holding another job to see if he or she enjoys it before devoting the time to make dog breeding a full-time endeavor.

Understand, though, that once the puppies are born, the owner, another family member, or an employee must be present for many hours each day. During this time, it will be tough to work full time and tend to the needs of the litter.

Related Businesses

To supplement the income the dog breeding business generates, some owners may want to operate related businesses. These could include:

• Dog grooming
• Doggie daycare or extended stay facilities
• Dog training and obedience classes

The dog breeding process is intense after the puppies are born, but finding time to handle these related businesses can be easier in between litters.

Generating Steady Profits

Once the business establishes itself, dog breeders are able to generate steady profits after each litter. Successful breeders sometimes will sell all of the puppies before the litter is even born. These breeders may even be able to collect deposit checks from the customers well ahead of delivering the puppies, which helps with expenses and cash flow.

Dog breeders often can make enough money on each litter for a desirable profit that easily covers expenses, so there’s no need to cut corners on care. For breeders who truly care about the well-being of the dogs, this provides peace of mind.

Tapping Into the Science of Breeding

Some dog breeders appreciate the science and genetics behind breeding dogs. Breeders need to pay attention to the types of traits they want their dogs to have. They then can focus on finding mates that have the best chance of enhancing those traits in the puppies.

At the same time, the dog breeder needs to be aware of any genetic defects they may see in a litter and work to avoid having those occur again in the future. Responsible breeders will not sacrifice breeding healthy puppies with desirable traits by cutting corners on the cost of finding the perfect mates.

The Difficult Parts of Starting a Dog Breeding Business

Dog breeding is a challenging business in a lot of different ways. It requires quite a bit of time and patience to do the job correctly. It also requires significant communication skills to find customers and to keep them happy.

Unpredictability of Working With Animals

It can be helpful for dog breeders to think of this type of business as being similar to an agricultural business. Farmers work to control as much as they can with regard to caring for livestock or crops. However, in the end, nature may have its own ideas.

The litter of puppies could end up with a genetic defect, meaning the breeder cannot sell them. Some puppies could die after serious illnesses, even if the vet gives them a clean bill of health. Some of them may not survive birth. These can be highly emotional situations that are difficult to handle. 

Even if the owner takes every precaution and cares for the dogs perfectly, things may not work out as desired. For those people who have a hard time dealing with these kinds of setbacks, especially where it involves animals and dogs, dog breeding may not be a good business choice.

Dealing With Emotions

Those who love dogs may believe starting a dog breeding business will be a lot of fun. For some breeders, this is true. 

However, some breeders find that having to sell the puppies after each litter is very difficult to do. They become emotionally attached to the puppies. Other times, the breeder may not like the need to have a favorite dog remain pregnant for much of the year.

Finally, there’s the sadness involved with any kind of accident involving the puppies or the mother, as we mentioned earlier. 

Many people treat their dogs like family. For these kinds of people, operating a dog breeding business may be a significant struggle emotionally. 

Constant Cleaning Is Necessary

Dogs can generate significant messes. Puppies won’t be able to walk, but they will defecate and urinate frequently. To keep the puppies healthy, the breeder needs to constantly clean the area for the puppies and mother.

The breeder needs to remove odors and soils from the area where visitors and potential customers will visit the puppies as well. Cleanliness is key to any successful dog breeding business.

For someone who doesn’t like cleaning, starting a dog breeding business is not going to be a good idea. And even if you’re willing to handle some cleaning, you may prefer to hire someone to help with it or take it over for you.

Stigma Associated With Dog Breeding

Unfortunately, because some dog breeders don’t care for the dogs properly and don’t keep them safe, dog breeding can have a stigma associated with it. When some people hear the term “dog breeding,” they immediately think of cruel puppy mills.

Dog breeders will encounter some people who think this type of business is cruel, regardless of the circumstances. Prepare to take criticism.

Additionally, some people believe dog breeding is unnecessary, as so many dogs in shelters and rescue or foster homes need adopting. Those people wonder why a breeder is bringing more dogs into a world that already has too many dogs. Again, a new dog breeding business may take the brunt of criticism from these people.

Some breeders feel strongly that they can improve the industry’s reputation from within by doing everything as safely and humanely as possible. Maintaining a clean facility, caring for the dogs’ health constantly, and treating the dogs properly can offset some of these criticisms.

Step 1: Understand the Costs

When preparing to start a dog breeding business, be prepared for a series of initial and ongoing costs.

Initial Costs

Startup costs can be pretty significant for a dog breeding business, and the owner generally must have the money upfront. Leasing a building simply doesn’t work well with this type of business. And, of course, owners can’t lease the female dogs.

In addition to paying for a location, the dog breeder will need to:

• Purchase a female dog or dogs for breeding
• Pay a male dog owner for a stud fee or purchase a male dog outright
• Pay for regular veterinarian visits to ensure the health of the dogs
• Set up a sterile location for the mother and puppies to live after the birth
• Set up a fenced area that will be safe for the dogs to spend time outside
• Set up security for the facility, including cameras and locks for buildings and gates

Breeders will want to register the business with the American Kennel Club (AKC). This legitimizes the operation in the eyes of potential customers. 

Depending on the location of the business, it may need to purchase licenses or permits from local, county, or state governing bodies.

Ongoing Costs

Dogs will need food and regular veterinary care. These costs aren’t significantly more than what occurs with a dog a family may own as a pet, however, at least until the puppies appear.

With dogs meant for breeding, the owner may not want to take the dog to a “doggie daycare” or similar place when the owner is traveling. This could expose the dog to illness. Some dog care facilities will only accept neutered or spayed dogs as well.

This means the owner may need to hire someone to help tend to the dogs when the owner will not be present. After a litter of puppies, the animals will need frequent observation and attention, which could be difficult for one person to handle.

A dog breeder will need liability insurance as well. If any of the dogs bite someone, or if a visitor looking at the puppies suffers some sort of injury on the property, the business will need insurance. Large breeders with several employees may need to purchase workers’ compensation insurance too.

Costs After Puppies Are Born

Veterinary bills will increase quite a bit after the puppies are born. But the person purchasing the puppies understands that part of the fee for the dog covers these early veterinarian appointments and vaccinations.

For a dog breeder, registering the dogs with the American Kennel Club (AKC) is a must. Without verified breeder papers, charging a premium for the puppies will not be possible. Both the male and female parents will need AKC papers.

The breeder will need to register the litter and the individual puppies with the AKC too. Registering the litter should be less than $50, although expedited registrations cost quite a bit more.

Step 2: Focus on a Particular Breed

A dog breeder will want to focus on a particular breed of dog. By becoming an expert on a breed, customers seeking that particular breed will trust the business more.

Some breeders will have multiple breeds and try to appeal to many areas of the market. However, this can be challenging. Each breed has nuances, and to have the most success, the breeder should fully understand the breed. Trying to become an expert on multiple breeds is very difficult.

Some breeders may add a second or third breed to their business over time as the business grows. Having more than one breed can be a nice hedge for the viability of the business. To gain the desired level of knowledge about a new breed, perhaps the owner can hire someone with that knowledge as an employee.

Pick a Breed You Will Love

Dog breeders need to have an affection for the dogs they’re breeding. The owner will be spending significant amounts of time with these dogs, caring for the mother and puppies before they go to their new homes. 

An owner who doesn’t like the shrill bark of small dogs or who has a fear of large dogs will want to avoid those breeds. Owners should stick with a breed or two that they know well and will enjoy being around.

Understand the Profits for Different Breeds

Different dog breeds will command different prices from customers. The majority of breeds will bring several hundred dollars per puppy. A few breeds can bring a few thousand dollars per puppy under the right circumstances, though.

Most breeds can have litters up to three times per year, while others will only have two litters. Some breeds have more puppies than others per litter. Some breeds of female dogs have a longer timespan over which they can have litters too. 

Although it can be challenging to just focus on a breed that will generate the greatest profits for the business, this often results in disaster. Some breeds may bring more money per puppy, but they may be tougher to sell. If the owner doesn’t know anything about the expensive breed or doesn’t like this type of dog, the business almost certainly will struggle.

Step 3: Find a Location for the Business

Many dog breeders will set up outside of a city in a rural location. This gives the dogs more free space to exercise. The noise from barking dogs at a breeding business won’t bother neighbors in a rural location like it might in an urban location.

The dogs will need areas both indoors and outdoors to be as healthy as possible. They need protection from the weather and from parasites and insects like worms, fleas, mosquitos, and ticks.

The puppies will need a location that offers some temperature control. If the puppies are born in the summer, they’ll need an area with some air flow and shade. If the puppies are born in winter, they’ll need a heated area that’s out of the elements.

Some dog breeders choose to purchase a rural home with a few acres of land and set up dog breeding buildings on the property. These buildings need to be in good shape. Avoiding infestations of mice or rats can be a challenge in a rural location, so the building will need protection against these pests. 

A metal building with a cement floor will be easier to keep clean, and it should be safe for puppies versus an old wood barn that may have multiple problems with structural damage. Set up a space that includes a whelping box the owner can secure. The owner should be able to easily and safely expand the space as the puppies age and need room to move around.

Step 4: Create a Legal Entity and Name

Some dog breeders treat the business like a hobby, so they never really name the business or set up a business structure. This works fine for some people who don’t have plans to grow or expand beyond one or two litters per year or who mostly sell to friends and family.

However, setting up a business structure for the dog business can create a safer situation for the dog breeder. 

Using a limited liability company (LLC) business structure is helpful for dog breeders. It creates a separation between the assets and finances of the business and the owner’s personal finances and assets. Should the business become the subject of a lawsuit or default on a loan, the owner’s personal assets don’t have exposure.

Each state has slightly different rules for setting up an LLC. The entire process should cost a few hundred dollars in the majority of states. At the time of creating the LLC, the owner will select a unique name too.

Try to select a name that also has a related web domain name and social media names available. Having consistent branding across multiple digital properties is helpful. Potential customers will love seeing the new puppies on social media, developing excitement for this litter and future litters.

Step 5: Prepare for Opening the Business

Dog breeding business owners will need to take a few final steps to begin operating the business.

Preparing for Visitors

People preparing to purchase the puppies are almost certainly going to want to visit the facility. They will want to feel comfortable that the facility is clean and that the dogs are receiving proper care. 

It is absolutely vital that the business has a place to greet visitors and to let them view the puppies. Always keep the facility as clean as possible, as people may sometimes show up unannounced. 

Selling the Puppies

Owners of dog breeding businesses will need to find a place to advertise upcoming litters. Once the breeder becomes established, it’s common to sell many or all of the puppies before the mother even has the litter. 

Finding a place to advertise can be challenging, but social media is very helpful. Several social media groups exist with a devotion to a certain breed, and these can be helpful to find customers.

After selling a litter of puppies, word of mouth is a great way for the business to draw in customers. Acquaintances of those people who purchased the puppies may also want a puppy from the business, and they may reserve a puppy in the next litter. This shows the importance of giving customers great service and the importance of breeding healthy, beautiful puppies that their new families will love.

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Dog Breeding Business Plan Template

•   Dog Breeding Business Plan Template(Microsoft Word)  –  $47.00
•   +Add Excel Worksheet (Recommended)  –  $25.00
•   +Add Funding Package Pitch Deck PowerPoint  –  $35.00

“Here’s the ‘Perfect Solution’ to getting your dog breeding business funded quickly…even if you don’t have a clue on how to write a business plan and don’t have the budget to pay a professional to do it!”

Did you know that a well-written and researched business plan is the key to getting funding for your dog breeding business?

But most entrepreneurs neglect this aspect of their startup.

That’s usually because they are not knowledgeable enough to write a business plan on their own.

Or do not have the budget to pay a professional business plan writer.

If you have ever wanted to start a dog breeding business and you need to write a business plan to get funding then our Hybrid DIY Business Plan Template is for you.

Our Hybrid Business Plan Template is a high quality thoroughly researched dog breeding business plan template that has examples for you to insert your own market and business specifics into.

Scroll down to learn more.

Use your completed business plan to:

Seek funding from banks or investors Be more confident about your dog breeding business Plan ahead for any future issues that may arise Express your dog breeding business better Be prepared when meeting a future potential investor

This dog breeding business plan template includes the following sections:

• Executive Summary
• The Enterprise
• The Business Concept and Need
• Industry/Market Overview
• Growth Strategy and Implementation Summary
• Management Plan
• Risk Factors
• Financial projections
• Use of Proceeds

Click here to see example pages of exactly what you will be receiving.

Why You Should Start a Dog Breeding Business

Have you ever considered turning your fondness for four-legged friends into a full-time business endeavor? As a breeder, you can help find forever homes for your dogs—a mission that is rewarding in many ways. So what are you waiting for? You’ll soon learn that the business isn’t as “ruff” as it might initially seem.

Is a dog breeding business startup a good investment?

Learning how to breed dogs successfully is not always going to be a walk in the park—it takes a serious commitment to fulfill the proper steps to obtain a breeding license and develop a reliable business plan. After all, when you’re working with animals, cutting corners at the expense of their wellbeing is just not an option. But all this hard work will pay off in the end because once you’ve established yourself as a reputable and trustworthy breeder, you’ll be the go-to contact for canine-loving customers.

Here are just a few a few reasons why you should consider raising dogs as a business:

• It is an enjoyable thing to hang out with pets while making a living at the same time. Furthermore, you get to contribute to the happiness of other people when you help them choose their new furry family member.
• You get to teach your clients how to take care of the puppies they purchase.
• It is a very rewarding business because you get to do what you love and get paid for it too.
• You are able to specialize and market your dog breeds according to your business model. And as the business owner, you can ensure that your animals are healthy and cared for according to ethical dog breeding standards.
• You get to be your own boss and a job creator, too.

The state of the dog breeding industry

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, dog breeders make a median earning of $18.24 per hour, ranging from $8.85 to $30.38. They make a median income of $36,959 yearly, ranging from $18,410 to $63,190.

This dog breeding business plan template will be delivered via digital download in fully editable Microsoft Word and includes dog breeding pre-written example text, general industry research, general financials, example graphs and charts, references and narrative already completed for you.

Edit this business plan example for your local market and unique business qualities and you will end up with a far more distinctive and superior business plan at the fraction of the cost of a professional plan.

Red instructional text above each section is included to let you know what to insert in that section. In some areas, you can just add your information, in others you will need to use the example text as a basis to write your own business specifics. What sets you apart, your local market, your business team etc.

Example graphs and charts are also included for you to use as an example of what to insert in those areas for your market and location specifics.

Click here to view sample pages of this business plan template

This is a great d.i.y. (do-it-yourself) realistic alternative to paying a high priced business plans writer.  , add these extras as needed:.

• Dog Breeding Financial Template in Microsoft Excel (recommended) to calculate your finances. This excel template will allow you to enter financial data specific to your business and will produce proforma financial statements for use in your business plan. The worksheets (Set-up, Start-up, Sales, Headcount, Inventory, Operating Expenses, Capital Budget, Equity & Debt, and Amortization Schedule) contain instructions, questions for you to answer, and boxes (cells) for data entry. Cells in which you are to answer questions or enter data are yellow. Purple cells contain formulas that will be calculated automatically.

• Dog Breeding Funding Package includes a Microsoft PowerPoint transition slideshow template “Pitch Deck” to show lenders and investors your concept at a glance. It includes 12 slide dog breeding images with instructional text for you to insert your specific business information into. This funding package also includes 51 raising capital documents covering topics such as Loans and Borrowing Documents, Investment Analysis Summary, Bank Loan Request Sheet, Loan Application Review Form, Loan Calculator, Pledge of Shares of Stock and more to help you with the paperwork prior to seeking funding.

Click here for sample pages of the items you will be receiving.

This is NOT a “turn-key” fill in the blanks plan. You will need to put in work to make it effective for your needs. Use this dog breeding business plan template as a foundation/base to write your own plan upon.

This business plan template has been researched and custom written for the dog breeding industry and has never been published to the public.

I am honest about what I am offering. No Gimmicks and No Promising that it will be Easy. You will receive a 35+ page dog breeding editable business plan template in Microsoft Word for you to edit for your needs. If you are willing to put in the work to edit this plan you will end up with something far more unique and effective.

The best part about of our business plan template is that the TIME-CONSUMING parts are DONE for YOU.

Our Hybrid Fusion Business Plan Template saves you time as most portions are already completed for you to edit or to use as examples such as the narrative, industry research, formatting and general financials.

But I don’t want to sell you on EASY.

I want to make sure you obtain a well-researched industry-specific business plan template that you are able to build a realistic and truly investor-friendly business plan upon.

With our business plan template you will need to put in work but in the end, you will have something extensive, unique as well as researched to set you apart from the competition when applying for funding.

Do-it-yourself and not only save, but learn more about your business as well.

Here are what just some of our customers are saying:

If interested we do offer fully customized business plans starting at $1,850 feel free to message us regarding these fully custom written plans.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PRODUCT IS NOT A TURN-KEY SOLUTION, BUT AN EDITABLE TEMPLATE THAT IS MEANT TO SERVE AS A FOUNDATION/BASIS ON WHICH YOU CAN DEVELOP YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL DOG BREEDING BUSINESS PLAN WITH SOME EFFORT.

Prior to ordering please click here to view our sample pages to understand what you will be receiving.

Purchase with confidence. 30 Day Money Back Guarantee if you are able to find a more comprehensive 35+ page dog breeding business plan template with references for a lower price I will refund your money. Click here for terms and conditions.

The best time to order is now. Order here:

Disclaimers (Please read prior to purchase)

-This is an editable example business plan template, which is in between a business plan template and sample. This is NOT a complete Turn-key business plan. Modify and use this Hybrid business plan template as a foundation to create your own plan. See sample pages to see exactly what you will be receiving.

-We are unable to make any changes to this plan or excel sheet or pitch deck or documents for you.

-By purchasing these documents you agree not to resell, copyright or post them online.

-Digital Download for Microsoft Office XP 10.0 in Windows XP and higher versions.

-Will also open in Microsoft Office for Mac, however, some formatting issues may be present and will need to be corrected. For this reason we unable to guarantee 100% direct compatibility with Microsoft Office for Mac.

-This is a large Microsoft Word file. Please keep in mind that we are not responsible if your computer processor is unable to render them quickly. We have tested these files on multiple MACs and PCs and they render fine on our end. However, we are unable to account or guarantee how the files will perform on your end due to various extensions and operating system performance. Although rare, if you are having rendering issues you may need to attempt to open and work on the Microsoft Word files on an alternative, newer or faster computer.

The best time to start is now.  Purchase with confidence. SSL Secured Checkout and 30 Day Money Back Guarantee if you are able to find a more comprehensive and up to date plan and funding package combination for a lower price point.*

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• Digital Download for Microsoft Office XP 10.0 in Windows XP and higher versions.
• Will open in Microsoft Office for Mac however some formatting issues may be present and will need to be corrected.
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Home » Sample Business Plans » Pet

A Sample Dog Breeding Business Plan Template

Are you about starting a dog breeding business? If YES, here is a complete sample dog breeding business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE . Dogs are amongst the top three most popular pets owned by individuals and families. Owning a dog is fun especially as it serves as a companion -as they are friendly and can co-habit perfectly with humans, as well as provide security.

In America for example; dogs are highly regarded and accorded esteem and 1 in every 3 households where there are pets, own a dog or had owned one. It is due to this fact that there are several dog related services, such as dog breeding, grooming, training, daycare, running, and amongst all these services is dog walking.

Dog walkers are people who love dogs, are in-tune with canine ways and are also people who love the out weather regardless of any conditions. If you think starting this business will be a great bet for you, you will need to write a business plan.

Business plans are like a map that helps in the roadmap of any business. Here is a sample Dog breeding business plan for your use;

Table of Content

1. Industry Overview

3. our products and services, 4. our mission and vision statement, 5. job roles and responsibilities, 6. swot analysis, 8. our target market, our competitive advantage, 9. sales and marketing strategy, 10. sales forecast, 11. publicity and advertising strategy, 12. our pricing strategy, 14. sustainability and expansion strategy.

Dog breeding business is a business in the pet industry that involves mating selected dogs with the aim to maintain or produce specific qualities and characteristics in a puppy for commercial purpose.

Dog breeding business can be categorized under the Pet Grooming and Boarding industry and the industry proven to be one of the few established industries to publish consistently strong gains over the last decade, nearly doubling in size and growing even in the face of recession as consumers purchase a wider array of luxury services for their four-legged companions.

The growing industry has benefited from changing consumer attitudes, which increased demand for a variety of new luxury pet services to acquiring new dogs et al. Going forward, this trend is expected to gain further momentum as more and more people seek to own one or more dogs.

The Pet Grooming and Boarding industry of which dog breeding business is a part of is indeed a very large industry and pretty much thriving in all parts of the world especially in developed countries such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Portugal Germany, Australia and the Caribbean et al.

Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 106,319 licensed and registered pet grooming and boarding companies directly responsible for employing about 195,070 employees and indirectly responsible for employing roughly 1,339,900.

The industry rakes in a whooping sum of $7billion annually with an annual growth rate projected at 6.6 percent. It is important to state that there are no establishments with a lion share of the available market in this industry. The requirements for establishing a dog breeding business are low since there are no formal industry licensing or training requirements for aspiring entrepreneurs who would want to start a dog breeding business.

In addition, the cost of establishing an at-home or mobile service is relatively low. More so, this industry is in the growth stage of its economic life cycle. Therefore, companies are still entering the industry due to rising demand from dogs and other pet related services.

If you are looking towards leveraging on the pet industry to generate huge income, then one of your best bet is to start a dog breeding business. One thing is certain about starting dog breeding business, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to sell your puppies and dogs especially if they are of good breeds or the breeds that are of high demand in your location or city.

2. Executive Summary

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is a standard and licensed dog breeding and one stop pet shop company that will be located in Concord – New Hampshire in a neatly renovated and secured housing facility. Aside from the fact that we are into full time dog breeding services, we are an organization that will carry out all round services as it relates to dogs and other pets.

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is a family owned and managed business that believe in breeding the healthy puppies and also giving dogs and pets the right treatment they need to enable them perform their roles as defined by the owner.

We will ensure that any dog or pet under our custody are well taken care of and in the pursuit of excellence and financial success with uncompromising services and integrity which is why we have decided to venture into dog breeding business and other pet complimentary services.

We are certain that our values will help us drive the business to enviable heights and also help us sell loads of puppies and dogs to a wide range of clients in and around Concord – New Hampshire.

At Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company our clients’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional dog breeders, dog handlers and vet doctors et al that are well experienced and passionate in breeding dogs and also imparting knowledge and skills to dogs at various learning ladder.

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a dog walking services business, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our clients’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Our overall business goal is to position our dog breeding business to become the leading dog breeding brand in the pet industry in the whole of Concord – New Hampshire and also to be amongst the top 10 dog breeding and pet related business in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Concord – New Hampshire is the right place to launch our dog breeding and pet related business.

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is founded by Dr. Percy Paul who is a qualified vet doctor with well of 10 years of hands on experience in the dog breeding and pet industry. Before starting Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company, Dr. Percy Paul was a the lead vet doctor in one of the leading pet companies in the United States of America before starting his dog breeding business.

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is into dog breeding business that will also offer varieties of pet related services (dog walking and dog training services inclusive) within the scope of the pet industry in the United States of America.

Our intention of starting our dog breeding business and pet related services is to breed good spices of puppies and dogs and also to help in developing our client’s dogs and pets in any skills and knowledge of their choice as it relates to specific useful competencies they want their dogs or pet to possess.

We want to help our clients develop their pets and dogs capability, capacity, productivity and performance and of course to also make profits from the dog breeding and pet industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal.

Our products and service offerings are listed below;

• Breeding and sale of different breeds of dogs / puppies for the United States Market
• General dog and pet walking services
• Training / grooming dogs and pets in specific skills (hunting skills, security skills, running errands and circus skills et al)
• Construction and sale of kennels
• Operating dog pounds
• Guard dog training
• Supply of well – trained security dogs
• Operating standard vet clinic
• General merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al)
• Our vision is to build a highly competitive and effective dog breeding business that will become the number one choice for both individuals and corporate organizations looking to purchase puppies and dogs in Concord – New Hampshire and the whole of the United States of America.
• Our mission is to breed a wide range of dog breeds and to provide affordable professional and highly effective dog walking services and other pet related products and services to a wide range of clients.
• Our overall business goal is to position Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company to become one of the leading dog breeding cum pet services brand in the industry in the whole of Concord – New Hampshire, and also to be amongst the top 10 dog breeding cum pet services brand in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations.

Our Business Structure

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is a privately owned and managed dog breeding business that intend starting small in a community in Concord – New Hampshire, but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading dog breeding companies in the pet industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.

At Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, and creative, result driven, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Principal Partner / Chief Executive Officer
• Human Resources and Admin Manager
• Dog Breeders, Dog Walkers / Pet Trainers for Various Skill Sets
• Accountant / Bursar
• Marketing and Sale Executive

Client Service Executive

Chief Executive Office:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Vet Doctor:

• Responsible for handling the overall operations in the vet clinics
• Assists in the dog breeding
• Handles the treatment of pets
• Gives medical advises and recommendations as it relates to the health and welfare of pets

Human Resources and Admin Manager 

• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for dog walkers and pet trainers
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (clients and member of the organizations’ board) to review the effectiveness of the organizations’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of the organization

Dog Breeders, Dog Walker / Pet Trainers

• Handles dog breeding
• Takes care of little puppies when they are born
• Handles general dog and pet walking services
• Effectively training dogs and pets in specific skills (hunting skills, security skills, running errands and circus skills et al)
• Evaluates and document the progress of dogs / pets under his or her care
• Contributes his / her quota towards growing Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company
• Receives complaints from clients and channel it to the appropriate quarters
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the HR and Admin Manager.

Marketing and Sales Executive

• Responsible for the sale of different breeds of puppies
• Handles general merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al)
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the organization in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the organization.
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization.
• Welcomes clients and their pets by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for the organization
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the Human Resources and Admin Manager.

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company do not intend to launch out with trial and error hence the need to conduct a proper SWOT analysis. We know that if we get it right from the onset, we would have succeeded in creating the foundation that will help us build a standard dog breeding company that will favorably compete with leading players in the dog breeding business cum pet industry in the United States of America and in the rest part of the world.

We engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured dog breeding company that can favorably compete in the highly competitive dog breeding cum pet industry in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in dog breeding cum pet industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog breeding, dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine.

Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected workforce, Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is well positioned in a community with the right demography; loads of people who own pets and who would want own dogs. With that we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

As a new dog breeding and pet related services company in Concord – New Hampshire, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated dog breeding cum pet industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Other perceived weakness is that, we may not have the required capital to pump into publicity and advertisement as we would love to do.

• Opportunities:

No doubt, the opportunities in the dog breeding cum pet industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations who would want to own puppies, those who own dogs and other pets who would want them to acquire new skill sets and to perform excellently well in their jobs or who would want to bring their pets for treatment or to purchase pet supplies. As a standard dog breeding and pet related business, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the business.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a dog breeding and pet related business operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect businesses such as ours; the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

One thing is certain, the trend in the pet industry is such that if you want to be ahead of your competitors, you should be able to be highly creative, simplify your processes and you should be able to have loads of testimonies from your clients.

The truth is that, if your clients can successfully purchase healthy puppies from different breeds from you or if they noticed tremendous changes in their pets as a result of your input, then they will be compelled to help promote your organization.

Another notable trend in this industry is the demographic and psychographic composition of those who have affinity for dogs or those who would require the services of a dog walker.

They  are working class women especially women who work long hours or hold two jobs, men who work for long hours, the elderly who might not have the necessary strength to walk a dog, those who might be physically impaired, and youths who are have a short attention span due to technology.

Even though the economy has a poor outlook, the projected revenue through 2016 is pegged at 4.4%. This figure could likely change once there is an improvement in the economy.

Prior to starting our dog breeding business and pet related services, we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who would definitely need puppies from different breeds and also our pet related services.

We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with communities and corporate organizations especially security agencies that make use of dogs for guards. This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations (security agencies) and individual (pet owners) who we know can’t afford to do without our services.

We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that our dog breeding business and pet related services is well accepted in the market place. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to;

• Corporate organizations (especially security agencies)
• Households / Families
• College Students
• The Government (Public Sector)

The fact that starting a dog breeding business or even dog walking business is not that difficult, anyone can start the business especially as the start-up cost is quite low and if they have passion for dogs. Even though, this is basically a new area of business that doesn’t have stiff major competitors, there are still competitors all the same.

The competition available is most likely those within the same locality, and anyone looking to stay above competition would have to consider sweetening the services offered to dog owners or concentrate on breeding puppies that are well accepted or in high demand in your community; it could be pit bull, bulldog, German Shepherd or any other breed.

Even so, local dog walkers who are serious with the business can comfortably compete with franchises that are located in the same neighborhood. We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the personal training and coaching industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your students should be able to experience remarkable difference and improvement and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company might be new in Concord New Hampshire, our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the dog breeding cum pet industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine.

Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected workforce, Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is well positioned in a community with the right demography; loads of people who would want new puppies and those who already own dogs and other pets. With that we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

Lastly, our employees (dog breeders, dog walkers / pet trainers, and vet doctors) will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups dog breeding and pet related businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

• Sources of Income

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the dog breeding cum pet industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company will generate income by offering the following products and services;

One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization and individual / household pet owners who would need new puppies or who would need that extra coaching or grooming for their dogs and other pets. This is the major reason why the services of dog breeders and pet trainers will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Concord – New Hampshire and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the dog breeding and pet market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Concord – New Hampshire.

Below are the sales projection for Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company it is based on the location of our dog breeding business, the breeds of puppies that we breed, vet clinic and of course the wide range of pet related services and products that we will be offering;

• First Year-: $120,000
• Second Year-: $350,000
• Third Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competition amongst dog breeding businesses and pet related services in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company.

We will also ensure that our clients’ pets becomes experts with the skills they acquire; we want to build a standard and first – class dog breeding and pet related business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company to become one of the top 10 dog breeding company in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Concord – New Hampshire but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our dog breeding and pet related business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in pet industry in Concord – New Hampshire.
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
• Use friends and family to spread word about our dog breeding and pet related business
• Post information about our dog breeding and pet related business on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
• Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our business
• Attend relevant pet related expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied students

Any business that wants to grow beyond the corner of the street or the city they are operating from must be ready and willing to utilize every available means (both conventional and non – conventional means) to advertise and promote the business. We intend growing our business which is why we have perfected plans to build our brand via every available means.

We know that it is important to create strategies that will help us boost our brand awareness and to create a corporate identity for our dog breeding business. Below are the platforms we want to leverage on to boost our dog breeding brand and to promote and advertise our business;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our business
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Concord – New Hampshire
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations and residence in our target areas by calling them up and informing them of Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company and our services and product we offering
• List our dog breeding business in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our dog breeding business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and trucks are well branded with our company logo et al.

Aside from selling our puppies based on the breed and the number of weeks, generally for dog walking services business both per hour billing and flat fees on a weekly or monthly basis applies. As a result of this, Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company will charge our clients flat fees except for few occasions where there will be need for us to charge special students on hourly basis.

At Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company we will keep our fees and the prices of our puppies a little below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our loyal clients at regular intervals.

We are aware that there are some clients that would need special assistance for their pets, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for farm produces purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for the purchase of puppies / dogs and other pet related services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

When it comes to calculating the cost of starting a dog breeding business, there are some key factors that should serve as a guide. The capacity of the dog breeding business, the breeds of puppies and other related services that will be offered

Besides, in setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting / leasing a big facility, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a dog breeding business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. Below are some of the basic areas we will spend our start – up capital in setting up our dog breeding business;

• The Total Fee for incorporating the Business in United States of America – $750.
• The amount needed to acquire / lease a facility  – $50,000
• The amount required for preparing the dog kennel – $50,000
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $3,300.
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Columbus & Sons Dairy Farms, LLC in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• The total cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,500.
• The total cost for payment of insurance policy covers (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $9,400
• The amount required for the purchase of the first set of different breeds of both male and female dogs – $15,000
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
• The Cost of Launching an official Website – $600
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,000

Going by the report from detailed research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need an average of $500,000 to start a standard dog breeding business with a vet clinic in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is a family business that is solely owned and financed by Columbus Packer and his immediate family members. We do not intend to welcome any external business partners, which is why we have decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital to 3 major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $200,000 (Personal savings $150,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $300,000 from our bank. All the papers and document have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to sell our puppies and the pet related services we offer a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Percy Paul Dog Breeding Company will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of six years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of facility and building of standard dog pens: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Compilation of our list of products that will be available in our pet stores cum vet clinic: Completed
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – key players and merchant in the pet industry: In Progress

More on Pet

How to Start a Dog Breeding Business at Home in 2023

Home » Business ideas » Pet Industry » Dogs » Dog Breeding Business

Do you want to start a dog breeding company? If YES, here is a 23-step guide on how to start a profitable dog breeding business with no money or experience.

Running a dog breeding business isn’t easy just like any other business venture. Starting this type of business requires a significant investment of time and effort as well as money for dogs, licensing and veterinarian care. The business can be rewarding if you love a particular breed and have the patience to develop your business gradually.

Now regardless of the type of dogs you want to breed for sale, there is surely a market for it. If you are interested in breeding pet dogs such as the Hoodle Poodle, Chihuahua, etc.; there is a market for it especially for women.

And if you choose to breed guard dogs, such as German shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, etc.; there is equally a market for it. With the rapidly increasing rate of crime worldwide, the demand for dogs is only bound to skyrocket.

Steps on How to Start a Dog Breeding Business from Home

Table of Content

1. Understand the Industry

2. conduct market research and feasibility studies, 3. decide what niche to concentrate on, 4. know the major competitors in the industry, 6. know the possible threats and challenges you will face, 7. choose the most suitable legal entity (llc, c corp, s corp), 8. choose a catchy business name from the ideas below, 9. discuss with an agent to know the best insurance policies for you, 10. protect your intellectual property with trademark, copyrights, patents, 11. get the necessary professional certification, 12. get the necessary legal documents you need to operate, 13. write a business plan, 14. prepare a detailed cost analysis, 15. raise the needed startup capital, 16. choose a suitable location for your business, 17. hire employees for your technical and manpower needs, 18. write a marketing plan packed with ideas & strategies, 19. develop iron-clad competitive strategies to help you win, 20. brainstorm possible ways to retain clients & customers, 22. create a supplier/distributor network, 23. tips for running a dog breeding business successfully.

The ancient partnership between dogs and man has changed over the centuries, but the bond remains as strong as ever. Today’s dogs seldom ply their ancient trades, but they have amassed an impressive new repertoire of skills.

The most common career for dogs these days is “pet,” but these remarkable animals also demonstrate an array of skills ranging from finding lost children to ferreting out contraband, tracking criminals, helping physically and mentally impaired people, joining owners in a variety of sports and games, and guarding livestock from endangered predators. The value of well-bred dogs as pets and partners is indisputable.

Interesting Statistics About the Industry

With sales reaching $73 billion in 2014, the U.S. pet products and services market is continuing its upward trajectory on the strength of several important industry trends. The percentage of households owning any pet has increased slightly over the past few years, with Packaged Facts data indicating an encouraging recent uptick in dog and cat ownership.

Today, 45 million U.S. households own dogs, and 30 million households own cats. Ironically, while the U.S. dog population is growing, it’s also getting smaller.

Packaged Facts’ Pet Owner Survey indicates that a higher percentage of U.S. households have small dogs (under 25 lbs.) than medium dogs (25-40 lbs.) or large dogs (40+ lbs.), with the figures at 52%, 32%, and 42%, respectively. The percentage of pet owners with small and large dogs increased slightly, while those with medium dogs held steady.

According to Packaged Facts, they expect the shift to smaller dogs to continue in the years ahead, with the aging human population as a key driver. Further, the shift to smaller dogs could have numerous ramifications for the U.S. pet market. Since smaller dogs eat less, pet food marketers may find it even harder to buck up volume sales.

At the same time, size- and breed-specific foods should help to pick up any dollar slack, an angle brands like Mars’ Cesar and Royal Canine have been working successfully for many years. Considering nonfood pet supplies, the smaller dog shift denotes opportunities in myriad indoor products, including crates and kennels, training pads, pet beds, and pet odor prevention/removal and clean-up products.

The purchase of pet products online grew 38% in 2014 and roughly a third of pet owners buy pet products via the Internet. Pet medications sales in particular have been among the most affected by the consumer shift in purchasing pet products online.

Because of their small size and low shipping costs, pet medications are particularly well suited for sale via the Internet, which is an excellent medium for delivering the information consumers need to make product choices. Internet-based retailers offer everything from flea/tick products to prescription NSAIDs, forcing individual veterinarians to compete for sales with organizations with substantial buying clout.

• Demographics and Psychographics

The demographic and psychographic component of those who need the services of a janitorial spreads across the public sector, the organized private sector, and individuals from different strata of the society. The following will need dogs;

• Private security firms
• Government security agencies
• Pet training firms
• Research firms
• Dog grooming
• Dog training and instruction
• Dog walking
• Dog Sitting
• Vaccination

The Level of Competition in the Industry

There’s always going to be competition. Some of it will be good for you, and some of it will be bad for you. Accept it as part of life.

Just keep in mind that you’re in business because you feel you can do a better job; you can do it more efficiently; and you can do it with greater satisfaction to your customers than anyone else. Be aware of the competition, but don’t worry about it. Just stick to your own business plan and you’ll be okay.

• The kennel club

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

The dog breeding business is not that terribly expensive to get into. Once you have the necessary equipment, insurance, and supplies, you’re ready to roll. The hard part is going to be drumming up business.

Now days, just about any small business is going to be very competitive, due to the fact that so many people have lost their jobs over the last few years and many of them are going into business themselves. If you work hard and have healthy and lovely dogs, then business will come your way as buyers will locate you without any form of advertising.

5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch

Personally, I don’t see the need for you to even consider buying a franchised operation. There’s just too much real help available for the “independent” to go to the considerable expense and obligation of a franchise.

Starting from scratch, and as an independent, this is most assuredly a low-investment, low-overhead type business the kind we recommend for anyone and everyone who’s determined to make it on his own. You can start independently by buying your founding dogs and start the business.

• Veterinary care and genetic testing can be very expensive. (Genetic testing? Yes, this may be required by some discerning customers, to rule out congenital and hereditary disorders. The number and kind of genetic tests done on your breed of dog depends on their genetic predisposition for types of disorders.
• No guarantees in this business! If you want to breed dogs, you have to be comfortable with a certain degree of risk. If the litter is small (common with small breeds of dogs), you’ve invested a great deal of time, effort and money for little return. If the litter is large, costs are correspondingly higher.
• This is not a business with a steady monthly income, since you don’t breed dogs every month. Females should only be bred once a year (so you have the mother’s maintenance to consider, too.)
• How will you advertise your pups for sale? While there are inexpensive options such as posting signs in vet’s offices, you may need to purchase classified advertising, build a website or travel to fully promote your dog breed.

Choosing a legal entity for a business is a huge determinant of the size the business will grow into, so choosing the right entity is very straightforward especially if you decided to grow the business big in the long term. While many business owners remain as a sole proprietor, there are others who form a corporation or a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

There are a number of tax and legal protections that you are afforded when you do so. Therefore, check with a tax or legal professional on the benefits of the different types of business entities and whether you should consider having your business become such an entity.

Every business needs a suitable name to run their business; you can consider any of these names for your dog breeding business;

• Classy canines
• Canine Devine
• Canine capers

Purchase business insurance such as general liability, workers’ compensation if hiring employees, product insurance or home-based business insurance to protect business assets in the event of a lawsuit or settlement. Worker’s compensation insurance covers employee accident or injury while on the job.

You may also need to purchase a surety bond. A surety bond helps promote an honest relationship between business owner and customer. In the event of a lawsuit or settlement, the state may use the bond to pay for legal expenses.

It is time to get liability insurance. They will want to see your insurance certificate and some businesses may even want you to carry a certain limit on your insurance policy.

The most any business should need would be a $1Million policy, but usually $500k would suffice. This can be costly depending on where you live, but the average is around $500/year. If you are going to hire employees or you have a partner, it would be a good idea to get a bond. A bond will protect your business against employee theft.

If you are considering starting your own dog breeding business, then you should consider filing for intellectual property protection. Filing for intellectual property protection for your firm is not only limited to your company’s logo and other documents, and but also protecting of course the name of your company.

If you want to file for intellectual property protection and also register your trademark in the united states, then you are expected to begin the process by filing an application with the USPTO. The final approval of your trademark is subjected to the review of attorneys as required by USPTO.

This business is just like rearing your normal pets at home, and there’s no form of certification to venture into the business. The only form of additional certification can be in form of dog grooming and dog training, but for breeding, all you need is to love your dogs and take good care of them.

Any premises that has six or more female dogs over six months of age and capable of breeding must apply to the local authority for registration as a dog breeding establishment. Any premises other than a registered hunt club, charitable organization or commercial boarding kennel must also pay an application fee. The local authority can visit the premises before granting registration.

If a dog breeding establishment is successfully registered, the manger will be issued with a certificate that he or she should display in a prominent location on site at the establishment. The certificate of registration will include details of the applicant, the address of the dog breeding establishment, the maximum number of bitches over six months that may be kept and any conditions attached to the registration.

Register your business with the government. Laws vary by state. Talk to your local Department of Commerce and Department of Licensing to receive the forms that you need to establish your business and to learn if you need a license to do bookkeeping. You can notify the federal government of your business by applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can also create a business name for yourself and file a “Doing Business As” or “DBA” notice.

These are some of the basic legal document that you are expected to have in place to do business in the United States of America;

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business License
• Business Plan
• Non – disclosure Agreement
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
• Employment Agreement (offer letters)
• Operating Agreement
• Company By laws
• Operating Agreement for LLCs
• Insurance Policy

Now, setting up a business plan to help start a dog breeding business isn’t rocket science and does not necessarily involve a business consultant’s input. The key to any business plan is to make a list of those things you will be spending money on and how much you will be getting in.

You might wonder why you need to have a dog breed business plan. You already know what kind of services you could offer. All you need is to find a client to start your dog breeding business. If you need to do some marketing, you might say “I will think about it along the way”.

However, one of the most important management functions is planning. Without planning, you don’t know which way your business is going and you cannot measure your progress. A lot of small businesses fail because of poor planning.

Here is a list of items in your business plan to consider:

• Summary of Business Plan
• Management and Operating Plan
• Competitive Analysis
• Market Analysis and Marketing Plan
• Financial Plan

There are several expenses that you would have to make before successfully launching your own dog breeding business. It is important to state that the location you choose to launch your business will definitely impact on the overall cost of starting the business which is why it is very important to have concluded and analyzed your feasibility studies and market survey before drawing up a budget and sourcing for funding for your business.

Here are some of the basic costs you must look towards fulfilling when starting a dog breeding business in the United States of America;

• The Total Fee for incorporating the Business in United States of America – $750.
• The budget for Insurance, permits and license – $5,000
• The Amount needed to rent a suitable litter facility with enough space in the United States of America (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) – $10,000.
• The cost for acquiring the founding dogs– $20,000
• The Cost of Launching an official Website – $700
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards and Signage) – $2,500
• Other miscellaneous – $10,000

Going by the report from our research and feasibility studies, we will need about $30,000 to set up a small scale dog breeding firm in the United States of America. On the average, you would need over 50,000 US dollars to start a medium scale company in the United States of America.

If you choose to start on a large scale, then you should look towards budgeting about 500,000 US dollars and above. This money includes paying experts that will be on your employee / payroll. The cost of setting up a dog breeding business depends on the scale at which you intend to operate.

Beyond traditional financing, you have a range of options when it comes to raising money. Some suggestions:

a. Your own resources

Do a thorough inventory of your assets. People generally have more assets than they immediately realize. This could include savings accounts, equity in real estate, retirement accounts, vehicles, recreation equipment, collections and other investments. You may opt to sell assets for cash or use them as collateral for a loan. Take a look, too, at your personal line of credit. Many a successful business has been started with credit cards.

b. Friends and family

The next logical step after gathering your own resources is to approach friends and relatives who believe in you and want to help you succeed. Be cautious with these arrangements; no matter how close you are, present yourself professionally, put everything in writing, and be sure the individuals you approach can afford to take the risk of investing in your business. Never ask a friend or family member to invest or loan you money they can’t afford to lose.

c. Partners

Using the “strength in numbers” principle, look around for someone who may want to team up with you in your venture. You may choose someone who has financial resources and wants to work side-by-side with you in the business. Or you may find someone who has money to invest but no interest in doing the actual work. Be sure to create a written partnership agreement that clearly defines your respective responsibilities and obligations.

d. Government programs

Take advantage of the abundance of local, state and federal programs designed to support small businesses. Make your first stop the U.S. Small Business Administration; then investigate various other programs. Women, minorities and Veterans should check out niche financing possibilities designed to help these groups get into business. The business section of your local library is a good place to begin your research.

Many municipalities have ordinances that limit the nature and volume of commercial activities that can occur in residential areas. Some outright prohibit the establishment of home-based businesses. Others may allow such enterprises but place restrictions regarding issues such as signage, traffic, employees, commercially marked vehicles and noise.

Before you apply for your business license, find out what ordinances govern home-based businesses; you may need to adjust your plan to be in compliance.

Your manpower as a dog breeding business depends on the scale at which you operate, if you operate on a small scale, you will only be the one running the business but if you choose to expand and go medium then you will need at least 4 more workers, anything above 4 employees means you are operating on a large scale.

Whichever scale you wish to operate will determine your manpower need and it is important for you to know that the industry is not labor intensive which only need people to man the equipment. The scale at which you operate depends on the number of dogs you have and the number of puppies you breeds every three month.

Equipment Needed to Start a Dog Breeding Business

• Food supplements
• Food supplies

Dogs, as good as they are, do not build your reputation by themselves. You must show your great work to the world, and there are various ways of doing it.

Online, on Facebook obviously, you should be promoting your dog breeding business on Facebook, but also on message boards, also called forums. You must get your breeder website up and running if it is not already the case, as everybody will check your name and your dogs out online before contacting you. Even your neighbor would. No need to design a piece of art, but people must be able to find you if they search for you, it is as simple as that.

Offline, too. And you have to take the train, the bus, the car or whatever you need to take, to bring yourself and your best dogs to attend the relevant dog events. Depending on your breed and your preferences, it could be conformation shows, agility, flyball, racing, swimming, herding, or any other dog sport.

A dog attending these events, even without winning, will bring you a lot of attention from other breeders and potential buyers. Small-scale events, happening in your town or not too far, are great for those who do not want to take a long flight just for an event they know they will not win.

Even before the acquisition of equipment, you need customers. Your prospects are all the businesses and homes with carpets in your area. Your problem is going to be in reaching these prospects, impressing upon then the benefits of your service, and getting them set up with an appointment for you to do the work.

a. Contracting with an advertising agency will probably take longer and will cost a significant amount of money. However, you might be able to contact a staff member who does freelance work on the side. But you should set a specific date for completion of the project, and agree to pay no more than half the total estimated cost until the job is finished, and meets with your approval.

b. The next step is to take this original of your flyer to a printer , and have printed whatever number of copies you want to start. Most quick print shops will be able to print up to 20,000 copies, and deliver in a reasonable time, with nominal costs. If you decide to start with more than 20,000 copies, you will do better by going to a regular commercial printer. Larger quantities that would take a quick print shop all day can be handled by a commercial print shop in a few hours.

While your flyers are being printed, you should be lining up your delivery people -local Brownie or Cub Scout Troops. No big problem here. Either look up their local headquarters office in your phone book or call a friend or two with children about the right age for the name and phone number of troop leaders. Arrange to pay these scout troops $10 for each thousand circulars they hand out door-to-door.

c. One other thing before you start handing out your flyers —be sure that you have someone available to answer the phone and set up appointments for you. It’s usually best to have a woman do this; it makes the caller think of your service as an established business.

You can pay an answering service to handle these calls for you, but if your wife or a friend is available that would be even better. It is, however, imperative that a “live voice” answer your phone. People have some strange ideas about answering machines, and most businesses find they do much better not using them.

It requires a great level of expertise and experience to breed young animals like dogs. That is why I will advise you to start with a little number of puppies even if you can afford a million number of them. This will help you to breed them easily and at minimum financing requirements. Starting with a puppy or as much as four of them is a good strategy for a beginner. The recommended species for starters includes the Alsatians which is also known as the German Shepherd (Alsatian), the Rottweiler puppies and the Boerboel breeds.

Once you have the skills and your equipment ready, it is time to start sourcing for clients. It is important for you to decide the category of dog breeding you want to opt for. To create awareness for your business, you can print out flyers describing your services and distribute them. You should also consider opening a website and starting a blog for your business. A business website would make it easier for customers to reach you.

You should also ensure you put your business on social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, etc. As someone who is looking for carpet cleaners may not have heard of your business before, but by searching on the internet, they would be able to reach you and engage your services.

21. Develop Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate Identity

Tell your friends and many other people living around you that you sell different species of puppies. You can even convey them around in cages and marketing vehicles. Design graphic posters, banners and handbills and use them to promote your business within and outside your neighborhood.

Connect yourself other puppy breeders who can hook you up with mega business deals for species that they do not have or have just few of them which you also raise. Also, offer your dog mating and crossbreeding services to people and make more money.

When you grow your capital, you can build a bigger dog breeding centre and even establish it as a tourist outfit too. Also, you can think of creating a veterinary section in your breeding site. Employ a good veterinary doctor there and make more money rendering animal health care services to farms, individuals and other customers.

Make a very careful survey around your area of operation to find out what breeds of dogs that easily adapts with the environment and sells fast too. Also, ensure that the feeds for your chosen breed can be easily sourced around your location. Most importantly, make sure that you are familiar with the behaviors and characteristics of your chosen breeds to avoid endangering your life to bites and possible disease transmissions.

Dog breeding takes a lot of patience, hard work, knowledge, and commitment, so it’s not something to start on a whim. However, if you’re up to the challenge, a dog breeding business can be quite rewarding – financially and personally.

Make sure the dogs you purchase for the purpose of breeding undergo a thorough evaluation. You need to know everything about the dog before you start training and mating. This will help prevent problems down the breeding line.

Have all the dog’s documents, including medical history, proof of registration, and other items, up-to-date at all times. This is required for customers who expect proof of pedigree, and to sell the puppies with all documentation ready to go.

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Checklist for Starting a Dog Breeding Business: Essential Ingredients for Success

If you are thinking about going into business, it is imperative that you watch this video first! it will take you by the hand and walk you through each and every phase of starting a business. It features all the essential aspects you must consider BEFORE you start a Dog Breeding business. This will allow you to predict problems before they happen and keep you from losing your shirt on dog business ideas. Ignore it at your own peril!

For more insightful videos visit our Small Business and Management Skills YouTube Chanel .

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How to Set Prices in a Service Business

This guide discusses costing and setting prices of services to assure that each job earns a reasonable profit. The figures used in the tables and examples do not reflect what your service costs, set prices, and profits actually would or should be. The figures are used to demonstrate costing and set prices and are rounded off for further simplicity. Because of the importance and sometimes complexity of costing and pricing, it is good business practice to consult your trade association and particularly your accountant to learn what are the best current practices, cost ratios, and profit margins in your service business .

Setting Prices Problems

Many businesses are not making a profit today because they do not know the basic concepts of costing and set prices. The situation is most serious in the service business because each service performed has a different cost. Frequently, the service business must bid for jobs by making a price quotation in competition with similar businesses. Can you calculate your costs for your service and quote a price that is competitive and returns a profit?

Without realizing what they are doing, some business owners set their selling price below their total cost. This may result in more business for the company, but a loss will be incurred on each sale. Occasionally, a business owner who lacks a knowledge of costing will try to compensate by setting prices very high. The end result is that the business is not price competitive and does not attract sufficient customers to survive. Frequently, a business earns a profit on some particular service and loses money on other services without knowing which services are earning a profit and which services are incurring a loss. The year-end income statement combines the profits and losses from the various services performed over the year. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the profitability of specific service jobs from a year-end income statement.

Use a simplified approach to cost accounting that reflects the needs of the business and reports the cost with a reasonable degree of accuracy. The total cost of producing any service is composed of three parts: 1) the material cost, 2) the labor cost, and 3) the overhead cost. Direct materials and direct labor + overhead = total cost of service.

Cost Determination

Direct Material Cost

The direct material cost is made up of the cost to you for parts and supplies that are used on specific jobs. Once the list of parts and supplies to be used is developed, a check with the supplier will give an up-to-date material cost. The shipping and other handling (storage etc.) costs for the parts should be included in the material cost.

Direct Labor Cost

The direct labor costs include those labor costs identified with a specific service job. The labor cost involved in providing a service is determined by multiplying the number of direct labor hours required by the cost per direct labor hour. It is very important to determine accurately the amount of direct labor hours involved to complete the service; therefore, you must use a time clock, worksheet , or a daily time card for each employee to determine the exact amount of labor time spent on each service job.

The hourly cost of direct labor can be figured (priced) two ways. One it can be the hourly wage only, with fringe benefits, Social Security , Workers' Compensation, etc., (all labor-related costs) allocated to overhead. Or two, the hourly direct labor cost can include the hourly wage plus the employer's contribution to Social Security, unemployment compensation, disability, holidays and vacations , hospitalization and other fringe benefits (payroll costs).

By this second method, the added payroll costs for vacations, holidays and benefits are expressed as percentages of direct hourly wages. For instance, if two weeks of vacation and ten holidays are given annually, this amounts to four weeks per year or 7.7% (i.e., four weeks off divided by fifty-two weeks 4 : 52 = 7.7%) of total labor cost was for time off. Thus, to determine the total direct labor cost per hour by this method, you must add the prorated cost of the payroll taxes, worker's compensation, holidays and vacation pay, hospitalization, etc., to the hourly wage paid. As a rule of thumb, the sum of the various payroll-benefit costs have generally been in the range of 20% to 30% of the hourly wages paid. It is more complicated to figure but more precise to use the higher labor cost (including labor related labor costs). The following table shows a sample calculation for figuring the total direct labor cost using this more exact method.

Overhead Cost

Overhead includes all job related costs other than direct materials and direct labor. Your overhead cost depends on which of the two ways you figured direct labor costs, with or without the labor-related payroll-benefits costs. If you did not include these expenses in direct labor, then you must include them in overhead. In our examples, however, these labor-related costs are included in direct labor and not in overhead. Either way the effect on the total job cost is the same, but your overhead cost varies accordingly.

Because they may not know how to allocate (or assign) overhead costs to the services performed, many business owner-managers miscalculate or avoid considering overhead costs.

Overhead is the indirect cost of the service and is made up of indirect materials, indirect labor, and other indirect costs related to particular services. Indirect materials are too minor to include as direct material costs. Incidental supplies and machine lubricants are examples. Indirect labor is the wages, salaries, and other payroll-benefit costs incurred by workers who do not perform the service but who support the main service function, such as, clerical, supply, and janitorial employees. Other costs, like taxes, depreciation, insurance, and transportation are also part of the overhead cost because the service cost includes a portion of all indirect costs (overhead). The following table projects total overhead for all services for one year. To figure the portion of overhead related to particular services or jobs, you allocate the various overhead costs by calculating the overhead rate.

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6 Simple Steps To Start A Dog Breeding Business

If you love to have dogs in your backyard or you already have found your passion for dogs then you are on the right track to start a dog breeding business in India. What is the most popular myth about dog breeders? They behave irresponsibly, well that’s not true.

How do you establish a successful business to convert your love into profits? This guide will help in every such way that is seen profitable and healthy in respect of dogs. What are those unique ways which add to income for a dog breeder? You can learn those techniques by reading below…

Exactly who is a dog breeder?

It is not a pet shopkeeper who is found in a local area who sell dogs. When an individual intentionally breeds dogs to produce characteristics by their choice, it is termed as dog breeding. Generally without the interference of a human will result in the natural selection of characteristics. It is basically done to achieve favored qualities in dogs.

Starting a dog breeding business will demand a hardcore business plan that is able to defeat hurdles on your way

Here, is the step by step guide that will help you to take action in the right direction. 

Step 1 ask yourself, are you ready.

Before moving on to start a dog breeding business , it is mandatory that you ascertain skills required for the business. Specific training is preferred by most dog breeders to be the best in the business.

Here is a tested questionnaire to go through.

Are you passionate about breeding dogs.

It is important for that phase of business when you come across with low times of the business. You will keep going to better your breeds nevertheless you find yourself in a bad place because it will be something you love. This is the thing which will help you to be profitable and grab the opportunity in those unfruitful times.

Do you have enough knowledge regarding these factors?

• Breeding Process
• Dog Development 
• Grooming and Training 
• Health Concerns
• Nourishment
• Dog Pregnancy 
• Kinds of Breeds
• Keeping records of Dogs

If you are lacking in any way then go for these courses to make your skills perfect. 

What qualities do you possess among these?

• Business Mind
• Long hours of hard work 
• Inspired to learn more
• Expansion skills
• Getting dirty during work
• Strong health and physique 
• Love for dogs

You can improve your fitness and health while working with dog grooming centres. It is the most common way used by beginners to get basic skills.

Step 2 Understand the market

Each dog is different from others. You need to know their features, prices, characteristics and health issues.

Your targeted niche

Which kind of dogs is suitable for your business? You will be able to decide by knowing the growth in the market. Use the data available or approach local breeders to get appropriate knowledge.

Demand for dog breeders

You should understand the perspective of customers. It may be possible that you jump into a market niche where you don’t find competition but it is possible that customers don’t demand in that market. Analyze the demand before you take a step forward.

Competitors 

You must understand your competitors and their approach in the business. Which unique services do they provide that you might be able to offer too? What skills they have that sets them an apart from the market? Try to think from a customers point of view and you will know why they are trading with your competitor.

Step 3 Know about legalities 

Learn these regulations to breed dogs.

For male dogs

• Male dogs should be granted a license 10 days prior to breeding and after gaining 18 months of maturity.
• Male dogs should be healthy and certified.

For female dogs

• Female fogs are allowed to breed one time in a year.
• Female dogs should be healthy.
• Female dogs should not be forced to breed.
• Female dogs should be certified after 18 months of maturity and then only allowed to breed.

Licenses required by a dog breeding business

• Dog registration
• GST Registration 
• Business License  
• Breeding License
• Breeders Insurance

Apply for the license online. These are mandatory registrations to be done before starting a dog breeding business in India

Step 4 Your Ideal Location

While identifying a location for the dog breeding business the most important factor that you must consider is:

• Home-based dog breeding while starting at home you can use your backyard. It is the easiest way to build a dog breeding business. You will require a minimum amount of investment. You will also get a good amount of time to learn a variety of dog breeding skills.
• Rural dog breeding if you want to purchase a large location and start dog breeding business at a large scale then go for rural breeding. It will require high investment and knowledge about dog breeds and breeding process.

Step 5 Learn the breeding process.

The complete process for breeding dogs, make sure to pen down.

Choose a pair to breed

While choosing a pair you should emphasize on enhancing the strengths and balance out the weakness of the pair.

Understand Genetics

You must know what disease follows in their blood. Proper action should be taken to minimize the effect of future breeds.

Get the Contract

Now sign the contract from the owner of the pair. It will avoid future interference and states any innovation on part of the previous owner.

Ensure Safety

You must perform health checks to ascertain any underlying disease that can create trouble in future. It will also build confidence in your breed.

While breeding you have two options:

• Natural Breeding
• Artificial Breeding

It is up to you but most of the time it is recommended to use natural breeding process. It causes less pressure on the female dog and becomes easier for a dog breeder too.

Keep a watch on your bitch while she is pregnant. It is important to give her proper nourishment and care. You must be careful to know the signs of labour and pregnancy.

Birth of Puppies 

Generally, there is no need for help to dogs and puppies will be born naturally. You must ensure the number of placentae should match with a number of puppies. If not then it may cause a problem further.

After the birth of puppies, they should be kept with the mother. They should be healthy and properly checked by a doctor. It is important to keep the area clean.

Registration for Puppies 

Once puppies are born it is important that you get them registered so that it is possible to sell them in future. Without registration, you are at risk of losing customers.

Weaning Process

There are many ways that you can use to separate puppies. You should have experience for the same or consider for hiring an individual to help in the process.

Sending Puppies

You should find suitable homes for your puppies. It is your responsibility to look out for the best care they can get in the homes.

Step 6 Additional income sources for a dog breeder.

Dog breeding business equips you with great knowledge of dogs. You can use that knowledge and dog breeding location to earn extra money. Here are some methods to use.

Dog Grooming Center 

If you are efficient in grooming dogs then there are a lot of people who will want you to groom their dogs. You can earn a ton of money by providing an additional service accompanied by dog breeding.

Dog Daycare

Nowadays dogs are a buyer with so much of love and curiosity but people due to their work are not able to handle. This creates an opportunity for you to provide daycare services.

Dog education 

An experienced dog breeder can start a course that helps other fog breeders to start and enhance their business. You will be doing something for your industry.

Consultancy Services

Most people do not have enough knowledge about dogs and their related issues. If you are an expert then you can start providing that service.

If you are reading the bottom line then we understand you are serious about starting a dog breeding business in India. You must learn the process to breed dogs and understand your skills with the help of the questions provided above.

Don’t wait to take the step, the industry is rising pretty fast. You need to take action now. While going forward do not forget to think about various registrations mandatory for a dog breeding business.

Here is a TIP# Government has given rules and regulations for the dog breeding industry that you need to understand. If you want to know then read them here .

Have any queries? Don’t wait, Comment Below.

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