With the economy in a major recession around the globe, people are looking for ways to earn some extra money from home. And while purebred dogs are still shown in shows around the world, there has been one more deciding factor as to who can buy puppies to breed and breed for additional income: the wealthiest continue to buy purebred puppies to breed or raise. no, and low-income people simply cannot afford to buy expensive puppies.
According to Amber Mendoza of Buckeye Bullies in Goodyear, Arizona, “People who buy purebred dogs and can afford them just like them more than anything else. They don’t necessarily want to breed them, but they enjoy them. A purebred dog can be a symbol. status, like when comparing a Mercedes to a Volkswagen. Plus, they know that if they decide to breed or raise their dog, there is an opportunity to make money. “
If people think they are going to make money right away, they are not. It takes not only money, but also time. When the cubs are born, they are like human babies. In Amber’s case, this being Enna’s first litter, they had to separate the puppies and then give them to her every two hours to nurse … and that’s all day, as with any newborn, and that lasts two weeks . . Just like with a human baby, except there are more of them.
If you start with a puppy, you should wait 3 heat cycles or about 2 years before raising it. If it’s too early, it’s like getting a 14-year-old girl pregnant; their bodies are not yet developed for motherhood. On the other hand, if a dog is too old, it would be like getting a 60-year-old woman pregnant and that would not work well either. Therefore, it is limited to the best breeding times in its best cycles, which means no more than 3-4 litters.
So while puppies can be sold from $ 1200 and up each, there are limits to the amount of money you can make from a female.
Starting
Amber and her husband, Patrick, didn’t really set out to start a breeding business. They just wanted a purebred dog, they adored Bull Terriers and they bought an AKC female dog, Princess Enna (named after her daughter) and thought why not breed her?
While many of us have had dogs that have had puppies, breeding purebred dogs is an entirely different ball game.
Amber did her research before jumping into this because it’s not a cheap business venture. She and Patrick have spent over $ 4,000 raising Enna and all that goes into caring for their puppies.
This money came out in pieces, unlike many other types of businesses that require equipment and other costs up front.
What expenses can you expect?
So far, Patrick and Amber’s expenses have included:
Smear test: Similar to a Pap test, the woman is tested to see if her hormone levels are adequate for pregnancy.
Stallion Fee: You have to find a purebred male first, which may take some work. Stud fees typically range from $ 500 and up. Some stallion owners say that if it’s not the first time, they won’t get your money back. In Patrick and Amber’s case, the stallion owner said that if it didn’t work the first time, they could bring Enna back at another time to try it for free.
Vet Visits – These visits include vaccinations, the cost of X-rays to determine how many puppies there are and if there are any problems, or if a C-section might be necessary. Also, a new expectant mother may need medication throughout her pregnancy to avoid high blood pressure or any other medical conditions that may threaten her or her puppies.
Birthing box: Patrick and Amber made their own birthing box for around $ 200.
Med Basket – When puppies are born, these things are a must in your medical kit:
- Rubber gloves
- Tweezers
- Floss
- Small sharp scissors
- Suction bulb (like the one you use with babies)
- Betadine antiseptic
- Quick-Stop Liquid or Powder Bandage
Add to this: if mom gets sick or can’t breastfeed, guess what? You can bottle feed all puppies with puppy formula.
Advertising the sale of puppies
Once the pups are almost ready for adoption, add time and advertising costs to spread the word that you have them and (keep your fingers crossed) that you will get buyers.
Currently, Patrick and Amber have a puppy that they have submitted for a drawing – they have 80 tickets at $ 20 each and hope to get close to the puppy’s actual sale price.
This idea is attractive to those who cannot afford a purebred puppy and have a chance to win one for $ 20.
New owners will expect AKC papers to go with a puppy and there are some paperwork to do online through their website.
Patrick and Amber had to register each puppy with Enna’s AKC number, list the father’s AKC number, and other details. In turn, the stallion owner reviews the information and approves it. Then the AKC sends out a ‘puppy pack’ according to the number of puppies, each document contains the puppy’s AKC registration number.
Packages start at $ 40 for the basic ‘puppy papers’. You can also request additional brochures that you can give to new owners, as well as parental genealogy / lineage for additional costs.
Other considerations
Some people have a definite opinion regarding AKC puppy breeding, in general that unless the dog is a ‘champion’ there is no point in raising the dog for money.
On the other hand, others argue that if you’ve bought a less-than-show AKC registered dog and paid a stud fee, it’s perfectly fine to raise the puppies as a business.
The idea is to go into this with your eyes wide open, have done your research before starting an AKC dog breeding business, and understand that there will be a lot of expense.
Also, be aware that there are many purebred dogs and puppies that end up in shelters. Before purchasing an expensive breed from a private breeder, take a look at the purebred dogs and puppies currently in need of a home.
Was this a good business option for Patrick and Amber?
For some people, it is.
You risk spending a lot of money to get some money back, but Amber and Patrick will do it again with Enna a couple more times because it seems like the demand is still there. Certain breeds are still in demand for their particular traits and attributes, such as muscular build, coat type, intelligence, and temperament.
A ‘mix’ would not give you those same qualities.
If after reading this, you decide to breed thoroughbreds anything It takes more than you bargained for and you’re looking to start a new business, you need to browse through our Simple Small Business Ideas, which is filled with simple, easy-to-understand original articles to find the right type of business for you.