The cost of dog breeding
When you breed dogs, you should never do it for the money – although that’s not ethical, it isn’t the only reason you shouldn’t do it for the money; you’ll also generally be disappointed. To breed and rear puppies is an expensive and time-consuming task, although rearing puppies is a delight and many find it rewarding to see new life in their own home.
To start with there is the stud dog fee, and even if you come to an arrangement with the stud dog owner there are other costs to consider. To avoid unnecessary problems with the litter, you should look early enough for a stud dog – weeks or months before he is needed – using a reputable stud dog directory if need be, but always be certain to check any paperwork and ownership of the dog with the dog’s owner once you meet. Always visit the stud dog before the mating rather than relying on email or telephone conversations with the dog’s owner, and check the dog and his paperwork for yourself.
The bitch requires the right nutrition during her pregnancy and attention of a vet may be required regularly or at the birth. Puppies need a vet check, the proper nutritious puppy food when they are ready to be weaned off the mother; they also need injections from the vet and should be registered with either the Kennel Club (KC) or the Dog Lovers Registration Club (DLRC).
Aside from caring for the puppies, you also need to find them good homes. This frequently requires expensive advertising. Even if you think you have enough family and friends who ‘want one’ when it comes down to actually giving the puppies new homes, many find these potential homes cannot or will not actually have one.
There are a lot of things to weigh up when it comes to dog breeding, so be sure you make the right decision for you and your dog.
