I'm just curious.. but what does it take to become a dog breeder? Like do you need to be certified do you need any schooling and so on and so forth

Michelle, you have been a member of this web site long enough to see how most of us feel about breeding. Due to all the questions you have been asking, and the fact that you still don't know what breed is best suited for you, I am glad that you are smart enough to be asking questions before you do anything, rather than show up here with a crisis, as many new breeders do. The reason that we have so many dogs in shelters (10,000,000 animals per year are euthanized in the U.S. for lack of homes), is because most municipalities do not require any licensing or certification to breed. So, you have a number of people who find it an easy way to make what they believe will bring them some easy money. Most don't do their research and don't realize until it is too late that it actually is quite an expensive business if you plan on being a responsible breeder. If you have never dealt with a pregnancy, cleaning up after puppies for two months, dealing with worms, parasites, and viruses, you cannot begin to imagine the work involved. Please, go to your local library and start doing some research on breeding and breeds. Take a look at the list of genetic disorders that afflict a breed you are interested in. There are many disorders that have developed due to irresponsible breeding such as eye problems, breathing problems, food allergies, hip dysplasia, spinal problems, and early onset arthritis. I am sure I have left some other serious problems out of that list. All of those translate into expensive medical bills for owners and a shortened life span in a dog. Also take a look at all the illnesses that can kill a young puppy through no fault of anyone. Read as much as you can about pregnancy and after care. Speak to someone in your local government and find out if licenses are required, along with which dogs may be banned or require special handling. There is a lot to know before you begin any kind of breeding program. You really need to be completely prepared ahead of time to know how to handle any problems or situations.

In the meantime, here is some info from the AKC that gives you a step by step diagram on responsible breeding. Each step is a link that can be clicked on for further information. Please read through all of this to make sure that you can give the time and commitiment required to become a responsible breeder.
American Kennel Club - Responsible Breeding Steps (http://www.akc.org/breeders/resp_breeding/index.cfm)

There is more at Woodhaven Labradors Articles (http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/articles.html#breeding) Anybody can get into breeding, and too many that shouldn't, do. The poor quality puppies they produce are an endless source of misery.

Thanks Ruby for another fine answer.

Yea. I am trying to take my time with all of this on account that I am new to starting a business. I am still a little lost when it comes to starting a business because I have to write a proposal. Which I've never written one in my life. I have someone who would be willing to possibly be my business partner but I just don't know where to begin. And honestly I could use a little help with it. I do not want to jump into any thing big. And I am still just considering this. I've loved animals all my life and I've been thinking on this for a while. I've been trying to find out if I need to be certified to be a breeder here in Nova Scotia but as of yet I cannot find out online. Nor do I know whom to call. Can someone help me?

Starting a business is not all that difficult so long as you choose a business that appeals to the masses and not to just what you may enjoy. If you are interested in starting a more lucrative endeavour look at boarding or dog daycare as an alternative to being a breeder. We have variety of information available on our website to assist those that are interested in starting a business in these fields. Although I am not allowed to post my web address here you may click on my user name and it gives our web page there.. There are just to many dogs out there in shelters looking for a good home to go into the business of being a breeder. Although most breeders may start with the best intentions, they will eventually turn their moral compass towards profit and not the well being of the dogs.
pawsdogdaycare

You may just be right there pawsdogdaycare.. but I don't have a large amount of property. What about starting very small. I think that might be best. Maybe a dog walking business then expand from there after a while just so I don't make mistakes

Thank you paws for giving Michelle a good and constructive idea. Michelle I suspected that your objective was to find a way to make money, but without you stating such, I didn't want to assume anything. Breeding is definitely not a money making venture.

I think starting small, with a dog walking and pet sitting service is an EXCELLENT idea. There are people who vacation in Nova Scotia who need someone to watch their dogs while they are off on a day trip, or people who live there who need someone to care for their dog while they are away. Or, people who work all day and need someone they trust to take their dog for potty breaks & exercise in the middle of the day. If you are pet sitting, you can limit it to just a couple of dogs to start, that way you can do it in your own home. If a dog is used to being inside and getting attention from people, it is difficult on them to leave them at a regular kennel. You can provide a specialized service of attention, play, walking, feeding.

Initially, if you do something like that, you don't need to be certified or licensed. It is when you start expanding and thinking of opening a larger business that you need to speak with someone about incorporation, licensing,. The only thing that you would want to put into place is liability insurance if you rent, or adding additional liability insurance to your current home insurance if you own. This will protect you financially in case of unforeseen problems. If you have any friends that have contract writing experience or know someone who might be able to steer you in the direction of a good attorney, I would suggest coming up with a contract for your customers to sign that would hold you harmless for any injuries or illnesses that you are not responsible for, along with the fee structure, and any restrictions or rules that you want to enforce. Sometimes, through no fault of anyone, a dog may get sick or die during your watch. So, you need to cover your tushie (sp?). Those would be the only things that you would really need to do to get something like that started. :)

My main goal was NEVER to make money I don't give a darn about money. All I've ever wanted was to work with animals but nothing I do ever works out. Which is actually getting depressing. I used to train horses. But the woman I worked under couldn't even own horses after her accident. Every dog I've ever had I've lost because of my parents moving us around so much and now that I'm with someone who I've been with for 6 years and I'm not being jostled around I just wanted to settle in with the things I love in life

Michelle, I do a lot of fostering work. I have one permanent dog and I am constantly retraining and rehousing the abused, neglected, and rejected. After what you have written, I think pet sitting & a dog walking service would be a great way to start. You will find immense satisfaction giving love, attention, and playing with a variety of dogs. You can always think about something bigger, better, or more permanent down the road if this works out. I am a big believer in starting small and building your way up. Less financial risk involved and it gives you a chance to see if this is really the kind of work that warms your heart and gives you a reason to get up in the morning.

Binx- you may find what I am about to say abrasive but let me give you some facts.
First and this is my opinion only, you seem to be a bit nieve.. everyone needs money unless you happen to be a relative of the Trumps or the Hilton family and money not only benefits you it allows you the capital to add additional services and ammenities to your facility or your business. If you are truly un-interested in money then open a free daycare and your days will be full of dogs I guarrantee, well up until the power company cuts the lights off..
Secondly and this is a common misconception about boarding, daycare, grooming or most any pet related business.. If you are going into this with the mindset that you want to play with the animals all day.. "you will Fail!!!", the reality is that these business require tremendous amounts of work and the majority of your time in the beginning won't be spent playing with the dogs but cleaning up after them. (you will become a master of the mop young grasshopper), then there is the sales aspect of the business, customer relations and finance etc.. A good business to look into and no sarcasm intended would be to combine your dog walking desire with being a pooper scooper (clean peoples yards once a week of poop) or volunteer to work as a helper at your local animal shelter cleaning runs all day.. I'm not trying to dissuade you from entering my industry, but I want to be a realist and first and foremost let you know that these are businesses that require serious, realistic, motivated, driven individuals that love dogs, understand dogs. Not by individuals that believe that they will be playing with them all day while collecting money.

Paws, thank you for pointing out the dirty side of the business. I don't deal with more than 3 dogs at a time (one being my own) and cleaning up after them isn't something I consider a chore. It just is a part of my life and I don't think about it. I think the suggestion of volunteering at a shelter is a good one. Or, she could possibly find a job working in an established daycare such as yours. Either one would give her a good starting point, to learn about the management of multiple dogs, and to see if this is truly what she wants to do.

Review my posts here. You will find I frequently suggest trying to find a professional dog walker or doggy day care. I never suggest people need to find a breeder. We already have far too many of them, especially inexperienced ones.

I agree with both, I wasn't trying to put her down.. It's a tough job when you have 20 in daycare, 10 boarding and a full days worth of grooms, but I want her understand that whatver the case may be she is going to be opening a business that comes complete with it's own set of responsibilities and tasks.

The only way I thnk ou should breed your dog(s) is if there champions, and have great tempurment, and are going not be pure-bred! I feel breeders are cruel mostly because there making to many puppies and there just simply isn't enough homes for them all.