Animal Career Profile for a Dog Breeder

Animal Career Profile for a Dog BreederAnimal Career Profile for a Dog BreederDog breeders are responsible for producing purebred puppies designed as future show dogs, companion animals, or breeding stock. Duties Dog breeders are responsible for a variety of daily duties related to caring for the needs of their dogs. These tasks may include activities such as cleaning kennels or runs, feeding, grooming, bathing, providing fresh water, giving medications or supplements, assisting with problem births, maintaining breeding records, studying pedigrees, assisting with breedings (e.g., artificial insemination), and registering dogs with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or other relevant breed associations. Dog breeders must also work closely with veterinarians to ensure that their dogs receive proper health care and nutrition. They also work with groomers to trim their dogs in the appropriate style for the breedor learn how to clip and style their dogs themselves. Dog breeders use their knowledge of canine pedigree to select superior animals for use as breeding stock. Responsible breeders have their breeding animals genetically tested for hereditary defects common to their specific breed, and will provide proof of such testing to parties interested in purchasing puppies from them. Many breeders also compete with their breeding stock (and/or their progeny) at dog shows, either showing the dogs themselves or enlisting the services of a professional handler. Career Options Most dog breeders specialize by producing just one breed of dog, though some breeders choose to produce several different breeds. If producing more than one breed, it is common for a breeder to produce dogs of a related type (such as herding group breeds or working dog breeds). Some breeders produce so-called designer cross-bred dogs that are not yet recognized by the AKC as new breeds behauptung dogs are bred primarily for the pet market. Breeders may also specialize in breeding dogs of a parti cular breed that are intended for a specific purpose such as hunting dogs or indoor pets. Education and Training While no college degree is necessary to start a career as a dog breeder, some breeders do have animal-related or business-related degrees. Degrees in areas such as animal science, animal reproduction, or biology may prove useful. Coursework for these degrees may include studying topics in anatomy, physiology, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, behavior, and production. Courses in marketing, advertising, communication, and technology are also beneficial for those who are running their own business venture. Dog breeders should be well-versed in the standards of their breed, the behavioral traits of the breed, and the coat cuts that are desired for the breed. Many breeders are also groomers, and this skill can be acquired either by attending a formal grooming school or learning as an apprentice from an experienced groomer. Salary The salary for a dog breede r varies widely based on the number of litters their dogs produce per year, the quality of the breeding stock, the going rate for puppies of a particular breed, and the breeders reputation in the industry. Some breeds command higher prices than others due to limited supply, such as new cross-bred dogs. Some breeders command higher prices because they have top quality stock from championship lines, especially when this has been demonstrated at major shows such as the famed Westminster Dog Show. While it does not separate out dog breeders from the more general category of animal breeders, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that animal breeders in the United States earn a mean annual wage of$40,310. While it is possible to earn a living by just breeding dogs, most breeders earn additional income by offeringdog training, grooming, or boarding kennel services at their facility. Job Outlook There is always a market for quality pedigreed puppies. Puppy mill style breeding operati ons (where dogs are bred in dirty, confined quarters) are very much looked down upon by reputable professionals in the pet industry. However, the industry (with the help of the media) has gone far to shut down puppy mills. Reputable breeders use extreme discretion when selecting animals for breeding purposes and do not allow inferior representatives of the breed to become a part of the gene pool. Superior progeny will enhance the breeders reputation and ensure their continued success in the industry.