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Breeding a single puppy makes you a breeder with a responsibility to what you have bred and to ensure you put out into the world happy healthy dogs with bright futures in front of them.

To be a breeder you need to be knowledgeable and practical with plenty of time.

First time breeders should consider using the stud of well established breeder who is prepared to mentor them or getting support from the breeder of their bitch.

Do you have time?
Puppies will require 24 hour care for at least 8 weeks do you have the manpower to ensure a responsible adult can be with them at all times?

Do you have the money?  breeding dogs requires a huge amount of initial investment heres a break down of some  approximate costing based on a litter of 7 puppies

Health testing your bitch £700

Ovulation testing fees £200

Stud fee £800
Whelping box £400
Veterinary bedding £100

Whelping kit including puppy milk £100

Puppy food till  homing £500

Toys £100

Worming £50

vet checks, microchips and vaccines £ 700
 

A total of around £3060 before any return is taken for puppy sales.
This doesn't include things such a vets bills if things go wrong a C-section is around £2000 out of hours in some areas.

 

Do your have the patience ?
As a breeder you are dealing with the puppy buying public many buyers are completely uneducated about dog ownership and may be completely unsuitable  .

You will need to explain why they are not suitable and advise on breed ownership.

Not all buyers are accepting of them being considered  to not be in a position to own a pup and expect the right to purchase , it is not unusual for you to be verbally abused by people you turn away.

 

Are you able to think practically rather than emotively?
Sadly things don't always go to plan alongside bringing new life comes death.

Bitches dying during or after c-section  or following a difficult birth 

still born puppies

deformed or ill puppies that are incompatible with life

These are all possibilities when breeding can you cope with the stress and heartache involved.

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 Dog breeding and the Law

Anyone who breeds a litter of puppies and sells puppies from the litter is classes as a dog breeder even if the litter is a one off or accidental or a pairing of two x bred dogs.

If you are breeding a litter and making a profit or you breed more than 2 litters in a  12 month period you need a license 

Local councils have varying policies with regard to licensing you should find your local council here and check your councils policy.

You will be required to show the councils nominated vet or inspector

A vet or other inspector will visit and want to see that your dogs:

  • live in suitable accommodation

  • receive adequate food, water and bedding

  • get enough exercise

  • are transported in safe and comfortable conditions

  • are protected in case of fire or other emergency

  • are protected from the spread of disease

In wales the limit is three litters.

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 Dog Breeding and Tax

Any additional income should be declared to the tax man, dog breeding is no exception.

Breeders should keep receipts for their expenditure related to breeding as these should be taken into account when accessing any profit that may have been made from the sales of puppies.

In some cases costs run right back to the original purchase of your bitch , her days to day expenses on top of any breeding related expenses.

I would always suggest keeping accurate records for a period of six years should you be required to produce them.

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