24/06/2026
Could I Become a Breeder?
For most readers, this question is probably unnecessary. They are already breeders. For others, it may not even be worth asking, because their passion for breeding dogs is so strong that they will begin breeding regardless. In a way, that is actually a good sign. Passion, combined with a deep love for a breed, is a wonderful foundation for breeding. However, passion alone is not enough. From time to time, it is worth stopping to reflect on the principles and prerequisites of responsible breeding.
Breeding often begins by chance
Breeding often begins by chance. Most breeders do not know when acquiring their first dog that they will eventually become breeders. Things simply develop in that direction. A dog captures the heart, a hobby begins, and the breed becomes increasingly fascinating. One thing leads to another, and before long the owner finds themselves breeding their dog. Often, there is no turning back.
The decision to start breeding usually results from a combination of enthusiasm and circumstance. Of course, some enthusiasts know from the very beginning that they intend to become breeders. In such cases, one would hope that more thought is given to what kind of first dog is acquired.
How little did we know
Whether the start of a breeding career is carefully planned or entirely accidental, success in the early stages often depends greatly on luck. It is somewhat frightening to look back and realize how little many of us knew about dogs when we began breeding. This is likely true for most breeders. In fact, this is one of the major weaknesses of dog breeding. Enthusiasm is abundant, but knowledge is often insufficient.
At first, many people do not even stop to consider this. Even after the first litter is born, much still depends on fortune. If the puppies are healthy and of good quality, and suitable homes are easy to find, breeding is likely to continue. If everything goes wrong, however, the breeding career may be very short-lived.
The inconsistency and unpredictability of how people enter breeding is, in itself, a significant problem. It would be far more productive if aspiring breeders knew much more about dogs, breeds, and the requirements and responsibilities of breeding before they began.
Sometimes the wisest decision is to start all over again
A novice could then carefully consider which breed is right for them. They could rationally evaluate the demands of different breeds and determine whether the breed’s character, overall temperament, and needs suit their own personality and circumstances.
I also wish that breeders would more often consider the possibility of starting over from the beginning. Frequently, the foundation of a breeding program is simply a female acquired by chance, who may not actually be the ideal bitch on which to build a breeding line. Too many breeders stubbornly continue generation after generation with the same female line, even when the results remain mediocre.
Learn to control your emotions
One of the greatest challenges in dogs and breeding is the enormous role that emotions play. A breeder—or anyone aspiring to become one—must strive to keep emotions under control and ensure that they do not overly dictate decisions and actions.
Requirements for Becoming a Breeder
It is unfortunate to see how, for some people, almost all decisions and the foundation of their breeding program are based on random emotions.
In the following section, I will try to present some ideas and points worth considering in relation to breeding. What does breeding require, and what are the things a breeder should take into account? A love of animals and an enjoyment of keeping dogs are, of course, self-evident prerequisites. But what other qualities and character traits should a breeder possess?
The Prerequisites of Breeding
A breeder must be rational. Once breeding begins, learning must continue endlessly. Nothing in breeding happens by chance, and every opportunity to learn should be seized as quickly as possible. A breeder must seek to understand the causes and effects behind events and phenomena. Logical thinking and careful observation are invaluable tools. Learn from your mistakes and make use of your successes.
Observation and creativity are also important traits. A breeder should be resourceful and pay close attention to both the environment and the hobby itself. In such a broad and diverse field, a breeder who keeps their eyes open can always find useful ideas and insights.
Follow your own path
Independent thinking is another valuable asset in the imaginative world of breeding. Do not simply follow others and do things because everyone else does. Believing in your own path and your own judgment often produces better results. As the old Finnish proverb says: “Believe in your good fortune, and it will come to you.”
A breeder should have confidence in themselves and in their decisions. Without faith in your own work and solutions, how can you be sure of what you are doing? If you do not truly believe in the breeding combination you are planning, why make it at all?
Look the truth in the eye
Be honest with yourself in every situation. Look the truth in the eye and acknowledge failures so that corrective action can be taken in time.
One of my favorite sayings is: “If you repeat a lie three times, eventually you will believe it yourself.” Therefore, do not lie twice more—and do not lie to yourself even once.
Work, work, work
Be hardworking. Work diligently and conscientiously toward your goals, and results will follow. In dog breeding and selection, nothing worthwhile is achieved without hard work. Breeding requires commitment at all times. Losing focus or becoming lazy will inevitably show in the results.
If inspiration disappears, do not force yourself to continue. Take a creative break and return to breeding when your enthusiasm and motivation have come back.
Remember to take time for reflection
Remember to look at things from an outsider’s perspective from time to time. Always keep someone involved in your breeding who will speak honestly and directly to you. Share your plans and future litters with them, discuss your ideas, and listen to another point of view. A second opinion can often reveal things that you yourself may not see.
It is also helpful, when explaining your plans to someone else, because it allows you to test whether you truly believe in yourself and to once again examine the reasons for doing something. It can also be useful to step back from breeding and the hobby from time to time and view it from a greater distance. Doing so often allows you to see things in a new light.
Develop good people skills
Stay out of personal conflicts within the dog world. Do not close doors; instead, keep them open whenever possible. Maintain an appropriate balance of distance and closeness with other breeders, and strive to preserve courteous and professional relationships with as many breeders and enthusiasts as possible.
Do not participate in gossip or speaking ill of others. Instead, try to conduct yourself professionally in all matters. Keep close to you at least one trusted confidant with whom you can speak openly and honestly about everything and unburden your heart when necessary.
Be straightforward, but not rude or arrogant. Honest and direct communication is ultimately always appreciated. In this way, you are being truthful both to others and to yourself. It is important to earn a reputation as an honorable person within the hobby.
Reputation tells a story
Reputation in the dog world is far more important than many people realize. A respected breeder has many more opportunities than one who has lost their good name. Within the relatively small circles of any breed community, a person’s reputation quickly begins to reflect who they truly are. From there, that reputation spreads throughout the wider dog world.
Remember that both good and bad reputations travel far—but a bad reputation usually travels faster.
Take it easy
Do not take things too seriously. Remember that this is a hobby. Always try to enjoy what you are doing. If you approach the hobby with constant tension and worry, you will not enjoy it for long and will become tired of it more quickly. Learn to laugh at yourself and to enjoy your dogs simply for what they are. Love your dogs as dogs.
Control and regulate your emotions. Becoming a breeder requires the ability to view things rationally and to set emotions aside when necessary. Evaluate dogs as dogs and breeding combinations on their merits.
Use intuition, but do not build your intuition solely on emotions. There should be no contradiction between loving a dog and recognizing, at the next moment, that it may not be suitable as a breeding dog.
Intuition is a form of creativity
Trust and develop your intuition—it is one of a breeder’s most valuable tools. Sometimes you simply know something without being able to fully explain why. Whether or not you can justify it logically, intuition is an essential part of dog breeding and a great gift. If you possess that ability as a breeder, make good use of it.
Wishing you all the very best of luck. And if you choose not to become a breeder, that may well be the wisest decision too.
