Ideas for Building a Breeding Kennel

If you would like to breed your dogs but do not want to pay for an expensive service, you can build your own breeding kennel at home. Kennels are easy to build and offer your dogs the privacy they may require. Before you start, though, remember to check the zoning codes of your area as some places have restrictions on the size of the kennel.

  1. Location

    • The location of the kennel is an important consideration when building a structure where your dogs can breed. You will most likely have to keep your kennel in your backyard as there is more privacy there so your dogs won't be distracted by passing cars or people. In addition, the kennel will not be an eyesore to your neighbors in the backyard and the location in the back may actually be required by homeowner's associations or zoning rules. Build the kennel in the shade under a tree as the dogs will be happier and healthier there because they will be less exposed to heat. Finally, find a location that can house the kennel while leaving some room for the dogs to walk around it.

    Size

    • Make sure the kennel is the proper size to ensure successful breeding. A kennel that is too small will become claustrophobic for your dogs and it will be unlikely that they will share the space without fighting. A kennel too big will lead to them staying separated and not breeding. The proper size kennel for your dogs varies because different breed of dogs are different sizes. In general, the space will be big enough allow them to exercise inside it while also allowing them to sleep relatively close to each other.

    Materials

    • You can make a kennel out of many different materials depending on how much money you are willing to spend and what you would like the finished product to look like. The simplest design is based on a chain link fence with plywood coverings as the walls and roof. This kennel requires relatively low cost materials and can be put together quickly and easily. More complex kennels can be built entirely out of wood. You can find prepackaged kits that have all the wooden pieces precut for you to nail together.

    Final Tips

    • Ensure that the inside of the kennel is a comfortable environment free from the Sun or the rain. Check all of the corners in the kennel to ensure that there are no sharp edges which may harm your dogs. Finally, make sure the two dogs you are placing in the kennel get along well before putting them into a confined space to avoid possible injury. Do not breed dogs unless you have had them checked for genetic defects and you know their temperament and characteristics are ones you want them to pass on to future generations.