Dog breeding and training business in kenya

The dog business is slowly gaining popularity. I have got many inquiries on dog breeds, breeding and making money from the business. 

So what does it take to run the business?

For the real business-minded people, the idea of starting a dog breeding and training business in Kenya will sound like a heaven-sent gift. First, the business does not have seasonal fluctuations. Secondly, if you are really passionate about it you can even start with NO monetary capital. Thirdly, no formal training is required which means you can start as soon as you are ready to get going.

“I was lonely and poor. I noticed that our dog called Tusker followed me wherever I went. As insecurity was high in the village and people reared dogs to guard their homesteads, I started training Tusker and he shocked me with his intelligence,” says Wainaina.

Six years down the line, Wainaina has now relocated to Thika, where he owns a dog-training firm called ‘Wainaina’s Redemption’. He trains dogs and sells them to security firms, schools and companies. Each carnivore goes for as much as Sh.120,000.

In a month, he sell at least 10 dogs. With the average cost of one trained mature dog going for Sh.50,000, he can pocket Sh.500,000 a month. While starting a dog breeding business requires less capital than other ventures, there are some key pointers one should take note of.

You ought have interest in the project and love dogs.  There is also need to do proper research of the breed that suits your needs and to build a well-structured kennel.

Dog breeds can be large, medium and small breeds.

Dog breeds

The most popular breeds in Kenya are the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, English Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. Lately the little ‘toy dogs’ such as the Maltese, Chihuaha and Pomeranian are coming into the market. 

When starting a dog-breeding venture; don’t just judge a dog by its looks.

Be updated on breed trends and conduct a feasibility study on the environment, location, lifestyle of your target market and importantly, the legal requirements for a dog breeding business.

There is also the need to ensure you have a file of the veterinary records of your dogs, especially the shots its already had and the dog’s registration paper.

Have all the dog’s documents, which include medical history, proof of registration, and other items up-to-date at all times. This is required for customers who expect proof of pedigree and some even ask for a picture and records of the mother.

Getting a rare colour like white and silver-grey or a champion breed sets you apart from the rest of the sellers.

Get Dog Trainers Training

Dog trainers training is offered on an apprentice basis and NO FORMAL TRAINING is required. Past experience in a dog training facility and the disciplined service e.g. ex-NYS or local security companies can be a big boost.

Do This Simple Market Survey

The reality of the market is that you need to go where the demand is high. Population density and dog-ownership percentages go hand-in-hand. A related consideration is that the demand for dog training services is high in urban areas than rural areas with Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Embu, Nakuru and Thika towns topping the list.

Identify a Market Gap

It‘s very easy to see if your market has a gap to be filled. If you notice most trainers in the area are usually busy for weeks or even months ahead, it means demand for services currently exceeds supply and hence you can join in.

Remember, even if there is no gap in a market, you can still join in by adding a differentiating factor to your services. For instance, door-to-door services, boarding facilities or even free blog tips on dog care can significantly make you stand out.

Start With Few Puppies

If you want to become a breeder cum trainer, it goes without saying you will need to keep a few dogs. You can talk to other local breeders (the East Africa Kennel Club is a good reference point) so that you can book puppies with them. Good dog breeds include:

• Boxer

• Great Dane

• Labrador Retriever

• Rottweiler

• German Shepherd

• Golden Retriever

• Chihuahua

• Japanese Spitz

Build Kennels

As you wait for the puppies to be delivered, build a few kennels. For instance, you can start with 5 boarding kennels and 1 warm maternity kennel.

Get the Word Out

Print out a few brochures and drop a few batches at busy shops and agro-vets in your target area. Put your contacts up in one of the many free classified ads websites e.g jiji.co.ke. 

Also do a bit of social media sensitization. Create for you dogs a Facebook page, Instagram account and a TikTok account. Post some videos and pictures of your dogs and tell people on how they can reach you.

Services You Can Offer

Some of the services you can offer include:

Dog training services – obedience and aggressive training, potty training, guard dog training (Average Price: Ksh.30,000)

Dog breeding services – breed puppies and sell them after training (Average Price: Ksh.10,000 – Ksh.50,000)

Dog boarding services – when dog owners want to travel they can leave their dogs with you (Average Price: Ksh.500 per dog, per day).

How Much To Invest

If you are short of starting capital, you can start off as purely a freelance dog trainer and in that case you will not require any monetary capital, just sweat capital and a hustler‘s attitude. 

You can however consider widening your opportunities by venturing into the more lucrative dog breeding business.

Kennels – Ksh.20,000

Puppies – Ksh.100,000 (Pure breed)

Dog food – Ksh.10,000

Marketing – Ksh.10,000

City Council Dog License – Ksh.1,000 (Rate applicable in Nairobi City Only)   

Miscellaneous – Ksh.20,000  

Ideal Budget – Ksh.150,000 to Ksh.200,000.

How Much To Expect

On average, an established trainer and breeder makes between Ksh.100,000 to Ksh.500,000 per month.

Final Word

Contrary to popular opinion, starting a dog breeding and training business in Kenya isn’t that complicated. You only need to be passionate about the hustle and ready to do what it takes to get going. What’s stopping you?

As we always tell you, there’s no marathon race that has ever been won by those who did not start the race. If you like the idea discussed above and you have what it takes to actualize it…then don’t wait to start…just do it.