Running a dog breeding business isn't easy. Starting this type of business requires a significant investment of time and effort as well as money for dogs, licensing and veterinarian care.

The business can be rewarding if you love a particular breed and have the patience to develop your business gradually. Study the particular dog breed in which you are interested. You can do this through the websites of breeding associations, dog enthusiast websites and books. If you can find a dog breeder who is willing to mentor you, working with her may be helpful.

Research the laws in your area by contacting your city's department of licenses and inspections or the county clerk's office. You may need a special license or permit to breed dogs or keep more than a few on your property. Some jurisdictions may also require you to register as a kennel. Determine if you need zoning approval if your home or property isn't registered for business use.

Guide to Dog Breeding Business Information and Tips

Apply for a general business license, required in many jurisdictions even if you've obtained permits required to run a breeding business. Obtain dog breeder's insurance to cover you in the event your dogs become ill or are injured or attack a person or another dog. Policies may also provide dog death benefits as well as property and equipment damage.

Decide whether you will purchase female dogs, male dogs or both. If you have both, you won't have to worry about negotiating contracts with other breeders or dealing with the shipment of semen.

If you maintain male dogs, you won't have the monetary responsibility and time commitment of caring for a pregnant female and eventually, her puppies. You may, however, enjoy owning females, watching them give birth and caring for their puppies.

Purchase your dogs, choosing those that meet breed standard, which is a written description of guidelines for a particular breed of dogs.

Mature dogs that have won championships in shows and are free of health problems make good picks. If you are raising puppies, have them compete in shows as they mature. Dogs that win championships may be more in demand for breeding. Choose mates for your dogs carefully. They should be even-tempered, healthy and of complementary size.

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If you own dogs of both genders, finding mates probably won't be an issue. If you have to find a mate, breeding newsletters, magazines and websites can be helpful resources.

Breeding, Whelping, and Rearing Puppies

Create a contract to use with other breeders. It should include terms for dealing with failure to conceive right away and specify the number of puppies each person will receive.

Guide to Dog Breeding Business Information and Tips

Jordan Meyers has been a writer for 13 years, specializing in businesses, educational and health topics. Meyers holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Maryland and once survived writing health product descriptions in just 24 hours. Skip to main content. Tip Careful timing is critical when you are running a breeding business. Check the female's progesterone levels to predict when she is likely to conceive.

A hormone surge means the time for breeding is near. References 4 Pet Business Central: Breed Dogs for Fun and Profit Maybe My Small Biz: How to Start a Dog Breeding Business Ask for Insurance: What is Dog Breeders Insurance and What Does It Cover?

What Is a Breed Standard? Resources 1 American Kennel Club: About the Author Jordan Meyers has been a writer for 13 years, specializing in businesses, educational and health topics. Suggest an Article Correction.

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