Small home-based breeder of one dog breed

Families looking for a particular breed, plus show, sport or working-dog owners who want puppies from proven parents.

A set price per puppy, often with a deposit to join a waiting list. Income comes in lumps from a few litters a year, and most of it covers vet care, testing and food.

• Deep knowledge of one breed and its health issues
• Calm, patient animal handling
• Screening buyers and communicating clearly
• Record keeping

• Check state, county and city rules on breeder or kennel licenses, which often depend on how many dogs or litters you have
• Check HOA, lease and zoning limits on the number of dogs at your address
• Check whether your state has puppy sale, health guarantee or 'puppy lemon' laws
• Vet bills for C-sections, complications and genetic testing can be large and unpredictable
• Raising puppies is a daily commitment for about eight weeks per litter
• Check your insurance options, since a standard homeowner policy may not cover a breeding business

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the breeding dogs you acquire, health testing, and whelping and puppy-raising supplies. Vet bills for complications can be large and unpredictable on top of that.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many litters you have a year, litter sizes and the price of your puppies. Raising each litter is a daily commitment for about eight weeks.

Check state, county and city rules on breeder or kennel licenses, which often depend on how many dogs or litters you have. Also check HOA, lease and zoning limits, any state puppy sale or health guarantee laws, and your insurance.