Abstract

This study characterises the preferences of commercial dog breeders in central Kerala. Commercial dog breeding is a promising business that has the potential to eliminate youth unemployment and serve as a means of livelihood. However, the state lacks reliable details on the preferences of commercial dog breeders involved in this vocation across various aspects of dog breeding. In light of these facts, the present study was conducted to identify the preferences of commercial dog breeders in central Kerala. The study was conducted following retrospective research design in sixty commercial dog breeding ventures randomly selected from Thrissur and Ernakulam districts of Kerala. Data collection was done by personal interviews using a structured pre tested interview schedule. The findings of study indicated that majority of the commercial dog breeders preferred to rear large to giant breeds. Despite a strong preference for large to medium size breeds, the Beagle was the breed that was mostly reared followed by the Labrador Retriever. Majority of the breeders reported a strong preference for rearing male dogs. In terms of the preferred location of the kennel, most of the breeders preferred to rear the dogs on the same compound that their residence was located on. Majority of these enterprises were located in urban areas. The present study threw light on the general preferences of the commercial dog breeders of Kerala, which would serve as a benchmark for further diversified research in this sector.

Keywords : Breed diversification, Ownership, Marketing, Credit source