A Manual of Toy Dogs: How to Breed, Rear and Feed Them

Perhaps the question which is most frequently asked anent toy dogs is whether the keeping them as a pleasure and hobby can be combined with profit by means of breeding them and selling the puppies. To such a query it is very hard to give a definite reply, for this reason—whether or not toy dog breeding can be made profitable depends, firstly, on the character of the enterpriser, and, secondly, on that inscrutable factor—Fate. Some of us devote ourselves to our dogs, take endless trouble for them, and spend money on them freely, with the poorest possible return; Others, while not making nearly so much fuss about their pets, manage to turn out healthy litters at regular intervals, and sell them at remunerative prices. All that can be done is to put before the novice "how not to do it," and leave to each individually the chances called luck, for which their star is answerable. Taking one year with another, and presupposing patience, perseverance, affection for the dogs, and some business-like qualities in the aspirant, I am of opinion that toy dogs can be made to pay their expenses, and leave a margin of profit; this in the case of non-exhibitors. Where exhibiting is contemplated, the luck element is still more to the front, and a degree of experience, both local and general, is essential to success. If success, however, in winning prizes is once attained, the sales of puppies become much more assured, and higher prices are naturally obtainable. As a means of eking out a small income, dog breeding is occasionally successful, supposing the breeder to possess advantages in the way of proper quarters, and plenty of time to spare, natural aptitude not being wanted; but I should greatly hesitate to suggest to a poor lady, without experience in dogs, that she should embark capital in such a venture.