Hi I've been looking into whether or not I need a dog breeding licence. I only intend to breed one litter from my bitch because I want a puppy for myself. I was wondering whether any of the breeders on this forum have a dog breeding licence? the law seems to suggest that anyone who breeds dogs even if it is only one litter needs one of these licences. However I doubt that this is enforced considering the previous track record of other dog laws. Whats the general opinion?

Contact your council. Generally a licence is only needed if you breed more than four litters per year.

DEFRA's rules are that you need a license if you breed more than 4 litters a year. However certain councils have their own rules, usually that you need a license if you own 3 entire bitches and breed from them, regardless of number of litters.

Most show breeders are not licensed and although obviously it isn't something true of everyone, very often somebody having a breeding license makes them look suspect to other breeders -not many good breeders breed as much as to need one. There are certainly exceptions but your average good, responsible breeder don't breed as much as this so a license may act as a red flag to buyers -are they in fact puppy farmers?