So You Want to Breed? (Part 2 -Costs)

What is Success?

When a breeder “does well” they are most likely referring to the consistency in their breeding plans, personal satisfaction in doing what they do and positive feedback they have received from seeing their puppies go to happy owners… and success in the show ring.  NOT how well they are doing financially selling puppies!  Plus there is tremendous satisfaction when a puppy buyer calls you back a year later and tells you how happy they are with their dog.  

Costs to Expect

The expense of operating a kennel is a big consideration that simply should never be underestimated when considering whether or not to get into this business seriously. You must consider nutrition, housing, veterinary care, pet sitters, insurance, advertising costs, show entry fees, transportation, etc, etc…  The list goes on and on… 

Medical Expenses

Along with housing expenses, there are also medical expenses.  Every breed has different hereditary or medical concerns that need to be screened thoroughly before a dog can medically be determined to be breeding quality. 

Here are some examples of common health screenings and medical expenses that can occur before a dog is bred (these can vary greatly based on breed and you will be able to easily research and identify the needs for your particular breed):

1.)     Evaluation of hips by the OFA-Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.  This consists of x-rays that show the hip joints and associated bony components and any deviations from normal.  A score of Excellent to Dysplastic is given by the OFA upon reviewing the x-rays.  If your dog doesn’t pass, then they are not breeding quality. Dogs must be at least 2 years old before they can have this registry done (when the growth period is complete). A newer hip evaluation, called the PENN HIP procedure is also used to evaluate the hips.  This method shows any laxity of the hips, the dog should score high and well above the medium.

2.)     CERF- this is the registry of eye quality; a Board Certified Veterinary Specialist in Opthalmology must examine the eyes for any hereditary defects.  These are conducted annually.

3.)     Cardiac- a heart evaluation that is conducted by a Board Certified Cardiologist usually at a University and usually needs to be updated yearly also.

4.)     Thyroid Function- This blood test can be done through your local veterinary hospital and is a one-time evaluation. 

5.)     DNA and Microchip are very important.  These need to be registered through AKC (The American Kennel Club) or CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) and are a must if you plan on using Artificial Insemination. DNA profile and Microchip expenses vary greatly.

6.)     Brucellosis- This test needs to be run prior to each breeding.  It will show if the male or female are carriers of this sexually transmitted disease.

7.)     Vaccination – take your dog to the veterinarian for any vaccinations and a preventative worming before your dog is to be bred. 

Before you consider breeding, you need to determine if you truly have a dog that is worthy of being bred. The primary goal of breeding is to improve the breed.  Just because your dog is AKC registered doesn’t mean it should be bred. This dog breeding business IS serious stuff!

Please share a comment with the costs that you have encountered with breeding.