Most want males as they cannot handle litters
When it comes to purchasing dogs, people have high standards regarding breeds.
According to a 2022 survey conducted by Rakuten Insight, dogs were the most popular pets in India. According to the Statista Research Department, there was a demand for non-native dog breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.
Sandarsh M.B., who works in Bangalore Puppy Farm, informed The Observer: “The customer expects a lot from the breeder…. They expect the price of the puppies to be low, but they want all the standards.” A Labrador pup costs between Rs 9,000 and Rs 10,000. Vaccinating these pups costs up to Rs 1,000. To cut costs, he feeds these breeds rice and lower-quality chicken. He breeds Labrador, German Shepherds, Doberman, St Bernards and poodles. A government inspection happens once every four or five months.
On an average, Sandarsh has 500 to 600 customers a year. Sometimes that number touches 1,000.
S. Sathish, owner of Cadaboms Kennel, a celebrity dog breeder, said the customer looks for quality and bloodline. A good bloodline ensures that the breed does not suffer from any illness. “Healthy parents ensure long life for the dog,” he added.
Charan S, owner of Woof Babies, which sells and breeds dogs, said customers expect good lineage. Most customers do not want crossbreeds. “Ninety percent of the customers prefer males. This is because female dogs give birth and the customers do not want to handle that.” Most customers buy golden retrievers and Shih Tzus.
About the regulations he has to follow, he replied: “The government regulations state we shouldn’t keep more than three puppies in a place.” They shouldn’t breed puppies more than one time a year. The puppies must also be given its mother’s milk for at least 50 days. The puppies should be given good food.
About the responsibilities of people buying pups, he said he tells them the pros and cons of keeping dogs. Out of 20 customers, there is one who will want to return the pup one or two days after purchase. Such people do not take care of the pups properly. In such cases, he takes back the pup and puts it up for adoption by other people. Customers below the age of 18 need to bring their parents to buy pups.
Nancy Jeeva Kumari, who owns a 10-month- old Shi Tzu named Rosie, she had to take the pup for vaccination. The dog breeder from whom she had purchased the pup had given her various details as well as information about what to feed it. She purchased the dog for Rs 16,000.
Rajenna D, a veterinary doctor, said when a pup is around 45 days old it should be given DHPPI for distemper and a vaccine for leptospirosis. When it is two and a half months old, DHPPI vaccine and anti-rabies vaccine are given.
Asked when dogs are mature enough to breed, he said the minimum age should be 18 months for both males and females. Medium breeds mature sexually at 9-10 months, while heavy breeds mature after a year. “They can breed twice a year up to five years.”
When The Observer tried to reach the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board to find out the health issues connected to dog breeding, it was directed to the Board’s website.
Commercial dog breeding is regulated by the government under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. According to data published in Statista Research Department, in 2018, vaccinations accounted for the highest expenditure — Rs 3,000 — for dog owners. The pet care market in India is one of the fastest growing pet industries in the world, with the population of pet dogs in India expected to reach over 31 million by 2023.
ahona.r@iijnm.org
