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Nigeria could turn professional dog breeding into a viable job-creating industry while strengthening security and animal husbandry, canine experts have said.
They said a properly regulated industry could generate employment for breeders, veterinarians, trainers, handlers, groomers and pet-food producers, while supplying professionally bred dogs for security, detection, protection and search-and-rescue operations.
The experts, who spoke ahead of the Cane Corso Kennel Club Nigeria (CCKC) Specialty Show 2026, scheduled for October 1 in Ibadan and October 3 in Abuja, however, warned that indiscriminate breeding without health, genetic and welfare standards could undermine the sector.
President of CCKC, Tito Osarumwense Obazee, said professional breeding should not be confused with simply mating dogs and selling puppies.
“Responsible dog breeding is the planned selection of suitable dogs with the objective of preserving or improving health, temperament, structure, working ability and the characteristics defined by the breed standard,” he said.
According to him, professional breeders are expected to understand genetics and pedigrees, conduct appropriate health tests, select compatible breeding animals and properly raise and socialise puppies.
They must also maintain accurate records and accept responsibility for the animals they produce.
Obazee said developing the sector could create businesses and employment across veterinary care, training, grooming, pet nutrition and other ancillary services.
“There is therefore a need for greater recognition of responsible dog breeding as a serious professional and agricultural/canine sector,” he said.
Vice President of CCKC and Chief Executive Officer of Silagreen International Agro Development Limited, Michael Akinruli, said the economic potential extended beyond breeders.
According to him, grooming, training, veterinary services and other businesses around the canine industry could develop into viable small enterprises.
He said professionally bred and health-tested dogs could also strengthen the operations of security agencies, private security companies and search-and-rescue organisations.
Akinruli argued that regulation would improve animal welfare by curbing indiscriminate breeding and inbreeding, which could result in health problems.
He said internationally recognised dog shows could also connect Nigerian breeders with foreign judges, breeders and potential buyers.
“Public education is another benefit. Shows like ours help the public understand responsible pet ownership, vaccination and animal care,” he said.
General Secretary of CCKC, Olukunle Oladepo, said the forthcoming specialty show was designed to promote and improve the Cane Corso breed in Nigeria in accordance with recognised standards.
He said the event would enable breeders to have their dogs professionally evaluated and assess the quality of their breeding programmes.
“The Specialty Show is therefore much more than a competition. It is an important tool for breed preservation, education and responsible breeding in Nigeria,” Oladepo said.
He explained that unlike an all-breed show, a specialty show concentrates on one breed, allowing detailed assessment of characteristics such as structure, movement, temperament and functionality.
Secretary General of the Canine Owners and Breeders Association (COBA), Omoniyi Ewete, called for professional dog breeding to be treated as part of animal husbandry, with greater attention to health, welfare, traceability and ethical breeding.
“Professional dog breeding is considerably more than the production and sale of puppies,” he said.
According to him, responsible breeding requires careful selection of breeding pairs, preventive veterinary care, proper nutrition, behavioural development, record keeping, identification, traceability and lifelong animal welfare.
Ewete urged breeders to work closely with veterinary professionals and maintain breeding, vaccination, health, identification and ownership records.
He also cautioned against breeding dogs with known hereditary conditions capable of compromising the health and welfare of their offspring.
Ewete said greater cooperation among breeders, veterinarians, kennel clubs and dog owners was necessary to distinguish professional breeding from the indiscriminate multiplication of dogs.
He added that public education on vaccination, nutrition, training, reproduction and responsible ownership would be critical to developing a sustainable canine industry in Nigeria.
