With the state of our economy, I opted NOT to breed by Bouviers. In the Delaware area, I'm finding folks just don't have the extra money for high ticket things, like dogs. Are others seeing the same thing with their breeding programs?
I don't know for breeders Howard, but I read that out here more and more people bring their dog to a dogs' home..
Also some people I know have switched from "premium" dogfood to a cheaper version.
Howard, I believe it's a matter of exposure. I have a friend in Miami who went into breeding from zero experience and having one dog to full bore within the last two years. I believe he's doing well. He's buying from the big name kennels in Europe and has developed a sense for what the market is asking for. I was sure it was going to be a disaster but I was wrong. I know he is at least not losing money and that's saying a lot considering the cost of some of the imported dogs. I was able to buy my current dog from him, the best rott I ever had, because it wouldn't fit within his beauty breeding program
To achieve this you have to have a good presence on the internet and tap into what people want. Unfortunately the spenders want the show dogs so some time must also be dedicated to accumulate the points or whatever it is they do. Why don't you start by showcasing your dogs on this website? Include a few times key words like working Bouviers in the description, search engines will pick up on that.
You should also be ready to ship puppies.
There are a few reasons to breed. To me the main reason would be to ensure the continuance of a bloodline and attempt to improve the dogs. You can't do this without people that will take some dogs so it's imperative to advertise oneself. When you say high ticket I wonder about your asking price for the pups. In these days of bad economy as you say I think people should be looking more towards the simple pleasures in life, which a dog is, and also more security. $1000 for a good pup sounds reasonable to me and I'm not rich.
Quote:
more and more people bring their dog to a dogs' home..
(Just wanted to elaborate somewhat on the "state of economy Howard was mentioning)
Considering the bad economy, people having less cash to spend etc etc.. more and more people bring their dog to a dogs' home (or is it called shelter?) - sorry if my English isn't the best..
Oh the shelter.. No, dog home for Americans sounds very far from a dog shelter. For me, and I believe most people who are experienced with dogs taking a dog to a shelter almost certainly means the dog will be killed. They have too many dogs coming in. BTW Your English is very good Jo.
I actually wait until people ask for puppies before we breed. We have 2 reservations on our upcoming litter and actually had these before we bred the litter. I have LEOs looking to buy their own dogs and many wanting PPDs or family protection dogs. i will always take ours back no questions asked and do take in unwanted dogs from time to time.
Not Breeding
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