[Pupcake]

Is dog breeding profitable as a profession? What are the requirements to start this profession and what is required apart from dogs? What is a good way to estimate the cost and return in the process? Thanks

[PitBullLvr]

I don't personally think that dog breeding is a profession. It's more like an expensive hobby. I think the only way to make any real money on it is to breed every time the female's in heat & not do the vet check-ups & everything. Which, in my opinion, isn't an option. But I guess I could be wrong. I haven't been breeding all that long. Someone else might have a different opinion.

[ScottyDoggy]

I wish you hadn't even said that now some idiot is gonna read this and do it... lol

Never EVER breed a dog at every heat unless you WANT to breed sickly unhealthy dogs and kill off the mother early. It is very VERY unhealthy for a dog to be bred that often. For optimum puppies and mommy dog health, you should not breed more than once a year if you must do it.

Dog breeding is not a profession she is correct. In order to make a decent amount of money on the puppies, they'll need vet records, shots done and nowadays, micro chipped and registered with AKC as well. Otherwise, you might as well just sell them for about $100 if you're lucky you'll find them good homes...

but that is not recommended. Mom dog needs prenatal care, ESPECIALLY if you have no clue what you are doing and the puppies will all need their shots, as well as checks for worms etc etc...

I would not suggest it what so ever. Alot is needed besides "just the dogs".

[doggerbank]

I totally agree that it's an expensive hobby. Right now, I don't want to breed but in the future I might change my mind. I will only breed if I'm rich enough. :-)

I don't think if it's very profitable if you care much about dogs. Of course, you will have to buy the best dog food and even hire help.

[sevendogs]

Dog breeding as a profession is very detrimental to the dogs, because professional (commercial breeder) wants his business to be cost effective. Dog is a special animal, closest to humans and cannot be treated as a merchandise to imporve your financial situation. You can breed pigs, cattle or chickens for meat and this can be done professionally, but dogs are our assistants and companions, almost family members, they are emotionally important for every true dog user for any active purposes or just as companions. Therefore, when you buy a puppy, choose the right breeder first and the right breeder is usually a dog user who knows his dogs, keeps and breeds only best dogs, does not breed them too many and too often, but he takes a great care to find a right home for every puppy. Avoid puppy mill breeders! Some of them, unfortunately, are among pet/show dog breeders keeping their ads in reputable magazines and in the Internet classifieds. Do you research thorougly before buying a puppy.