How to Start a Home-Based Business Breeding Dogs

Many a dog fancier or enthusiast has made the plunge by turning his passion for dogs into a business. It can be rewarding on many levels, but it also has the potential to be emotionally and financially devastating. Whenever possible, consult with experts and research to reduce costly mistakes. With hard work and dedication, you can be breeding puppies that go on to be champions and life-long friends—all while making a profit.

Investigate local and state laws and regulations closely. In some places, there are no permits, licensing or zoning requirements. In others, even owning two dogs for breeding purposes may require you to file paperwork or meet certain requirements before proceeding.

Decide what breed you are going to focus on. Pick a breed you’re passionate about and that is suitable for the area in which you live. Explore what breeds are popular, and look for local competitors. “Designer breeds” such as Labradoodles are not purebred or A.K.C. (American Kennel Club) or C.K.C. (Canadian Kennel Club) registerable. When the fad fades, so will the demand.

Check your home owner’s insurance to make sure it will cover any theft of your dogs, or if one of your dogs should bite a customer.

Make sure your yard or runs are dog-proof. Create a secure, climate controlled area where you can keep the dogs, inside your house or out. Keeping dogs in small kennels (crates) around the clock is inhumane.

Purchase the best breeding-age representatives you can afford. Females are more important since you can arrange for shipped semen and do not need to keep a male. If you start with puppies, they will cost less but you will have no idea of their adult quality, and will need to wait a year or more to breed them.

Maintain a website to help you sell puppies all across the country and around the world. In addition, you can do A.K.C. (American Kennel Club) record-keeping and registration online. Consider purchasing dog breeding software. Good record keeping is essential or the I.R.S. may consider you a "hobby" breeder. Market locally and via the Internet.

Learn to groom, trim toe nails, brush teeth and giving worming and vaccinations to save money. Your dogs will need a veterinarian in case of illness, to give rabies vaccines and issue health certificates for puppies.

Price puppies according to market, gender, quality, color and the parent’s accomplishments. Socialize and start training on all puppies prior to sale. Send a puppy kit containing food, pedigree, registration papers and health records with each pup. Keep in contact with the owners and update your website with any newer pictures and accomplishments.