Prep for the Westminster Kennel Club show by digging into the dog business

Now that one major TV-watching spectacle is over for 2012 –  the Super Bowl – there’s only a week left until armchair experts will settle in front of the tube to call out critiques and accolades as they root for their favorite contenders in the Westminster Kennel Club’s annual dog show at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

About 3.5 million viewers, according to this  Media Life article , will tune in to the USA Network Monday night to root for their favorite Yorkie, Dandy Dinmont, Portuguese water dog or plain old beagle in the event which the WKC says in this fact sheet has been held since 1877.  (note the TV schedule on the WKC site, some segments will be aired on CNBC). The show usually permeates pop culture for a day or so, with winners appearing on morning shows and wire services covering the highs and the lows, like when one of last year’s awardees bolted her cage and went running down an airport runway, never to be seen again .

Why not tag along and give readers a look at business angles from your local pet breeding and show scene?  It’s a relatable topic and one that is made for cute centerpiece art and fun multimedia elements.

Dog breeding is a touchy topic at the best of times, and it may be tough to write about the industry without addressing the controversy.  But you certainly can show legitimate breeders’ business model — what costs go into producing a healthy litter, from medical care to food and shelter to advertising?   What sort of profit margins exist and how does area competition affect the price of ‘hot’ breeds.  What happens to imperfect dogs that don’t fetch top dollar or can’t meet the specs to get official papers?

Pet Health Insurance For Breeders - News


MiniChip(TM) in February for Pet Dental Health Month

OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, Feb 06, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Pethealth Inc. /quotes/zigman/39120 CA:PTZ +1.85% - With veterinary clinics and animal welfare practitioners across the country promoting Pet Dental Health month this February, Pethealth Inc.



Prep for the Westminster Kennel Club show by digging into the dog business
Prep for the Westminster Kennel Club show by digging into the dog business

But you certainly can show legitimate breeders' business model — what costs go into producing a healthy litter, from medical care to food and shelter to advertising? What sort of profit margins exist and how does area competition affect the price of



24/7 VETS: What to expect when you're expecting - a pet

To reduce the chance of problems later on, try to start with a healthy pet. In Toronto, dogs and cats are no longer sold in pet stores. Avoid buying a pet from a classified ad site and use a reputable breeder instead. Adopting a pet from a shelter is



Yorkie Puppies For Sale: Naming Your New Puppy

According to the Veterinary Pet Insurance Company which is the largest and oldest pet health insurance provider in the USA these are the top 10 names for both male and female dogs of all breeds. One of these might fit your new best friend.



Reputable breeders 'best source for healthy dogs'
Reputable breeders 'best source for healthy dogs'

Puppy owners might want to consider taking out pet insurance to soften the financial burden of paying for emergency medical care and Ms Kisko noted a policy helps ensure young dogs "have the highest possible standard of health". Reputable breeders




How to manage your pet's veterinary bills — Pets For Patriots Blog

If it seems like your pet’s veterinary bills are taking a bigger bite out of your wallet, you’re probably right. Pet health care costs are on the rise , much like those for their human family members.  With medical and food costs representing the two largest pet care expenditures, many people are looking for help with their veterinary bills.

Average annual pet care costs

Whether you already have a pet or are thinking about getting one, it’s important to add pet care as a line item in your family budget. While costs vary by species, breed, size, age, overall health, region of the country and other factors, average annual pet care costs range from $1,1314-$1,843 for dogs and $1,035 for cats. Veterinary-related expenses – including spay/neuter surgery, routine medical care, pet health insurance and miscellaneous medical needs – comprise anywhere between 42%-53% of the total annual budget for dogs and a whopping 59% for cats. 

Research pet costs in your area, including the big-ticket items like veterinary services and pet food, and adjust your budget to better reflect the going rates in your particular community.

Military discounts for pet insurance

You can buy pet health insurance for Fido and Fluffy to help defray the costs of both routine and ‘unexpected’ visits to the veterinarian, including emergency and surgical care. According to the ASPCA, annual pet insurance costs average $225 for dogs and $175 for cats, but your plan will vary based upon the specific types of protection you want for your pet. Many pet health insurance companies offer a military discount, but they are often unpublished and available only if you speak with an agent and specifically request it. Some companies publish military and other discounts directly on their site, and offer reductions for multiple pets, animals that are microchipped or for applying online.


Pet Health Insurance For Breeders - Bookshelf

Women's Health

Women's Health

Womens Health magazine speaks to every aspect of a woman's life including health, fitness, nutrition, emotional well-being, sex and relationships, beauty and ...

Men's Health

Men's Health

Men's Health magazine contains daily tips and articles on fitness, nutrition, relationships, sex, career and lifestyle.

The Case for Christ, A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus

The Case for Christ, A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus

Strobel's tough, point-blank questions make this remarkable book read like a captivating, fast-paced novel. But it's not fiction.

Man's Search for Meaning

Man's Search for Meaning

Viennese psychiatrist tells his grim experiences in a German concentration camp which led him to logotherapy, an existential method of psychiatry.

Heaven is for Real, A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back

Heaven is for Real, A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back

02