A Survey of Reported Practices and Values of Smaller-Scale Dog Breeders in Canada

Abstract

Dog breeding has received increasing attention due to concerns about animal welfare and the ethics of companion animal commercialization, yet smaller-scale breeders remain underrepresented in research despite potentially operating under different conditions. A survey of responding Canadian dog breeders (n = 464) provided quantitative and qualitative data on demographics, housing and breeding practices, and perspectives on welfare and regulation; quantitative responses were analyzed descriptively and with latent class analysis, and open-ended responses were thematically coded. Most participants were small-scale breeders who reported keeping dogs in home environments, averaging 3.28 breeding dams annually and maintaining relatively low caretaker-to-dog ratios compared to previously studied large-scale operations, while reporting frequent use of enrichment, socialization, and training practices. Qualitative findings indicated that responding breeders emphasized the importance of early-life care and responsible ownership, and expressed concerns that regulations and public discourse often do not reflect small-scale breeding contexts. Participants also identified broader welfare risks within the industry, including overbreeding and inadequate health and behavioural care. Overall, these findings suggest that small-scale breeding represents a distinct model within the Canadian dog breeding sector and highlight the importance of incorporating breeder perspectives when developing welfare policies and future research priorities.