Dog breeding is a rewarding business for many people. They start breeding because they have a passion for their dogs, a particular breed, and are keen to breed healthy dogs with great temperaments. Perhaps they have a dog that has won championships, is a diligent working dog, and has won competitions. Or the breed they love is a great family dog.
However, some people realise that the dog breeding industry is not for them and that it is no longer a fulfilling or rewarding career and, therefore, decide to stop breeding dogs. It might become a financial blackhole, or they might find the process emotionally draining. So, what causes people to stop breeding dogs? And what can you learn?
Ethical dog breeders should focus on responsible dog breeding to produce puppies that maintain or enhance the breed standard. Breeders also need to understand genetics, breeding for good health, and also for good temperaments and behavior. It can be a rewarding experience, and many people make a career out of being a dog breeder.
However, for some, dog breeding becomes too much of a challenge. People who face problems with dog breeding may decide to stop breeding dogs. They may find that dog breeding affects their career prospects, home life, finances or emotional well-being.
Here are some reasons for stopping dog breeding.
Some people decide to stop dog breeding because of the emotional intensity. Despite best practices, experience, and training, there can be birth complications for both the mother and the puppies. Even with the best care, not all puppies make it. The loss of a mother or puppies can be very distressing and cause some breeders to stop.
It can also be challenging for some breeders to sell their puppies and to see them go to new homes. However, careful vetting and procedures can make this part of the career rewarding. However, if new owners struggle with their puppies and follow-up support is required, you might find this aspect of dog breeding challenging.
Some people stop breeding dogs due to the costs. It is not always as profitable as people imagine. There are the set-up tests, the cost of genetic tests and stock purchases, veterinarian visits for checkups for mum, postnatal care, emergency care and high-quality food and feeding the puppies. All the cleaning supplies, toys, bedding, etc. for puppies.
You are likely to be able to make enough money as a dog breeder if you produce high-quality AKC-registered puppies. The drain on financial resources can be enough to stop some people from breeding.
You might find it challenging to breed dogs according to regulations in your industry. Such as the number of dogs you can keep, licensing, permits, record keeping of litters, inspections, and cleanliness standards. You can face forced closure or fines if you fail to comply with licensing laws. Some people stop breeding dogs because they find licensing requirements too costly, confusing, and time-consuming.
If genetic tests raise a potential genetic issue, for example, hip and elbow dysplasia, which is common in German Shepherds. You might have purchased female dogs that you can’t include in a breeding plan. This reason can cause some people to stop breeding dogs. Other health issues include eye problems, heart issues, and birth complications. Ethical breeding can reduce the potential for these issues, but they can still arise.
A breeder might decide to stop breeding dogs if they find a decrease in demand for the breed of dog they produce. There are numerous reasons why puppy demand can be reduced. Social trends are one factor with local and national media playing their part (i.e. a film portraying a specific breed).
There may also be too many people breeding that particular dog breed. It can then be a challenge to find suitable homes, especially if you end up reducing the price of the puppies. If the breed you produce becomes unpopular, you can also find it challenging to sell the puppies.
Some people give up dog breeding because they have a change of circumstances. Perhaps they might be going back to work and no longer able to care for the mother and puppies around the clock.
Perhaps they have become disheartened with the cleaning, record keeping, feeding of puppies, etc. It might become challenging if they have other family members to care for. Even passionate breeders can decide to step away from dog breeding because they have found it too exhausting.
A change to the breeder's health, financial circumstances, etc, can all impact and be a reason to stop.
Ethical and responsible dog breeders often put tremendous time and effort into dog breeding. The work of setting up a dog breeding business is substantial. The breeder will have invested time and money in purchasing female dogs and either a male dog or a stud dog. A quiet, purpose-built breeding room is essential. The adult dogs might have AKC registration costs, veterinarian genetic tests, general health tests and vaccinations. The puppies will incur some, if not all, of these costs.
The dog breeding industry can be challenging for many breeders. There are rules and regulations, licensing, records, and documentation. There can be an emotional and physical toll - it can be exhausting, and they could have financial issues or a change in family circumstances. These are all reasons why a breeder might decide to stop breeding dogs.
It is responsible to decide that you can no longer breed puppies from your dogs. But it is key that if you’re thinking of becoming a dog breeder you do thorough research and make sure that you can commit to your breeding plans.
23 May, 2025