Dog Breeding Resources

Breeding dogs is a huge responsibility. Whether you've been breeding for 30 years or you're interested in getting started, we have the latest news and resources.

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Breeder Toolkit

As an experienced breeder, you balance litters, puppy buyers, titling, health testing and more. Find all your most-used resources in one place. Easily access AKC applications, manage your dog and litter records and much more.

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Breeding 101

If you're new to breeding, things can get a little overwhelming. Becoming an experienced and well-respected breeder takes time and commitment.

So You Want to Breed a Litter?»

Signs of a Responsible Breeder »

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Dog Breeding for Beginners: What You Should Know

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What to Prepare Before Your First Litter

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Getting Started

Once you have decided to become a breeder, it's important to make sure you are prepared for your first breeding, first pregnancy, and first litter.

Get Your Bitch in Top Shape For Birth »

Best Practices for Whelping & Caring for Newborn Puppies »

French Bulldog puppies sitting around a woman indoors.

Dog Breeding Pregnancy & Nutrition: Q&A With Experts

Dog Pregnancy: Signs, Care, and Preparing for Puppies

Because Every Dog Deserves the Pet Insurance of Champions

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Popular resources

Placing Puppies in Pet Homes

Border Collie being x-rayed by a veterinary technician.

Working With a Breeder-Friendly Veterinarian

Signs of False Pregnancy in Dogs

Australian Cattle Dog puppies playing with a toy in the yard.

Best Breeder Practices for Producing Healthy Puppies for Pets

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Join our AKC Breeder Facebook Group

Connect with other breeders!

AKC Dog Breeder's Network

AKC Marketplace

Gain visibility in front of millions of dog lovers looking to add a new puppy to their family by joining the community of breeders who actively advertise their kennel and litters on AKC Marketplace. Customize your listings, screen potential puppy buyers, build your waiting list, and show off your adherence to our standards and regulations.

List with AKC Marketplace »

Responding to Potential Puppy Buyers

You carefully plan and raise each litter you breed. Here's how to manage puppy inquiries and stay connected with puppy buyers.

How to Respond to Puppy Inquiries

Educating Potential Puppy Buyers

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What’s in Your Puppy Contract?

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Pack a Puppy Kit for New Puppy Buyers

Choosing Puppy Buyers

As a breeder, you put time and love into your litters, so it's important that your puppies go to the very best homes.

Choosing the Best Homes for Your Puppies

Create a Kit For Puppy Buyers

Screening Puppy Buyers

Siberian Husky laying on an exam table at the vet.

Educate Your Puppy Buyers on Common Illnesses

three cavalier king charles spaniel puppies posing indoors

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The Price of Popularity: What Happens When a Breed Becomes a Trend?

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Breeder of Merit

Open to all purebred dog breeders, our Breeder of Merit Program honors breeders who go above and beyond on health issues, temperament, and genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in responsible homes.

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Bred with H.E.A.R.T.

Showcase your commitment to health testing and continued education with our free program for breeders. Gain access to special breeder benefits when you enroll.

Enroll in Bred with H.E.A.R.T. »

Registration

Become part of the nationwide AKC voice championing canine health research, search-and-rescue teams, promoting care and accountable conditions for dog breeders and responsible dog ownership.