Did you know that dog breeding business is one of the most profitable businesses in Nigeria?
Dogs are largely kept as an assurance of security in Nigeria. Aside from this, they’re kept by humans for companionship. The adorable faces, acts and fur of some dogs make them irresistible and craved for by their onlookers.
Dog breeding businesses are highly sought after due to the huge demand for dogs.
And this business can make you rich.
Now, although there’s profit in dog breeding, it must not be the major goal. The health, genetic makeup, and proper care for these animals are highly important.
For every business that booms, you need strategy and you need knowledge.
Why dog breeding business is profitable, how much you can make as a dog breeder, how dog breeding business works, how to start your business, the best dog breeds, among others are outlined in this article.
Let’s dive in.
Why Start a Dog Breeding Business
● You get an opportunity to make a career out of your adoration for dogs.
● You get to provide dogs for families, individuals, for security, cosy hugs, hunting and other differing purposes. You help someone who needs a guard dog get them. Soft, warm and furry companions exist in our homes because of you and people like you.
● You help prevent a species or more from going extinct, preserving their distinct features, characteristics and the purposes they primarily serve.
So, why not?
Who’s Your Target Market?
The target market for dog breeders includes dog lovers, security units, hunters, research institutes, dog trainers.
The targets vary with the breeds; athletic breeds for sports, cute and furry breeds for homes, muscular and fierce breeds for security.
How To Start a Dog Breeding Business
✅Knowledge
● Knowledge of dog breeding: how to cater for dogs; care for puppies, pregnant dogs, sick dogs; recognizing sick dogs and dogs in the heat period.
● Know genetics: this will help you as a breeder in choosing dogs to be paired for breeding. You will also understand their traits and qualities and avoid hereditary disorders in puppies.
● Dog coaching: puppies especially need to be given some basic training to prepare them for their new owner.
● First aid knowledge: just like humans, pets also have accidents and get injured. Knowledge of first aid before the appearance of a vet is very important.
✅Build Relationships
Vets, dog breeders are useful relations that would help you out in this business with their knowledge, tips and experience. Build relationships with them. Get help from them, also, help them when you can.
✅A business Plan
It is never enough to have an idea in your head, especially a business idea.
Write out your business plan. Studies have shown that there’s a greater likelihood for a business idea to morph into a prospering business when there is a business plan.
✅A Business Name
This is what would be used to refer to your dog breeding business by people. Create a name that would stick to the mouths of people like a piece of blown-out chewing gum.
✅A Location
A place where the puppies and dogs would be cared for. The neighbourhood where the kennel would be situated should agree with the noise that would be produced. It should also have enough space for them to roam about and play.
✅Set Up The Business
Acquire the starting or founding dogs- the starters of the breeding business. Make the necessary equipment available.
✅A business Account
This puts your business name upfront. The business account carries the business name and all the money for business goes into it, preventing your money from getting mixed up with that of your business.
It also offers the protection of your assets in a case where your business is sued.
✅Business Accounting
This helps you study the performance of your business. It involves the detailed calculation of income and expenditure for your business.
✅A Business Website
A business website helps put your dog breeding business out. It displays your business as legit and trustworthy and attracts customers to your business.
✅Build Your Brand
What your business stands for is your brand.
The quality and health of the breeds showcase your brand. If the breeds are weak, your brand is affected and people would hesitate to refer you or come back.
A website helps with the brand building too.
✅Dog Exercise
Regular training and exercise for the dogs to keep them active and alert are of great importance . Not doing this would lead to a weak immune system, restlessness, tiredness, among others in the dogs.
✅Regular Checkups
Regular checkups by a vet ensure that the dogs are healthy. You should have a veterinary doctor who you recognize as a vet for your dogs.
✅Marketing
To find customers, relationships built with other dog breeders and vets would come in handy.
Your website, social media and referrals are also ways to market your dogs.
Best Dog Breeds for Business
✅Siberian Husky
They have a lifespan of about 14 years. Siberian Husky breeds are active and have low possibilities of health issues. They are amongst the best selling dogs.
✅Rottweiler
The Rottweiler breed is among the most famous dog breeds. It is playful to the core with familiar people and defensive against strangers. Rottweilers are not susceptible to many diseases.
✅Otterhound
Otterhounds can swim. They have thick fur and a calm appearance. The Otterhound’s coat is waterproof, keeping its body temperature stable while it’s in the water.
✅German Shepherd
This breed of dogs is among easy-to-breed dogs. They are smart and courageous dogs (I’ve read a story where a child was saved by a German Shepherd). They are one of the popularly bred dogs in Nigeria.
✅French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs are adorable, small-sized breeds. They need much care and maintenance.
They are prone to defects like dwarfism and respiratory disorders. These defects can be countered by acquiring healthy starting dogs to produce equally healthy puppies.
✅Tibetan Mastiffs
Tibetan Mastiffs live as long as 16 years and more. They are guard dogs and are extremely intimidating to strangers.
They have a muscular build.
✅Saluki
This breed is one of the swift dog breeds. They would thrive in competitions and hunting. They are also homely dogs for families and individuals.
Best Dog Foods for Breeders
7 best dog foods recommended by Vets:
● Royal canin dog food
● Bavaro
● Josera
● Purina
● Booster
● Taste of the wild
● Arion
Housing Provision For Dogs
● The kennel must be warm and comfortable, a home for the dogs and puppies. There must be absence of fear and discomfort for the dogs.
● Equipment for feeding, warmth, cleaning, disinfecting should be available as well.
● The location of the kennel should also be in close range to vets, pet shops and customers.
How Much Can You Sell Your Dogs
The prices differ with dog breeds, age and sex. After checking in on the cost of feeding among others, study the market before you set your price.
Don’t try to breed after every litter. Give the dog time and space to recover and care for the puppies.
This would allow you to care for each litter sufficiently.
Conclusion
Did this article clear your doubts on whether dog breeding is a good business in Nigeria?
Let me know your answer in the comments.
Don’t forget to share.
