Is breeding and showing all you do with your time? I mean, from what I understand it's both very expensive and time consuming, so where does the money to live off of come from? I know somebody's going to take this the wrong way, but it's not meant that way at all, I'm just wondering do y'all have "real" jobs? Is it a matter of breeding is a "hobby" for stay at home mommy/daddy breeders?
I started thinking cuz I just got a puppy and my GOD is she hell to take care of. I love it, don't get me wrong, but I haven't had a proper night's sleep since she came home with me. I'm not sure I could immagine have multiple puppies as well as females that go into heat and need to be kept away from the boy dogs.
Also, what kind of education would be needed to be a breeder, beyond the dog world stuff?
2007-01-16 19:52:17 · 6 answers · asked by mandy 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Boy! is that a good question. There is very little, if any money in breeding the right way.. I know that I am well in the hole..It is an expensive hobby..Shows are a sport, and we treat it as such. Most areas have a 'show' season, to gear up for, and then several months between shows..unless you travel all over.
I always have had a full-time job, but have recently semi-retired.
I have learned to live with very little sleep, so that isn't a problem.
Puppies are easier to care for with much practice, as you learn to communicate better with them, and all the tricks of more efficient training...No puppy leaves my home without being potty trained and house mannered..this training begins at about 4-5 weeks.
The best education, is through study, canine behaviors, and all you can learn of your breed of choice, as well as the veterinary handbooks, and canine nutrition ..A good course in genetics is really helpful. ..It also helps to find a mentor. .
when I married, 39 years ago, my spouse had a kennel, so I was thrown into the Dog World. .I have never looked back, as they have become my passion.
2007-01-16 20:08:55 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Like any other pastime, breeding & showing is expensive & time consuming. It becomes a way of life BUT you can have another (ordinary) life too. You have to be prepared to work very hard. You come home from work (having done a day's work before you go) & then start again. Wish we could stay at home but dogs need to be fed & vet's bills need to be paid. On the other hand, you get plenty of exercise & meet plenty of people with the same interests.
The sort of education you need is experience, experience, experience. The best way to start is to buy a well bred puppy from a knowledgeable breeder who would be willing to help you every step of the way.
By the way, I've just bought a new puppy & he is far more work than breeding a whole litter! It gets easier with time & experience.
2007-01-16 21:41:10 · answer #2 · answered by anwen55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, "show" breeders do have regular jobs...thye are nurses, doctors, laborers, vets, vet techs, truck drivers, etc. They come from all walks of life. Showing can be as expensive & time consuming as a person wants to make it. Some travel all over the country and only compete in the top shows, others stay in a more local area, some follow a particular circuit.
To be a good breeder you need to know health issues in general and also those that are pertinent to your breed. You should know some genetics as well. It also helps to know some canine first aid. There is more but that's a start.
2007-01-16 23:16:30 · answer #3 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think most show breeders work so that they can afford to show dogs. Most people can't afford to stay at home and do the dog thing as well.
It will get better with your puppy, it just takes time.
I believe I have given you some recommendations on books in the past? Read, go to dog shows, study dogs. There is alot of good info out there, even internet atrticles. Read about structure, movement, genetics, standards, and then study dogs. Tape the tv dog shows, and really watch the dogs.
2007-01-17 03:57:05 · answer #4 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course we have JOBS. That is how we afford the "hobby" of dogs. You clearly take in some money from the sale of puppies, but that does not even begin to cover the cost of the dogs daily care,vet bills,show fees,travel, and all the other expenses.
You learn by reading,researching,learn from others...it takes YEARS and you never stop learning.
If you make a living off dog breeding, you are doing it wrong and are probably a BYB or a puppy mill.
2007-01-17 00:05:43 · answer #5 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, most of us have "real" jobs. A lot of us have jobs working with animals. Dog groomers, owning a boarding kennel, working for a vet (or being a vet), trainers, show handlers etc.. But a lot of us have "normal" jobs too. We must work to support our hobby.
2007-01-18 10:02:13 · answer #6 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋