Dog Breeding in Nigeria: Profit Guide & Best Breeds (2025)

Dog farming, also known as commercial dog breeding, is rapidly becoming a lucrative venture in Nigeria. Driven by the increasing demand for security dogs, companion pets, and exotic breeds, combined with a growing middle class and rising insecurity, dog farming has emerged as a significant business opportunity.

Unlike informal backyard breeding, professional dog farming requires strategic breed selection, proper health management, and effective marketing to succeed.

Profitability and Market Overview

Dog farming in Nigeria offers substantial returns. A single, well-bred puppy can fetch between ₦100,000 and ₦700,000, depending on its breed and pedigree. A healthy female dog can have 6–10 puppies per litter, often twice a year, potentially earning millions annually.

Key Success Factors:

• Breed popularity and demand
• Quality of breeding stock
• Effective kennel hygiene and management
• Access to reliable veterinary care
• Building buyer trust and reputation

Beyond breeding, Nigeria’s pet industry is diversifying. Spending is rising on dog food, grooming, training, and pet hotels, creating opportunities in:

• Boarding kennels
• Dog food production
• Dog training services
• Breeding niche/exotic dogs for export

Top Profitable Dog Breeds in Nigeria (2025)

Choosing the right breed significantly impacts profitability. The most sought-after breeds in Nigeria include:

• German Shepherd: Popular for security and intelligence; price ranges ₦150,000—₦400,000. Most owned breed at 33.2%.
• Rottweiler: Strong and loyal; sells for ₦200,000—₦1,000,000+ depending on quality.
• Boerboel: Estate owners’ favorite; ₦180,000—₦450,000. Puppies also go for ₦80,000—₦100,000.
• Caucasian Shepherd: Massive and protective; priced between ₦300,000—₦700,000.
• American Bully: Trendy among youths and celebrities; ₦250,000—₦600,000.
• French Bulldog: Urban-friendly and low-maintenance; ₦350,000—₦600,000.
• Lhasa Apso: Family-friendly small breed; ₦100,000—₦250,000.
• Labrador Retriever: Gentle and great for families; ₦150,000—₦300,000.
• Chow Chow: Exotic look and uniqueness; ₦300,000—₦600,000.
• Maltese: Compact and ideal for urban living; ₦120,000—₦280,000.

Other Profitable Breeds: Neapolitan Mastiff, Bull Mastiff, Pit Bull, Doberman, Samoyed, and the Siberian Husky (selling for up to $1,300).

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Starting a Dog Farming Business: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Register Your Business: Register your kennel name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and check for local/state licensing requirements.

2. Choose a Suitable Location: Ideal locations are spacious, clean, quiet, and on the outskirts of town. Ensure proper drainage and sanitation.

3. Estimate Startup Costs: Startup investment ranges from ₦800,000 to ₦5 million depending on scale. Key expenses include:

• Quality breeding stock (₦300,000+ per dog)
• Kennel construction
• Veterinary care and vaccines
• Feeding, licensing, branding

4. Buy from Registered Breeders: Select dogs with verified medical histories to avoid inbreeding. The Boerboel Dog Breeders Association, Nigeria (BDBAN), requires breeders to use microchipped and DNA-registered dogs with certified hip scores.

5. Build Functional Kennels: Use concrete or metal fencing with proper ventilation, drainage, shade, and a designated isolation area.

6. Learn Dog Breeding Basics: Understand dog behavior, care, and genetics. Early detection of illness and knowledge of breed-specific traits are crucial.

7. Draft a Business Plan & Conduct Market Survey: Include capital needs, location, staff, expected returns, and a demand assessment for specific breeds.

8. Secure Capital: Look into AGSMEIS (Agri-Business Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme) loans. Training from an accredited Entrepreneurial Development Institute (EDI) is required, and up to ₦3 million can be obtained without collateral.

Puppy Care and Breeding Tips

• Mate female dogs in the second week of heat for best results
• Pregnancy lasts ~63 days; prepare a clean whelping area
• Puppies should be dewormed at 2 weeks, vaccinated from 6–8 weeks
• Introduce puppy food from 3–4 weeks
• Puppies are ready for sale from 6–7 weeks (up to 2–3 months)

Vaccination Timeline:

• First shot: 6–7 weeks
• Second shot: 8–9 weeks
• Rabies vaccine: after 7–9 months or at 1 year, then annually

Early socialization improves future marketability. Many breeders also offer stud services for fees or “puppy deals.”

Ethical breeders take long-term responsibility for puppies and offer re-homing support if needed.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

To maximize sales:

• Research market prices and adjust accordingly
• Use WhatsApp, Jiji.ng, Instagram, TikTok, referrals, and pet shops
• Build trust by offering vaccination cards and allowing kennel visits
• Avoid unethical sales through wholesalers, puppy mills, or pet stores
• Provide a written sales agreement

Puppies should not be sold before 8 weeks, and all births must be registered within 3 months.

Challenges in Dog Farming

• Overbreeding & Inbreeding: Causes genetic defects and early mortality
• Poor Hygiene: Attracts ticks and infections
• Neglected Vet Care: Prevention is cheaper than treatment
• No Record-Keeping: Leads to mismanagement
• Disease Outbreaks: Viruses like Parvo and Lepto are deadly
• Economic Hardships: Rising costs for feed and medication
• Time and Noise: Managing litters is time-consuming and messy
• Limited Expertise: Breeding requires knowledge of canine genetics

Regulatory Framework in Nigeria

Dog breeding and veterinary practice are governed by the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1969, amended 1987) under the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN).

Supporting Regulations:

• 1984 Premises Registration Edict
• 1988 Animal Disease Control Decree (amended 1995)
• 1981 Private Vet Clinic Edict (Lagos: 1991)
• Dogs Act Cap. 35 & Dogs Law: Addresses dog importation, vaccines, public safety
• NAFDAC & Pharmacy Acts: Oversee drug safety, quality, advertising

Disease Monitoring:

• The National Animal Disease Information System (NADIS) links Nigeria to global networks like WAHIS. Challenges include limited funding, weak enforcement, and outdated policies.

Role of Boerboel Dog Breeders Association, Nigeria (BDBAN)

Founded in 2013, BDBAN promotes high breeding standards for the Boerboel breed in Nigeria. Affiliated with SABBS (South African Boerboel Breeders Society), it enforces ethical practices including:

• Microchipping and DNA registration
• Clean and safe kennels
• Verified health and temperament guarantees
• Accurate health and pedigree records
• Strict breeder screening and accountability

Nigeria’s Growing Pet Food Industry

Nigeria’s pet food market is expected to hit US$310.30 million by 2029. Growth is driven by increasing pet ownership, health awareness, and local manufacturing.

Raw Materials:

• Meat (chicken, beef, fish)
• Grains (maize, rice, wheat)
• Vegetables, oils, vitamins, and preservatives

Notable Brands:

• JOJO Pet Food
• Grand Cereals

Challenges:

• High production costs (especially for imported inputs)
• Limited distribution
• Inconsistent product quality
• Weak regulatory oversight

Opportunities:

• Local sourcing of ingredients
• Custom blends for local breeds
• West African export markets
• Potential government support for agribusiness

Dog Farming in Nigeria Is Profitable and Sustainable