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What Makes a Dog Breed Profitable to Sell?
If you are interested in getting into the dog breeding business, it is important to pick the right breed to specialize in. Some breeders work with only one breed, while others may breed and sell a few different dogs. Because each breed is different, it is important to select a breed that is in demand and that you can handle breeding.
Here are 5 things to consider before you start your breeding business:
1. The Breed’s Health
Certain breeds are known for their health problems. For example, dachshunds commonly experience back problems due to their short legs and long bodies. Huskies are predisposed to autoimmune disorders, which can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, and sores on the skin. Breeding dogs with frequent health problems means more vet visits for the breeder, as well as greater expenses for the family.
No family wants to adopt a dog who is sick and frequently in pain. If a customer adopts a dog from you then it gets sick,they may leave your business a bad review and give you a bad reputation as a breeder. It is best for everyone, including the dogs, to specialize in relatively healthy breeds and to breed them responsibly.
2. Supply and Demand
No matter what is being sold, supply and demand will play a role in a business’s success. When it comes to breeding dogs, it will be more profitable to breed dogs that are rare or are in high demand. For example, the current most popular breeds in the U.S. are labrador retrievers, French bulldogs, German shepherds, golden retrievers, bulldogs, and poodles. By breeding dogs that you know people will want to buy, you can easily sustain your breeding business.
The flip side is that you want to focus on breeds that can’t easily be acquired elsewhere. If a family can adopt a pet from a shelter, then they are unlikely to spend hundreds of dollars getting that same breed from a breeder. There are 6 dog breeds that are most commonly found in animal shelters: pit bulls, labrador retrievers, German shepherds, dachshunds, chihuahuas, and boxers. It will probably not be very profitable to build a business around these breeds.
3. Specialty and Rarity
There are a lot of dog breeders out there; the best way to stand out is to work with a breed that is rare or special. For example, you could charge more for saluki, Irish wolfhound, or Tibetan mastiff puppies than you could for common labrador puppies. Designer breeds like pomskies and goldendoodles can also be sold for a premium because dog lovers will have a challenging time finding them anywhere else.
A breeder may also consider breeding designer dogs. These are dogs that are not purebred, but they are a cross between 2 different breeds to achieve the best characteristics of both. One example of a designer breed is a pomsky; it is a cross between a husky and a pomeranian and looks like a mini-husky. While designer breeds may not be eligible for the show dog circuit, they are unique and novel, making them desirable as eye-catching pets.
4. The Size of the Breed
A litter can be 1 or 2 puppies or it may be 12 puppies. Most litters are 5 or 6 puppies. Counting the parents, you may have up to 14 dogs in your home at a time. In most states, it is illegal for puppies to be separated from their mom until they are 8 weeks old; some breeders prefer to sell puppies when they are 12 or 16 weeks old in order to spay or neuter them. This means that you may have a house full of happy, excited dogs in your home for 4 months at a time.
When you choose a breed, you must take into account how much room you have. If you are breeding large dogs like Tibetan mastiffs, Irish wolfhounds, or border collies, it will be necessary for you to have a large yard and a large amount of room for them to roam. Smaller breeds, like toy poodles and French bulldogs, will not require as much space.
Before you start your breeding business, be sure that you have enough space for all the dogs to play, do their business, and exercise. As a breeder, it is important to sell dogs that are properly socialized and well-cared for. If you are short on space, then being a dog breeder may not be the best career for you.
5. Maintenance
Even if a breed is more aloof, breeding dogs is a lot of work. As puppies, they may need to be fed by hand if they are not putting on weight fast enough. You will also need to give the puppies and the parents baths, as well as take them to the vet for their shots and checkups. Having a litter of dogs also means that you will have to housetrain the puppies, clean up after inside accidents, and scoop the yard. Not to mention that some breeds need a lot of attention, exercise, and grooming.
Before you decide to quit your day job in favor of breeding and selling dogs, be sure that you are prepared for all the rigors of caring for a litter of puppies.
What are the Best Dogs For Breeding and Selling as Pets?
When you breed and sell dogs as pets, it is important that the dogs are healthy, friendly, loving, and good with families. The most profitable dogs to sell as pets are bulldogs, samoyeds, border collies, pugs, and Irish wolfhounds.
Is it Profitable to Breed French Bulldogs?
It can be very profitable to breed both French and English bulldogs. Not only are they popular as pets, they are ideal as show dogs.
French bulldogs are considered toy-sized. They are recognizable by their short snout, bat-like ears, small size, and rounded bodies. The American Kennel Club ranks French bulldogs as highly affectionate and great with young kids; the breed is known to immediately latch onto their family and show them in puppy kisses. French bulldogs can also be very patient and tolerant of little kids.
Frenchies are ideal pets because, unlike other small dog breeds, they are not prone to barking. Their coat requires minimal maintenance and they are ideal for families with a small yard.
Breeders normally sell French bulldog puppies for between $1,500 and $3,000. If you are the only breeder in your area or offer puppies with an exceptional pedigree, you can easily charge more. Because of their size, French bulldogs often require a C-section to give birth to a litter. While this does mean higher vet costs for a breeder, the average litter is 2-4 puppies, so it is worth the investment to ensure that the puppies are born healthy.
How Much Can I Sell a Samoyed Puppy For?
Samoyeds are relatively rare, so they are often ranked as one of the most expensive dog breeds that a family can buy. How much a breeder can charge for samoyed depends on the dog’s age, coat color, quality, and the breeder’s location. Because there are very few rescues that specialize in this breed, most families who want a samoyed will be prepared to pay top dollar to get a puppy from a breeder.
Breeders normally charge $1,500 for an 8 week old samoyed puppy. Older dogs and retired breeders can also be sold to families for $500 to $800. Most samoyeds have a fluffy, white coat that makes them look like a cloud with legs; however, the breed can also have a biscuit-colored, cream-colored, or multicolored coat. Due to the rarity of non-white coats, breeders with biscuit-colored or cream-colored samoyed puppies can easy get over $3,000 for each puppy. As a breeder, you will also be able to charge more if a family wants pedigree papers for their dog or if you are the only breeder in your area.
Are Border Collies Good Dogs to Breed and Sell?
Like samoyeds, border collies are a distinctive breed that are usually sought out by families who specifically want this breed. Border collies are majestic dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to train, great with kids, adaptable, and excellent watchdogs.
Breeders normally sell border collie puppies for between $800 and $1,500. If your puppies have a high-quality pedigree and come with breed certification papers, you can charge up to $3,500 per puppy. Border collies typically have very few health problems and normally live up to 15 years.
Is it Ethical to Breed Pugs?
A breeder can sell pug puppies for up to $1,500, but within the breeding community, there is a debate on the ethics of breeding pugs. Purebred pugs have well-documented breathing problems due to their short snout; there have been cases of pugs suffocating on planes and in cars due to limited airflow. While no one can deny that pugs are adorable, it is not ethical to breed short-snouted animals that will end up suffering.
This does not mean that you have to count out breeding pugs entirely. There is a new movement to breed healthier pugs by crossing purebred pugs with jack russell terriers; these new pugs are called retro pugs and that have longer snouts, which makes them significantly healthier.
Retro pugs have the same build, size, and temperament of purebred pugs, but without the breathing-related health problems.
In the dog breeding world, typically breeders can charge more for purebred dogs because they are more desirable than mixed dogs and mutts. Retro pugs are the notable exception. In the same way that companies can charge more for ethically-sourced and eco-friendly products,
breeders can actually charge more for retro pugs than for purebred pugs. This is because pug owners will pay a premium for healthier, happier, and more ethically bred pugs.
Why Should I Breed Irish Wolfhounds?
Irish wolfhounds are one of the most expensive dog breeds because they are unique and very large. As a breeder, it can be more costly to breed Irish wolfhounds than it would be to breed smaller dogs, but it is worth the tradeoff. Irish wolfhound puppies normally sell for between $1,400 and $2,500 when purchased from a breeder. Breed enthusiasts and dog show participants will frequently fork over up to $4,000 for a well-bred puppy.
Irish wolfhounds are so unique because they are one of the biggest dog breeds. Male dogs can weigh up to 180 pounds and be 3 feet tall at the shoulder. Bred to hunt wolves and other large game, they are ideal companions for hunters as well as families that live in rural areas. Due to their size and their protective nature, Irish wolfhounds make excellent guard dogs and excel at canine sports.
Which Breeds Are the Most Profitable to Sell as Show Dogs?
Dog breeders that specifically breed for dog shows earn more on average than breeders who sell puppies as pets. When you breed dogs for the purpose of dog shows, it is important that they have a desirable pedigree, meet the breed’s set standards, and that you can provide the new owners with documentation of the dog’s breeding.
For new breeders, it can be expensive to get into breeding show dogs. Most breeders need to purchase former show dogs with breeding rights in order to get the right pedigree. However, once you start your breeding business, you are able to charge more than you would if you were breeding dogs as pets. Competitors on the show dog circuit will normally pay twice as much for a puppy and you can charge even more if you specialize in desirable breeds.
Breeding and Selling Poodles
There are 3 different types of poodles that are formally recognized by the American Kennel Club: standard poodles, miniature poodles, and toy poodles. All poodles are known for their beautiful curly coats, their intelligence, how easy they are to train, and that they are allergy friendly.
Standard poodles are the largest type of poodle; they stand 20-23 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 45 and 80 pounds. In 2020, a standard poodle named Siba won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. In the history of the event, 5 poodles have placed first with any others designated as the runner ups. Breeders normally sell standard poodles for $1,000 to $2,000.
Miniature poodles are 11 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. They possess the same level of intelligence and beauty as standard poodles, just in a smaller package. Miniature poodles are also ideal for dog shows; in fact, the 2002 winner of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was a miniature poodle named Surrey Spice Girl. Because miniature poodles are a novelty breed, breeders normally charge between $1,500 and $3,000 for a puppy.
Toy poodles are popular as both show dogs and pets. They are usually under 10 pounds and stand between 8 and 10 inches at the shoulder. Because of their smaller size, toy poodles are easier to care for and require less roaming space than their larger counterparts. If you decide to breed toy poodles, you can easily sell them to both dog show enthusiasts as well as owners who want a pet who is as glamorous as they are. As a breeder, you should expect to charge between $1,200 and $2,500 for a toy poodle puppy.
Why You Should Breed Fox Terriers
Throughout the history of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, fox terriers have dominated the Best in Show awards. There are 2 different types of fox terriers: wire fox terriers and smooth fox terriers. Wire fox terriers in particular are very desirable to dog show enthusiasts because the breed has racked up 13 Best in Show awards over the history of the event.
Wire fox terriers can be bred and sold for $1,200 to $3,000 each. Smooth fox terriers can be sold for $700 to $1,500 each.
Potential breeders should consider breeding fox terriers because they are guaranteed to be a hit within the dog show community. Ever since wire fox terrier Old Jock won Best Dog at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 3 years in a row, participants have zeroed in on fox terriers as ideal competitors for the dog show circuit.
The Best Rare Dogs For Breeding and Selling
Breeding and selling rare dog breeds can be a more risky business venture but it may also lead to a greater profit than selling more common breeds. Because certain breeds are hard to find, you can easily charge much more for each puppy. However, only breeding rare dogs also means that you will have a much narrower population to market and sell to.
What You Need To Know About Breeding and Selling Salukis
Most people have never heard of the saluki breed, but they have probably seen one before Salukis, like poodles, are beautiful dogs that have historically been included in editorial photography and runway shows.
Salukis are great family dogs who get along well with older children. They have thin, long legs almost like a ballerina and are known for their ability to sprint. When a family buys a saluki, their new pet can live between 10 and 17 years. The breed is not prone to any diseases and most dogs live long lives until they reach old age.
As a breeder, you will need lots of space for breeding salukis. They need lots of exercise both in the form of walks and in a secured yard. As for grooming, salukis can have either a feathered coat or a smooth coat, both of which require a moderate amount of grooming.
Because salukis are one of the most expensive dog breeds, it can be very profitable for a prospective breeder to get into the business. In the U.S. pet parents expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,000 for a saluki puppy. A breeder can charge as much as $5,000 for one of their puppies if the dog has an exceptional pedigree or if they live in an area with no other breeders and a high cost of living.
Is It Profitable to Breed and Sell Tibetan Mastiffs?
Tibetan mastiffs are a rare breed because they are so large that few people breed them. The breed ranges from 100 to 180 pounds and normally stands around 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Tibetan mastiffs were originally bred to be guard dogs and were tied to the front doors of homes and monasteries to fend off thieves and intruders. If a family is concerned about home invasion or if they live in the countryside, it can be very beneficial to purchase a Tibetan mastiff. Not only will they protect the home and keep intruders away, they are also able to fight off wild life that may try to eat a family’s livestock or their smaller dogs.
Tibetan mastiffs are ideal for breeders who want to find a niche and make their business profitable. Compared to other breeds, Tibetan mastiffs have larger litters, normally consisting of 6-12 puppies. Each puppy can be raised and then sold to a loving family for between $1,500 and $4,000. Breeders who offer puppies with certain desirable characteristics, such as coloring and meeting breed standards, can easily charge more.
Due to their size, Tibetan mastiffs can be a harder breed to raise and breed than smaller dogs. Perspective breeders should be prepared with a large space for the dogs as they grow. Because Tibetan mastiffs often prefer structured work play instead of playing fetch, breeders need to provide adequate enrichment and socialization.
Despite the lion mane-like appearance of Tibetan mastiffs’ coats, their grooming only requires a moderate amount of maintenance. For most of the year, the breeder and the new pet parents will need to do a weekly brushing. During shedding season in late spring, breeders must be prepared to have everything they own covered in dog fur.
What Are Designer Dogs and Should I Breed Them?
In the dog breeding world, there is a lot of emphasis on purebred dogs. One reason why a family might buy a puppy from a breeder instead of adopting a puppy from a shelter or through a local ad is that breeders can guarantee the pedigree of a purebred puppy. Buying a purebred makes the dog eligible to be entered in dog shows. It also guarantees that the dog will have the desired and expected temperament of the breed. Purebred dogs are also healthier on average than mutts; the health problems a pet may experience can be predicted and screened for based on what is normal for that breed.
While it is usually more desirable and more profitable to only breed purebred dogs, some breeders have established a profitable business breeding designer dogs.
Designer dogs are also called hybrid dogs. A designer breed is the result of 2 purebred dogs of different breeds that create desirable traits and appearances in their offspring. For example, a puggle, which is half beagle and half pug, is an example of a designer breed. Goldendoodles are dogs that have a golden retriever parent and a poodle parent. This breed can be more desirable than a purebred because it creates a dog that has the traits of a goldie but is hypoallergenic.
Designer dog breeds effectively create a best of both world situation. However, as a breeder, it is important to ensure the health of your puppies and breed ethically. When breeders cross two breeds that are too similar, it can cause genetic problems that those dogs may pass on to their puppies. In order to produce healthy puppies, breeders should be selective about which dogs they breed and utilize animal DNA testing to ensure that dogs are not too closely related.
3 Ways To Start a Successful Designer Dog Breeding Business
Breeders can face an uphill battle trying to breed designer dogs. You may find it harder to sell puppies and you may face backlash.
This does not mean that it is impossible to successfully breed designer dogs. One advantage of designer dogs is that certain breeds are even more unique and desirable than their purebred counterparts. While you will probably be unable to sell your puppies to dog show enthusiasts, there are many pet parents who would pay a premium for a designer dog.
If you are planning to start a designer dog breeding business, here are 3 ways to make it more successful:
1. Choose the right designer breed
Choose a unique-looking designer breed that is highly recognizable and has desirable traits. Families are unlikely to buy from a breeder if they can adopt a similar dog from a shelter for free. Designer dogs do not have the impeccable pedigree of purebreds, so people may consider them mutts. As a breeder, you will be able to market your business better if your breed is instantly recognizable. For example, pomskies or dalmadoodles. This will give your dogs the it-factor and make families want to pay a premium for a unique pet.
2. Be open and transparent about your business
Designer dog breeders get a bad reputation because people accuse them of being puppy mills. There are also a lot of scams in the dog breeding world. As a breeder, you will need to show that you are legitimate and above board. You can combat this by using social media to showcase your ethical practices. On your website, Facebook page, or Instagram, discuss how you avoid breeding dogs that are too closely related to avoid genetic problems.
You can show that you are a legitimate business by posting photos and videos to show that your dogs have ample outdoor space and are well cared for. Depending on your comfort level, you can also consider letting prospective pet parents come visit the dogs before they purchase a puppy.
3. Find your niche and utilize word of mouth
Word of mouth is a very powerful advertising tool for any business. Having an online presence and running ads is very important, but so are referrals from past customers. As a breeder, you should maintain positive relationships with all past pet parents and collect positive reviews. There is a big chance that after one family adopts a puppy, the people they know will fall in love with the breed and want one too.
Designer dog breeders may not be able to advertise to the dog show crowd, but you can still find your niche and connect with people who love and appreciate designer dogs.
What Are the Best Designer Dogs Breeds to Sell?
Choosing a designer dog breed will depend on your preferences as a breeder. However, prospective breeders should focus on a breed that is recognizable and has the right traits to make it a good pet.
What is a Pomsky?
Pomskies are a cross between huskies and pomeranians. They have the coloring and wolf-like appearance of a husky and the small size of a pomeranian. Pomskies are very desirable pets because they are adorable, as well as easier to care for than a purebred husky.
Pomskies normally weigh between 15 and 30 pounds, so they are ideal pets for people with small yards or who are unable to walk their dog as frequently. One benefit that pomsky owners notice is that the hybrid dog is not as yappy as a full bred pomeranian. The breed is also known to inherit the playfulness of huskies. If a family has small children, they may choose a pomsky over a husky because the smaller dog will be better around children.
Because pomskies are a relatively new breed, the standard for breeding them has not yet been perfected. Breeders are not always sure what they are going to get from a pomsky litter. Sometimes husky-pomeranian mixes end up looking like slightly smaller versions of the husky, rather than being pomeranian-sized; some breeders refer to these dogs as “huskeranians.” Breeders who want to keep their dogs small may consider breeding a pomsky with a pomeranian to produce toy-sized dogs with the husky coloring.
Purebred pomeranians are normally sold for $800 to $2,000 each; purebred huskies normally go for $350 to $1,200 per puppy. Because pomskies are rare and novel, breeders can easily charge an upwards of $2,000 for each puppy.
How Much is a Goldendoodle Puppy?
A goldendoodle is a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. They are a well known designer dog breed and are considered ethical dogs to breed and buy.
The primary draw of goldendoodles for families is that they are a curly, hypoallergenic, and minimal shed version of a golden retriever. This makes the breed ideal for people who want the friendliness, loyalty, playfulness, and intelligence of a golden retriever, but who are allergic to dog fur.
Goldendoodles are also desirable because there is a large amount of variation in the breed. Like poodles, goldendoodles can be golden-retriever sized, toy sized, or in the middle. This means that breeders can offer different sized puppies to appeal to people who may want a smaller dog.
Because the breed is relatively new, there are very few goldendoodle breeders. This rarity allows breeders to charge between $2,000 and $5,000 for a healthy, well-socialized puppy.