Power of Pedigree: Investing in Purebred Dog Breeds for Financial Gain

Cynthia Measom
Bogdan Kurylo / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Bogdan Kurylo / Getty Images/iStockphoto

If you love pedigreed dogs and have thought about breeding them for financial gain, there is certainly money to be made. And it just so happens that spring and summer are peak times for dog adoptions and purchases.

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To give you an idea of what pedigreed dog breeders charge, Pet Budget reviewed over 48,000 ads to find puppy prices in the U.S., including the range and average for 151 breeds. It found that, on average, a purebred puppy costs $1,300, and 80% of purebred puppies advertised for sale fall within the $500-$2,500 price range.

According to the data, French bulldogs fetch the most money, on average, at $2,800 per pup, while Australian cattle dogs fetch the least, on average, at $450 per puppy. Even if you aren’t able to launch your purebred puppy business this year, it can pay off to do the research now to help you prepare — especially if you don’t already own a purebred dog (or two) you’re interested in breeding.

How Can You Make Money With Purebred Dogs?

Mustafa Tshash, founder of How To Pets and a dog breeder with years of experience, said that there are many ways that investing in specific dog breeds can generate income. However, he said you should always prioritize the well-being and health of the dogs to ensure the long-term success of your investment and the welfare of the breeds you work with.

Here are some ways to make money with purebred dogs, according to Tshash:

  • Breeding: Selectively breed dogs with desirable traits for high-quality puppies, focusing on popular or rare breeds.

  • Show and Competition Dogs: Participate in shows to gain recognition and increase the value of your breeding stock and puppies.

  • Training and Services: Offer specialized training or other dog-related services to capitalize on your expertise with specific breeds.

  • Stud Services: Provide stud services with well-bred male dogs, charging a fee to expand bloodlines while maintaining responsible breeding practices.

  • Resale and Rehoming: Acquire dogs of specific breeds at a lower cost, then sell or rehome them at a higher price based on market demand.

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What Are Some of the Best Purebred Dogs for Breeding?

To determine the best purebred dogs for breeding, Tshash said to consider market demand, popularity and suitability. The following are some dog breeds he said are in high demand:

  • Labrador Retriever: Versatile and friendly, Labs are popular worldwide.

  • French Bulldog: Their unique appearance and friendly nature make them highly sought after, but responsible breeding is crucial.

  • Golden Retriever: Intelligent and loyal, they excel as family pets and therapy dogs.

  • German Shepherd: Known for intelligence and versatility, they are popular as working dogs.

  • Border Collie: Highly intelligent, they thrive in herding and dog sports with experienced owners.

  • Poodle: Intelligent and versatile, they come in different sizes and are often crossed to create designer hybrids.

If you’re planning on breeding the dogs and selling the puppies for profit, here’s data from Pet Budget on what each breed sells for on average:

  • Labrador Retriever: $800

  • French Bulldog: $2,800

  • Golden Retriever: $1,000

  • German Shepherd: $800

  • Border Collie: $700

  • Standard Poodle: $1,000

What You Should Know About Purebred Dog Breeding

While each sale of a purebred pup can fetch quite a bit of money, it’s important to realize that there are expenses involved in this venture that will lower your final profits. Here’s more expert advice from Tshash to help you understand the time and expense involved:

  • Research breeds thoroughly: Consider characteristics, health, temperament and demand.

  • Learn breeding basics: Understand genetics and responsible practices and attend workshops.

  • Network and seek mentorship: Connect with experienced breeders for guidance.

  • Prioritize health testing: Minimize hereditary diseases through proper screening.

  • Build a solid reputation: Focus on quality, ethics, transparency, and good temperament.

  • Responsible marketing and sales: Transparently share health records and screen buyers.

  • Continue education: Stay updated on breeding, health, and genetics.

  • Prepare for costs: Budget for nutrition, healthcare, and unexpected expenses.

  • Ethical considerations: Prioritize well-being, avoid overbreeding and support buyers.

Above all, Tshash said to remember that successful breeding requires dedication, knowledge and a genuine love for the breed. So, if you’re not willing to invest the time and commitment needed, this is not a good venture to pursue.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Power of Pedigree: Investing in Purebred Dog Breeds for Financial Gain

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