New dog breeding regulations went live in England today, so we have answered some of your FAQs below:

** I only breed once a year. I do sell my puppies for more than £1000, but I never make much money as I have lots of associated expenses e.g. vet fees, dog food. Will I need a licence? **

Breeders that breed a small amount of litters and that only sell a couple of puppies to cover costs will not require a licence. Defra has made it clear that they do not intend to target hobby breeders under the regulations.

It is important to note that the test of whether or not a breeder is running a business is determined by HMRC’s 9 badges of trade (applicable to everyone and not just dog breeders), which can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/2DLd0qk

** What factors will determine my star rating? **

Defra’s guidance determines what star rating a breeder will be awarded. A 5 star rating with a 3 year licence and reduced licence fee can be achieved by breeders who are members of a UKAS Accredited Scheme such as the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme and who have been accredited under that scheme for 3 or more consecutive years.
A lower star rating will mean more frequent inspections and a higher licence fee. Read more here: http://bit.ly/2Rh6Q4f

** How will I know whether I need a licence or not? **

Do you meet the licensing criteria?

1. Are you breeding three or more litters per year and selling at least one puppy?
2. Are you breeding dogs and advertising a business of selling dogs?
If you have answered yes to either of the above then you will need a licence.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/2P16QUk

** How do I get a dog breeding licence? **

To get a dog breeding licence you must;

- Apply to your local authority, most have an online form.

The local authority will:

- Ask for a fee to be payable which depends on the local authority and the star rating of the breeder.
- Appoint an inspector along with a vet to ensure your premises meet the licensing requirements. To find your local authority go to: http://bit.ly/2xR9oxz

For further FAQs, Please look HERE

Like I just said in the other thread, this still leaves questions. They talk about selling a couple of pups to cover costs. So what happens if you have a litter of 12?

> It is important to note that the test of whether or not a breeder is running a business is determined by HMRC’s 9 badges of trade (applicable to everyone and not just dog breeders), which can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/2DLd0qk<br />

and that is all also widely open to interpretation, LOL Most of us here would say that we do not come under 1, Profit seeking motive.

Have read the new regulations in detail and just think 'about time too' !

For far too long dog breeding in the UK has been totally unregulated to the detriment of the welfare of the dogs bred from and the puppies produced. For far too long enormous sums of money have changed hands for pedigree and mixed breed puppies, all under the radar of animal welfare authorities and HMRC. Since when have 'hobbies' had to be profitable? I know many people with very very expensive hobbies -mountaineering, music ( do you know how much a decent piano/cello/violin costs?) sailing, gym habit etc etc. Hobbies are to be enjoyed,not normally profited from. So why should 'hobby breeders' be 'up in arms' over regulation of their hobby and reduction in their profit from it ?
One forum member commented  on the money being raised from licences enriching local councils . Well , good for the councils I say. It will be ploughed into impoverished local services to the benefit of the elderly, the very young , homeless , local libraries, parks etcetc. All the stuff that has been under funded in this age of austerity. I know there are a few excellent and committed breeders on this forum and this legislation will cause them great anxiety but perhaps true breed enthusiasts can get together and work together to be compliant with the new regulations and continue to maintain the breed they love and ensure the next generation.

Just a glance at the Champdog puppy pages and seeing puppies being sold, from large litters , at well over £1000. Of course there is profit. A great deal of it.  It is about time HMRC are alerted to this. Our taxes pay for our beloved , and underfunded NHS, our schools etcetc. All the stuff that we take for granted but should be supporting the best we can.

Our Kennel Club have been 'toothless' in enforcing better breeding practice.  Many who initially joined the ABS thought it would effect  higher standards 
but sadly, just about anyone  could sign up to it. -no previous breeding/breed experience. It just meant more revenue for the KC. This new legislation should address all the rottenness that has  been the hallmark of UK breeding for so many years now. I hope it works, I really do. For the sake of all dogs.

Meant to write  'hallmark of so much of dog breeding' - that being because there are some excellent and truly committed breeders on this forum and elsewhere, I'm sure.

So why should 'hobby breeders' be 'up in arms' over regulation of their hobby and reduction in their profit from it ?

It's not the PROFIT, it's the income and that's the problem. Because we could end up with the situation of a) making a big loss (certainly the first thing I always do when I have sold pups is to pay my vet bill!), and b) having to sell pups for £100 each. Such a low price would be a worry to me, because it would mean that anyone could afford to buy a pup at the spur of the moment. Sure, we all do all we can to ensure the buyers are the right ones, but not everyone does and people do lie. It's also a sad fact that people equate cost with worth. You wouldn't even be able to get a dog from a rescue for £100. Not to mention that if you have to stick to less than 1k in 12 months, different litters will end up costing different amounts. Same breed, one breeder has a litter of 4. Another a litter of 12. Those from the smaller litter will be much more expensive -where's the sense in that?

I would be happy if it worked at the top end, but it hasn't worked with the litter limit at 5 so don't see it working for three.

Licences should not be given out for 100+ bitches or even 50+, and staffing levels should be strongly adhered too.

I would not be against, a separate Licence for home breeding of bitches living as pets where there are less than three litters. Here it should be a check that the dogs are cared for taken for walks and vet shown where pups are reared.

It's having to adhere to things like heating (in breeds like mine that hate heat), vaccination, separate facilities for dogs and people, and the biggie change of use.

Breeds like mine are certainly not in the high price bracket, definitely below £1000, with average litter size working out under 6 pups (for a long time I was at 5.9, with litters of 4 - 7 most often). I have found it costs me 4 puppies to cover basic costs of just the litter (stud, travel, health testing, care of litter, registration etc fees). Not including extra vet involvement, no travel abroad to use a stud, importing semen etc. Not taking into account keeping the bitch to breeding age and between litters.

Litters bred within the home, on an adhoc basis, so 8 - 12 weeks in a year, should not be looked at as a breeding establishment, in the same way as looking after your children or grandchildren is not the same as a childminder.

"How will I know whether I need a licence or not? **

Do you meet the licensing criteria?

1. Are you breeding three or more litters per year and selling at least one puppy?
2. Are you breeding dogs and advertising a business of selling dogs?
If you have answered yes to either of the above then you will need a licence."

> Like I just said in the other thread, this still leaves questions. They talk about selling a couple of pups to cover costs. So what happens if you have a litter of 12?

This would surely cover that situation.   If you are NOT breeding three of more litters a year..... then regardless of how many puppies you have in those three litters, you don't need a Licence.   As I see it?

Me too, well said.