Becoming a Dog Breeder
Dog Breeders primarily provide care for dogs and work toward making breeds stronger. They may specialize in breeding dogs of a particular breed that are intended for a specific purpose such as show prospects, hunting dogs, or pets. They have a great deal of knowledge about the particular health problem that might be common with the breed, genetics, temperament, breed behavior etc.
Their responsibilities are mostly related to take care of the needs of the breeding dogs on a daily basis such as feeding, grooming, bathing, providing fresh water, doing exercises, training dogs to obey or behave in a specific manner, dispensing medicine etc. They also assist with problem births; maintain breeding records; record health and birth intervals; manage financials, marketing, and sales etc. In addition, they educate people regarding the issues related to pet ownership, such as immunization and neutering.
Work Environment
Dog Breeders are employed in a variety of settings. Many work at veterinary clinics, others work at kennels, zoos, animal shelters, etc and some are self-employed. These professionals 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 breed, or learn how to clip and style their dogs themselves. However, most of these professionals learn through on-the-job training.
Educational Requirement
Dog Breeders usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers prefer the candidates with bachelor’s degree in the field of animal science, animal reproduction, or biology. The syllabus in such degree course may include anatomy, genetics, physiology, nutrition, reproduction etc.
The National Dog Groomers Association of America offers certification for master status to Dog Breeders.
Job Outlook and Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the field of animal care and service workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. The median salary in this profession was $25,770 in May 2014.