According to scientists, the first domesticated animal was the wolf. Our ancestors tamed this wild beast in the Stone Age, more than 10 centuries ago.
This predator became the ancestor of the dog, which is now the most popular pet. Currently, many breeds of representatives of the canine tribe have been bred - from miniature decorative ones to large watchdogs, for protection, hunting and helping people with disabilities.
This article will tell you about the type of business associated with breeding sought-after purebred dogs - the text covers all the key aspects of the relevant business, focusing on its financial side.
Basic features
Entrepreneurs planning to make money selling puppies should consider several points that are prerequisites for the success of the relevant business.
- The reputation of the kennel. The prices of four-legged goods depend on it. To form a positive image and gain recognition from potential buyers, it will take more than one year of careful work. This painstaking work involves excellent care, pedigrees, and attending competitions and exhibitions.
- Keeping at least 8 female dogs and 1-2 males. If the number of suitable livestock is smaller, the costs of keeping it will most likely not cover the money earned from selling puppies. To get a real profit, a constant litter is needed.
- The right choice of breed. Sometimes the fashion for a particular breed is fleeting. But among them there are such species that do not lose popularity for decades. The popular guards include the German and Central Asian Shepherds, and from the "pocket" versions, the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier are always in demand.
- Taking into account the specifics of the breed. The number of puppies in the litter depends on it, as well as on the age of the dog. This point requires primary attention when drawing up a business plan. And also the fact that on average, females are able to give birth three times within two years.
- Basic veterinary knowledge and grooming skills are required for treating tailed pets, including preventative care, and for grooming procedures, including clipping and bathing.
The founder of a dog kennel will have to address a number of organizational issues related to opening a business. Each of them requires necessary calculations.
Documentation preparation
Before starting a dog breeding business, it is necessary to register such business activity in accordance with legislative norms.
You can find out what documents are required for such a business at your local veterinary office or canine organization. Authorized employees of these institutions will inform you about the algorithm of the registration procedure and the requirements for this process.
Official permission to sell puppies is granted by the presence of the following documents:
- opening a sole proprietorship;
- indication of the KVED for entrepreneurship (for Ukraine this is 01.49);
- a signed agreement for the lease of land and premises for the nursery (if you are not the owner of these objects).
Such documentation in our country is available for self-registration, without involving lawyers.
How to choose a location?
The best location and premises for such a business would be a city outskirts or a suburban area. It is desirable that neighbors do not live nearby.
Otherwise, entrepreneurs are not immune to complaints and quarrels. After all, dogs are noisy animals, and in addition, the corresponding four-legged tribe creates a specific smell that will annoy people living in the neighborhood.
The most comfortable location option is a rural area, a few hundred meters away from a residential area.
Nursery work areas
The organization of such a zootechnical facility requires the equipment of three zones.
- Kitchen. The kitchen should have a stove for cooking food for four-legged pets and their cubs, gas or electric. It is also desirable to have water supply. If there is no central water supply in this place, equip the water supply based on a well or borehole.
- Aviaries. Metal structures are used to build aviaries. Their area is calculated at the rate of 6 to 8 m² per head for large breeds. Dog houses are installed in this area. Their walls and ceiling should be insulated with polystyrene or building wool. It is better to make the roof removable, and the aviaries themselves collapsible.
- Walking area. This area is a spacious fenced area intended for free movement and play of dogs and for dog handlers to work with them.
The above list refers to large and medium breeds that are not smooth-haired. Breeding the latter and their small decorative dogs is necessary in a warm room equipped with heating and ventilation systems. These communications are used in the cold season.
What equipment should I purchase?
Requires financial investment to start a business to purchase the necessary equipment and consumables listed below.
Household appliances
- Electric stove or gas stove
- Freezers for preserving meat products and bones for animal feeding
- Pump into a well or borehole
Plumbing
- Washbasin with sink
Furniture
- Shelves for storing porridge
- Machining table
Other accessories
- Tableware – pots, bowls, spoons, knives
- Axe for chopping meat and bones
- Hose for washing enclosures and dogs
- Cleaning equipment – dustpans, brooms, shovels
Consumables
- Products for preparing food for pets – cereals, vegetables, meat, bones, etc.
- Vitamins and dry food
- Straw for winter bedding (hay can harbor mites)
- Pharmaceuticals, vaccines and syringes for injections.
Full-fledged dog breeding and necessary care for them is impossible without purchasing such equipment and materials, which must be of high quality.
Finances for startup: how much money will you need?
The financial investment required to start a dog breeding business should be included in the business plan.
Opening this business requires initial investments, which, according to the basic cost items, are listed in the table.
| Type of work | Minimum amount in hryvnias |
| Construction of enclosures, equipment of areas for walking and kitchen and household areas | 70 thousand |
| Equipment for catering and care | 35 thousand |
| Documentation preparation | 4.5 thousand |
| Marketing materials (creation of a website with photos and business cards) | 9 thousand |
| Buying pedigree dogs | 20 thousand per person |
In addition, dog breeders will have to spend money monthly for the following regular payments:
- payment for utilities (electricity and others);
- paying taxes;
- advertising;
- purchase of products for feeding adult dogs and puppies;
- rent (if the object is rented).
As practice shows, dog breeders pay from 6,500 hryvnias in taxes every month, buy from 9,000 hryvnias worth of food for their four-legged wards, and spend at least 1,000 hryvnias on advertising.
Additional financial investments by breeders are aimed at purchasing dog accessories (collars, leashes, toys), vitamins and medications for them. They will also have to pay for classes with a professional dog trainer, services from groomers, veterinarians, and participation in exhibitions.
However, there are certain ways to reduce the budget for opening and maintaining a dog kennel.
To do this, experts advise equipping the enclosures yourself (anyone who knows welding techniques can do this), and purchasing feed and necessary veterinary drugs in bulk.
Probable earnings amounts
The cost of a puppy is determined by its pedigree and external parameters. However, the breed is of key importance.
Professional dog breeders divide dog offspring into three categories.
The cheapest are sold as pet-class representatives, which are weak and rejected due to non-compliance with breed standards.
The breed class includes puppies from the working segment of the market that are suitable for further breeding.
And the most beautiful puppies with a long, distinguished pedigree, which cost the most, are considered representatives of the show class.
The average prices for puppies of the ten most common breeds as of the current year, which will help you navigate the profit from your dog breeding business, are listed below.
| Breed | Price range in hryvnias |
| German or East European Shepherd | from 10500 to 26000 |
| Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai) | 15000 – 28000 |
| Rottweiler | 8000 – 13000 |
| Husky | 5000 – 10000 |
| Pug | 5500 – 8000 |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 5500 – 22000 |
| Dachshund | 8000 – 24000 |
| Chihuahua | 10500 – 34000 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 8000 – 13500 |
| Pekingese | 3500 – 5000 |
It is worth knowing that keeping and raising puppies of each breed has its own specifics, nuances, and complexities.
Puppies are sold at the age of 2-2.5 months.
How to choose a dog breed for a kennel?
For the appropriate choice, not only the cost of the puppy is important, but also many additional important factors.
Each breed has its own target audience of potential buyers that should be taken into account. For example, hunting enthusiasts purchase hunting dogs - Russian greyhounds, Estonian hounds, dachshunds, hunting spaniels, which are a separate market segment.
A popular option for protecting a home or other facility is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler, and Great Dane.
Large breeds are more often chosen by residents of the private sector, while for apartments, they mainly purchase decorative, miniature, and smooth-haired dogs.
According to analysts, the current ranking of popularity on the market includes the following 10 dog breeds.
- German Shepherd. Has a reputation as an intelligent dog with excellent guarding qualities.
- Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Has proven itself as a good guard.
- Yorkshire Terrier. Miniature and lively Yorkies, which are an ideal solution for limited living space and can do without walking, are mostly chosen by city dwellers, owners of small apartments.
- Chihuahua. Considered an elite "pocket" dog, beloved by ambitious ladies. Such dogs become part of the image of fashionable ladies with high social status.
- Dachshund. It will not litter the apartment with fur during molting and will be an excellent assistant to the hunter when hunting animals that live in burrows.
- Husky. This dog is distinguished by its distinctive appearance with large blue eyes and a balanced temperament.
- Jack Russell Terrier. An extremely lively, playful and gentle dog with high intelligence that is easy to train.
- Rottweiler. A dog that conquers not only with endurance and strength, but also with intelligence, devotion to its owner, and a stable psyche.
- Pug. The choice of seniors, it becomes their favorite, sociable companion and practically does not annoy with barking.
- Pekingese. A dog with a developed intuition, which allows it to subtly sense its owner's mood, and a funny appearance.
It is not worth counting on significant profits that dog breeding as a business will bring. However, this business can become a source of good additional income. And the condition and key to the success of such a business will be love for four-legged wards, full care and sincere concern for them.
