the business of breeding

[Jane Austen]

Say that a person is a knowledgable and caring dog owner and has considerable experience in all aspects of confirmation and what to look for in Corgis, is breeding a viable business to get into? In other words is it possible to make a good living on breeding? (Not Puppy Mill Breeding)
It seems to me that many aspects of breeding cost too much to be financially worth the investment if you are counting on a profit.
I understand why someone would breed, and to help defray some of their cost by selling some of the pups, and champion stock would bring higher prices, but is anyone making it a paying proposition?
The breeder I got Duchess from wanted $1200 for her pups. Is that price reasonable for a Corgi from champion lines?
This is just a question that I have been pondering for a while. No way would I go into the business.

[Fluffypants]

From the breeders I have spoken to / things I have read . . . if you make money as a dog breeder, you are not doing it right. That's what they say, anyway. Good question to ask Jane.

[Chip's Mom]

Good question Jane. I have always been curious about some of the breeders who claim to love their dogs so much but then find them new homes when they are to old for the show ring or for breeding purposes. I just can't imagine that.

[Dillydoodle]

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[Jespah]

I was always told that a good breeder is in the business of improving the breed. The three I have dealt with in purchasing dogs, covered their costs and maybe cleared a little on top - but they certainly couldn't sustain a much of a lifestyle on the money they make.

Deb

[emma]

I spoke with Oliver's breeder. She explained that the costs of breeding her litter was more than she recouped from selling the pups (I paid $1000). I know with Oliver's litter, she imported frozen sperm from Ireland and also the mother had to have a C-section. That on top of the cost of health testing, microchipping, one of the puppies needed medical care, etc. It definitely sounded like a very expensive endeavor - especially if one wants to do it right.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Jane Austen

Say that a person is a knowledgable and caring dog owner and has considerable experience in all aspects of confirmation and what to look for in Corgis, is breeding a viable business to get into? In other words is it possible to make a good living on breeding? (Not Puppy Mill Breeding)

NO!! We don't breed as a business we breed as a hobby. Which is why we show too.

When people ask me if there's money in dogs I tell them yes, it's in show fees, in dog food, in vet bills, in health tests, in show expenses (gas and hotels), and so on, but not in my pocket.

If someone is making money breeding dogs they are most likely a commercial breeder, meaning puppy mill. They are not doing the health tests or showing and are breeding many litters a year.

The breeder I got Duchess from wanted $1200 for her pups. Is that price reasonable for a Corgi from champion lines?

Yes, depending on the area. The "average" price of a pet puppy (Pembroke) on a spay/neuter contract is about $900.

Yours was a little above average, but if both parents were Champions, well, yes, that is reasonable.

Peggy

[Chip's Mom]

The sad part is not everyone can afford to spend that much money on a pup no matter the breed so therefore people go to the less expensive puppies.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Chip's Mom

I have always been curious about some of the breeders who claim to love their dogs so much but then find them new homes when they are to old for the show ring or for breeding purposes. I just can't imagine that.

Yes, we do love our dogs and for me placing one, even a puppy is one of the hardest things I do.

However, some of them don't turn out to be show dogs and well, some would be happier in homes where they get more one on one attention. I see it as alowing them to be the "star" instead of one of a cast of many.

For me it's not the age, it just depends on the dog. And once they reach 8 or 9 years old I usualy don't consider placing them. I have a time or two, but that's not the usual thing. (See the story below.)

Also, when you own multiple dogs, and I mean more than two or three or five even, you have favorites. Even though you love them all, you just don't love them the same. Some are more bonded to you than others, and when that happens sometimes it's better to let one go where they might be someone elses heart dog.

Sometimes I've let one go that I really didn't want to because someone else needed her more than I did. I had one that was 10 and I told the person that they needed to convince me as to why they'd want a 10 year old dog. This person had lost her husband the year before and wanted a companion. She fell in love with Treasure and I let her have her. In cases like this I do not ask for any fees, just that I get her back if for any reason she cannot keep her. She lived out her life with this lady. And was very happy.

So, yes, we do love them but at times we do what is better for the dog and not our hearts.

Peggy

[Chip's Mom]

Thank you Peggy - that was an excellent answer and I mean that in a very nice way.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Chip's Mom

Thank you Peggy - that was an excellent answer and I mean that in a very nice way.

Thank you and I'll take that as a compliment.

I know it's hard to understand when you only have one or a few dogs.

And yes, there are some here that will never leave. Some are way too embedded in my heart. Lacy is one. You can see some pictures of her at http://pets.webshots.com/album/550714421LaNrGY

If that doesn't work let me know.

Peggy

[Jane Austen]

Yes Peggy,
I got Duchess from a breeder similar to your view. She got the dog back from a divorce situation of the original buyer. The breeder has many dogs and didn't charge me anything for Duchess, who was then seven years old. But she wanted me to know I could return her at any time, for whatever reason.
If I had a choice of getting another dog or a puppy, I would take the older dog anytime. That is if I didn't see the puppy first. My heart would melt right away.

[Dillydoodle]

Peggy, Lacy is really a beautiful corgi. Loved the photos, she really does look like a happy girl.

Emilie

[Chip's Mom]

Peggy:

I really enjoyed those pics. I had to laugh because I am down on the floor with Chip more than I am standing up. Those short little legs. She is a beautiful dog. It makes me miss class so I hope it warms up enough so we can start again. Thanks for sharing. I know exactly what you mean about special dogs. I know this is not the post for it but I will share anyway. Dale at 10 weeks old already knows sit and lay down (Long story on that term) and is learning to walk on leash with big brother Chip. Corgis are so smart.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Jane Austen

I got Duchess from a breeder similar to your view. She got the dog back from a divorce situation of the original buyer. The breeder has many dogs and didn't charge me anything for Duchess, who was then seven years old. But she wanted me to know I could return her at any time, for whatever reason.

See, it was to your advantage! and I'll bet Dutchess's too!

If I had a choice of getting another dog or a puppy, I would take the older dog anytime. That is if I didn't see the puppy first. My heart would melt right away.

Well, puppies do have that cute factor! Advantages to an older dog, housebreaking is done or easier, teething is done, ect.

Peggy