- Salary statistics
- Dog breeder
Dog breeder
28 467 - 28 218 kr / month
Naturbruk
Salary progression Dog breeder
What does a dog breeder do? – Tasks and working environment
A dog breeder is responsible for planning, executing, and following up on dog breeding to achieve desired traits and health in the offspring. Tasks include selecting breeding animals, monitoring pregnancy and whelping, socializing and caring for puppies during their first weeks of life. Contact with potential puppy buyers, advice, and sales are natural parts of the job, along with administration related to registration, vaccinations, and contracts. The working environment is often home- or farm-based and involves both indoor and outdoor work, where physical presence and flexibility are required to meet the needs of the dogs around the clock.
Salary development over time
The salary development for dog breeders has been relatively stable over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,874 SEK per month, then increased slightly to 28 101 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary amounts to 28 218 SEK per month, which corresponds to a total increase of just over 1.2% during the period. The modest salary increase reflects an industry with low turnover and limited room for larger raises, where demand is stable but competition for clients is relatively high. Dog breeders are also affected by market factors such as changes in consumer interest in different breeds and increased demands for animal welfare and documentation, which can influence workload and compensation levels.
Dog breeder salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 28 218 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: Data not available
- Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 169 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a dog breeder, no formal vocational education is required, but knowledge and experience are crucial for success. Many choose to take specialized courses in breeding, genetics, animal care, and business. Practical experience with dog husbandry, either through their own operation or working with established breeders, is often a prerequisite for building a good reputation and understanding the profession's demands.
- Courses/certifications: Breeding, genetics, and animal care (often 1–2 semesters)
- Practical experience: Highly recommended, e.g., volunteering at breeders
- Basic knowledge: Animal health, nutrition, and dog behavior
- Business skills: Ability to run own business and handle administration
- Prerequisites: No formal requirements, but a high school education and experience with dogs are beneficial
A dog breeder often needs to be available around the clock, especially during whelping and the first weeks. Flexibility and stamina are therefore important qualities, and many describe the profession as a lifestyle rather than just a job.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for dog breeders may include discounts on food and accessories, reimbursements for veterinary care, and sponsorship opportunities from feed or insurance companies. Being self-employed also offers flexibility in working hours, but rarely traditional employment benefits such as pension or sick pay.
Competition and challenges
The competition in dog breeding is significant, especially for popular breeds where many breeders compete for the same buyers. Challenges include high demands for animal welfare, documentation, and compliance with laws and regulations. The market is quickly influenced by trends and changes in demand, making it difficult to predict income and plan long-term operations. Additionally, it requires substantial personal investment and commitment, both in terms of time and finances, meaning only the most passionate and knowledgeable have the best chances of long-term success.
Tips for aspiring dog breeders
To succeed as a dog breeder, patience is key, as breeding and raising dogs require endurance and precision over long periods. Good organizational skills help manage contracts, vaccinations, and administration. Dedication to animal welfare, a desire to learn more about genetics and animal health, building a network within the industry, and participating in courses can provide valuable contacts and insights. Finally, the ability to work independently and communicate effectively with buyers are important qualities for establishing a good reputation and running a successful business long-term.
Key facts about dog breeders
- Educational level: No formal requirements, but courses and practical experience are recommended
- Work environment: Home- or farm-based, often physically demanding
- Work form: Self-employed or small business owner
- Demand: Approximately 360 job openings in Sweden
- Special skills: Animal health, genetics, and business management
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, a dog breeder may have developed their own kennel with a strong brand and recurring customers. It is common to expand the business with courses, consulting, or sales of dog-related products. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand remains relatively stable, but competition for buyers and high quality and documentation standards are expected to increase. There are opportunities to specialize in specific breeds or focus on show dogs, which can provide additional career opportunities and higher income over time.
Frequently asked questions about dog breeders
- What does a dog breeder earn?
- The average salary for a dog breeder is 28 218 SEK per month. - Is training required to become a dog breeder?
- No formal education is required, but courses and practical experience are highly recommended. - What is the working environment like for a dog breeder?
- The working environment is often home- or farm-based and can be both physically and time demanding. - Are there good future prospects for dog breeders?
- Demand is stable, but competition is increasing and quality requirements are rising. - What personal qualities are important for a dog breeder?
- Patience, meticulousness, dedication to animals, and good organizational skills are central qualities. - How many job openings are there for dog breeders?
- There are approximately 360 available jobs within the profession in Sweden.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Dog breeder has the SSYK code 6122, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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