There’s something inherently uncomfortable about the idea of breeding and selling dogs for profit. I feel it, and I breed and sell dogs for profit. Judging by the DMs, comments, and emails we receive at BKK9, plenty of others would agree. But this discomfort stems more from our emotional connection to dogs as pets, family members, and companions than from any rational analysis. Not only should breeders not apologize for striving for profitability, but those who truly care about dogs should actively support their breeders’ ability to profitably breed and sell dogs.
Dogs as we know them exist because of humans. The dog at your feet is as man-made as the smartphone you’re reading this article on. Over the course of thousands of years, humans guided dogs’ evolution, selectively breeding them to enhance traits that were beneficial and endearing. Without human intervention, dogs as we know them would not exist. And without continued, thoughtful intervention, the future of dogs as we know them is uncertain. This brings us to why profitability in breeding is not just acceptable—it’s essential.
Businesses generate cash through debt, equity investment, or profit. For the average dog breeder, two of these options—attracting outside investors or securing traditional bank loans—are usually off the table. This leaves profit as the primary way to sustain operations. Profitability ensures the breeder has the resources to properly care for and house their dogs, seek out strong bloodlines, conduct necessary genetic testing, and finance multiple vet visits before and after pregnancy. Profit isn’t just about financial gain—it’s about reinvestment into the business, ensuring the long-term health and quality of the breed. Given the expenses and biological uncertainties inherent to the process, profitability is also an incredibly difficult thing for a responsible breeder to achieve.
The next time you’re tempted to accuse a breeder of “only being in it for the money,” consider what it would mean for the future of dog breeds if breeders couldn’t operate profitably. Consider the welfare of dogs being housed and produced in a kennel that operates profitably and is able to provide all the necessities and creature comforts that dogs require and enjoy versus a kennel that is scraping by, cutting corners, and struggling just to feed its dogs.
Profit in breeding is not about greed; it’s about ensuring that the dogs we love continue to be bred with care, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality. In short, profitable breeders breed better dogs, and a responsible, profitable breeder is exactly who you should want to bring your next dog into the world.