Many people think dog breeding is cruel, but dog owners usually breed dogs out of love and earn some extra cash to spend on the pups.

However, plan to provide a good life for the puppies with a good management plan. Dog breeding can be a good and profitable business. 

To help you out, we have minimized to a list of the 11 most profitable dogs to breed. You should remember profit; we mean affordable to breed and sell at a reasonable price.

The Most Profitable Dogs to Breed

1. Otterhounds

Otterhounds are one of the most adored breeds named for hunting otters. They have thick, shaggy, waterproof coats, making them excellent swimmers. Their personality is also charming and gentle.

Otterhounds are a rare breed and are not bred often. Their sales depend on the litter size every year; that’s why breeders can keep a high price on them. But, on average, they sell between $1,500-$2,500.

2. German Shepherds

German Shepherd is a very popular and loved breed. Their unique personality consisting of sweetness, courage, smartness, and activeness, make them a popular choice among many pet owners. 

Many families still like having a German Shepherd as their family dog. But they are susceptible to chronic diarrhea, hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and spinal cord pain. Their average price ranges from $1,500 to $7,500.

3. Akitas

Akitas are guard dogs. They are loyal and loving towards their families but are wary of strangers. They may also not be compatible with other dogs. So, they do not cope well with new dog owners or people who have never dealt with a big dog. 

These reasons decrease the Akitas market, which leads to high prices. The average price of Akitas can be between $1,000-$4,000.

4. French Bulldogs

The best feature of a French Bulldog is its giant ears on a small face. This small, cute canine has a very jolly personality and loves to walk around with its humans. They are loyal and make great companions. 

French bulldogs were supposed to be a toy breed, but it caused them to have dwarfism and structural abnormalities. They are prone to hip and joint pain, eye problems, breathing issues, allergies, deafness, and spine problems. Moreover, they usually can’t mate naturally due to their small size, and artificial insemination is used. It reduces the buyer market and breeders, causing the price to hike. Their price ranges from $1,500 to $8,000.

5. Salukis

Have you ever seen lightning speed? Well, you better watch a Saluki run then! Other than running super fast, they love cuddle sessions with their families. 

Salukis are relatively healthy dog breeds. But they are still susceptible to heart diseases, blood pressure, and hyperthyroidism. Besides, they are high-maintenance and a rare breed that adds up their price. They usually range from $2,000 to $4,000.

6. English Bulldogs

English Bulldogs, or now as we call them Bulldogs, are a darling among dog lovers. They are very friendly, loving, and affectionate pets. Their short and a bit sluggish demeanor makes them entertaining to watch as they try to figure out the world. 

Sadly, they go through many health problems, and most times, the female Bulldogs need C-section to give birth. It adds up to their price ranging from $2,000-$4,000. 

7. Rottweilers

Rottweilers are a very popular breed and more common than other dog breeds. They are adaptable to their surroundings and ready to defend their family when needed. They are also very loyal and intelligent. But this doesn’t stop them from being goofy at times.

Rotties are healthy big good boys! But they are prone to cancers, stenosis, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and dysplasia. It doesn’t stop their price from skyrocketing. The price is between $2,000-$7,000.

8. Pharaoh Hounds

Pharaoh Hounds have most likely been around for 6,000 years. They are also sighthounds, like Afghan Hounds or Salukis, but they are not as vocal as their other cousins. 

They are majestic breeds but can’t cope with cold weather. So, Pharaoh Hound breeders are rare, increasing their value in the market. The price can range from $2,500-$6,000.

9. Labrador Retrievers

A Labrador Retriever can easily put a smile on anyone’s face. Their nature is very gentle, loyal, affectionate, and easily trainable. So, they make great service dogs! They are a favored breed by most breeders, which makes them readily available.

 Some health problems (arthritis and bone problems) are related to this breed only if they don’t get proper exercise. Their price is slightly lower than other rare breeds, ranging from $300-$1,000.

10. Tibetan Mastiff

With heavy, thick, and long coats, Tibetan Mastiffs look much bigger than they are. They can grow as big as 150 pounds in weight. Even with their big size, they are cuddle monsters, excellent watchdogs, and loyal and affectionate to their families. “Mighty Guardian Angels.” Yes! That’s what they are.

They live to be as old as 16 years in some cases because of having no major genetic diseases. Their price can range from $2,000-$5,000.

Fun Fact: Tibetan Mastiffs are considered a status idol in Asia, especially in China.

11. Samoyed

We left the most expensive and in the high-demand breed for the last. We bet you have never seen such a luxurious white coat as a Samoyed. They are one of the fluffiest and most family-oriented dog breeds. It adds value to them.

They are high-maintenance pups. They have a disease known as the Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy. It can’t be detected until the puppies are three months old, and with this disease, they usually don’t survive longer than 15 months. Their litter size is also smaller than some other dog breeds. All these add up to their price being $4,000-$11,000. 

Related Post: Least Aggressive Dog Breeds

6 Steps on How to Start a Dog Breeding Business

Dog owners usually get into the dog breeding business. Why? Because they love dogs!

But, it’s not all fun and puppy love. It takes really hard work and determination to keep going. Before you make an initial investment to start the business, it’s better to know some things beforehand.

Step 1: Understand the Cost of Dog Breeding

First, there’s the startup cost. Your initial cost is your most significant expense. You need to invest in:

• Purchasing a female dog
• Paying a stud fee or purchasing a male dog
• Purchase dog food
• Location renting or buying costs
• Pay veterinary and different testing costs
• Sterile places for the birth
• Security options to keep the dogs safe
• Register your business with the American Kennel Club (AKC) costs $100
• Register your puppies after birth with AKC costs less than $50

Step 2: Choose your Breed

Secondly, choose a breed you love and know! The best thing you can do is choose a dog breed you know of.

• If you are afraid of large dogs and decide to breed one, you won’t be comfortable taking care of them. It will decrease the pup’s quality and show a loss in your business.

• Moreover, you must know about the breed’s litter size and saleability. If you breed an expensive dog that won’t sell, there’s no profit. 

• Keep in mind the market demand. If there’s no demand for a breed and you plan to breed them anyway, there’s no way you will keep your business running.

Step 3: Choose the Location Carefully

Locations are crucial when starting a business. Most business owners opt for rural areas. The benefits are:

• The barking of dogs won’t disturb the neighbors
• The dogs will have plenty of outdoor and indoor space.
• The dogs will get plenty of exercises and remain healthy.
• Easier to expand when the business gets bigger

What type of place should you get?

• A large acre of land with a building for breeding dogs
• Avoid breeding in barns; they can be unsanitary and unstable structures can harm your puppies
• Houses made of bricks and cement floors are easy to clean

Step 4: Legalize your Business

Don’t forget to legalize your business to avoid any fines or court cases! 

Partnership, limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, and corporation are some of the most common business structures. 

Most breeders prefer LLC because it keeps their personal and business assets separate if anything goes downhill. 

While applying for LLC, you get to choose your brand name. Try to make it exclusive, short, and straightforward.

Have trouble registering? You can go through some of the Best LLC Services.

Step 5: Apply for State License & Permits

Different states need some extra permits for commercial breeding. You can find here the Laws of State Commercial Breeders for more information.

SBA’s Business Guide can also learn more about state licenses and permits.

Step 6: Opening for Business

After going through all the necessary steps, we have come to the opening! 

• You need to make buyers feel comfortable 
• Set up proper waiting rooms
• Set up viewing facilities
• Try to keep the place as clean as possible
• Show the buyers that the puppies are taken good care of
• Advertise on digital platforms and in local neighborhoods
• Try to give your buyers the best service

These will help your business grow as the buyers spread your name to others. Expect to see new customers eager to book in advance for the next litter with good service!

Is Dog Breeding Ethical?

The most asked question is, “Is dog breeding ethical?”

Dog breeders get a bad reputation for some extreme puppy mills and puppy farmers. Most dog breeders care a lot for the dogs they breed and provide all the necessities to live a healthy life.

Many responsible and ethical dog breeders don’t make much profit as they spend most of the money on the puppies. Ethical dog breeders don’t make much profit unless they become well-known dog breeders. They continue doing what they love.

Of course, some breeders are purely disgusting for misusing the helpless animals for their gain. They try to earn as much money as possible by keeping their costs to zero. 

Moreover, the puppy trade is where puppies are imported from different countries in small boxes or cages to get sold in pet stores. They are not cared for appropriately and don’t receive proper health check-ups, which leads to death often.

For some of these inhumane breeders, all the breeders get a bad name in society. 

There are lots more ethical breeders than you know. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be an ethical breeder! Read the story of Karen Dibert, a writer for Dogster, about the struggles of being an ethical breeder.

You can also go through Responsible Dog Breeding Guidelines to get more help.

For any more help, go through our FAQ below and don’t hesitate to write to us. And remember, never hurt a helpless! We are here to listen.

FAQ