How to Start a Business Selling AKC Registered Dogs

How To Start A Business Selling AKC Registered Dogs - Background Info:

As an AKC registered dog breeder takes special types of people to breed purebred dogs. Responsible breeders take all steps to be knowledgeable, licensed, and do not overbreed dogs.

A normal day as a dog breeder can vary greatly depending on the amount of dogs that you have and the stage of pregnancy or weaning that the dogs may be in.

You will be required to feed, water and clean kennels or the grounds daily. You will also have to monitor any pregnancies as they progress as well as females (bitches) as they begin to enter into their breeding season.

As the day progresses you may have to show puppies to potential clients, meet with a veterinarian to get checkups and vaccinations or fill out registration papers for new puppies.

Business Considerations:

There are a few things to consider before starting an AKC registered dogs breeding kennel. First, consider the breed you want to raise. There is huge variety of AKC recognized breeds.

Theses breeds vary in popularity and price. Often breeders choose dog breeds that are popular or that they themselves like. Next, consider your available space. Some breeds of dogs like Alaskan Malamutes, Mastiffs and Rottweilers can get over 150 lbs (68 kg) while other such as Tea Cup Chihuahuas may not get over 2 lbs (1 kg).

You may want to consider having males on site or paying for stud fees. Having males on site can cost money to keep them. On the other hand, stud fees can run several hundred dollars. Finally, you may want to consider the size of your pack. A larger pack can increase revenue. However, too many dogs or dogs living in squalid conditions will give you a poor reputation as a breeder and in some cases can be considered animal abuse.

Tasks And Skills Needed:

Whether you do all the work yourself, hire, or subcontract, here's a list of tasks, skills, and issues that need attention:

Marketing, advertising, networking, sales

People Skills: Employees, Customers, Vendors, etc.

Scheduling

Staying current with business matters such as licenses, insurance, and permits

Website maintenance and marketing

Money management

Bookkeeping

Invoicing

Communication skills

Basic math skills

Problem solving skills

Basic computer skills

You must keep records for the dogs, e.g. medical records and ownership, bloodlines, etc.

You must be good with managing money and cash flow

You must deal with buyers and suppliers

You must make sure everything is done in lawful and ethical manner

You must know how to properly market and promote your dog breeding business

You need to make sure the dogs are healthy with vet visits

You have to bath the dogs

You will need to rotate the pups to nurse

The dogs need to be feed

The dogs must be groomed

You must plan and schedule 'couplings'

Approximate Daily Hours Needed To This Business:

General Hours of Operation: - When your business is open - You're looking at 9:00 to 5:00
Hours Needed to Prepare - Before Opening and After Hours Activities - This business needs your time after hours to take care of any dog that needs attention and to care for the pups.

Employees Needed To Run This Business:

During the start up phase, you can run this business by yourself. Once Your Business is Up and Running successfully you may need to hire for the following:

Cage/Yard/Area Cleaning

Feeding/Grooming (includes shopping for necessities)

On-site vet (possibly)

Bookkeeping

Skill Requirements for This Business:

General and breed-specific dog care

Canine medical treatment and pill/medicine administration

Licenses:

In addition, to a business license, you will need a need a Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN), insurance and possibly incorporation paperwork such as an LLC.

Since each state/province, city and town have different laws; you must contact your local office to get the proper permits to operate a business. You may need a permit from the ministry of health, as well as other organizations that ensure that you are taking proper care of the dogs.

Approximate Minimum Startup Cost:

To start this type of business you'll need approximately $1500 to $2000 USD to purchase a pure-bred mother, pay stud fees, and purchase essential equipment (bedding, vaccinations, etc.). This does not cover the premises where you will keep the dogs, because that varies from area to area and it depends on the size of the building.

Necessary Issues to Run this Business:

Start-Up:

An AKC registered female

An AKC registered male or stud service

Dog food and supplies

Kennel or pen

Dog grooming and medical kits

Tarp or plastic sheeting, blankets, heating pad, sheets, whelping box

Office supplies

Phone

Supplementary:

Expanded kennel(s)

More females

Computer

Desk

Filing cabinet

Printer

Fax

Monthly Expenses To Consider:

Dog food

Dog medication

Extra Supplies

Stud Fees (possibly)

Professional Fees - accountant, veterinarian

Rent/Mortgage

Phone (some prefer a toll-free number for business-only)

Internet access

Business insurance

Utilities

Employee wages

Pet health insurance (optional but recommended)

Advertising, including website design and hosting

Special Requirements For This Business:

This type of business needs shot requirement records from your veterinarian for your state animal control licensing

This type of business needs regular visits with a veterinarian

Pros And Cons:

The Pros of Running a Dog-Breeding Business:

There is a lot of profit for a successful dog breeding business

If you love working with dogs then you can do what you love while making a decent living

Dog breeding can be expanded to become a multi-location establishment

This type of business allows you to travel to participate in many dog shows

The Cons of running a Dog-Breeding Business:

You may have to put in long hours to care for the dogs

You need to have a good customer base or you'll find yourself broke

You need special care from licensed professionals such as veterinarians

There is a lot of overhead such as space considerations

Mother dogs may only be able to breed a couple/few times in their lifetime

Type of Customers You Need to Attract:

The types of customers that you will attract love animals, particularly dogs that are from a particular breed or lineage in order to continue the breed as a business and/or show these particular dogs as a hobby.

Revenue:

Depending on the breed, pups sell anywhere from $500 to $4,000 each. Each litter can consist of 4 to 10 puppies.

Resources:

Industry Specific websites

Dog Hobbyist

Dog Owner's Guide

Making a First Aid Kit for Dogs

Courses

My Pet Business

Breeding Dogs for Dummies

THE COMPLETE DOG BOOK

Supplies

Dog.com

Dog Kennel Supplies

Forums

The Dog Breeder Forum

I Love Dogs

Associations

American Kennel Club (AKC)

Other

Building a Whelping Box the Easy Way

Related Businesses:

Animal supplies

Pet sitting