Hello fellow breeders,
I’m Dr. Meg from Marketing for Breeders and the breeder mentor behind the Elite Breeder Formula. I’m here to guide you through the trends and opportunities that 2025 may bring with my annual breeder forecast. The good news? There are promising signs ahead. Let’s explore how to position ourselves for success this year while reflecting on 2024’s challenges.
A Look Back at 2024: Lessons Learned
As anticipated in last year’s forecast, 2024 proved to be a challenging year. Market conditions were subdued, with demand for puppies at roughly half the levels seen before the COVID-19 puppy boom. This trend wasn’t unique to the United States but extended to Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and other Western countries.
Despite the downturn, understanding these patterns prepares us to adapt and thrive in the future.
2025 Economic Outlook: A Mixed Bag
Economic experts predict steady growth of 2–2.5% in the U.S. and Australia, along with low unemployment rates. This bodes well for middle- and high-income families who may feel more confident about long-term commitments, such as bringing a puppy into their home.
However, continuing inflation will make buyers more discerning. They’ll seek ethical breeders offering high-quality puppies with added value.
Key Disruptors to Watch
Uncertainties such as economic policy changes, global instability, or even the emergence of another pandemic could impact our industry. For instance:
- Economic Policies: Changes in U.S. trade policies (e.g., tariffs) may ripple across global markets.
- Pandemic Effects: If another pandemic occurs, remote work may again drive a surge in puppy demand.
Flexibility and preparedness are essential to navigating these potential challenges.
Strategies for Breeder Success in 2025
1. Transparency and Trust
Buyers value openness and ethical practices. Showcase your dedication by:
- Publishing health testing results and pedigrees on your website.
- Offering puppy cams to share your practices in real-time.
- Providing educational resources to help buyers raise their puppies successfully.
2. Emotional Connection
Forge meaningful bonds with buyers by:
- Sharing photos and testimonials from happy families.
- Highlighting your puppies’ socialization journeys on social media.
3. Addressing Diverse Market Needs
Budget-Conscious Families
- Partner with local rescues to connect potential owners with affordable options.
- Educate buyers about veterinary programs or payment plans that reduce costs.
Middle-Income Buyers
- Offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options.
- Highlight value-added services like temperament testing and lifetime support.
High-End Buyers
- Focus on quality over price. Provide:
- Comprehensive health guarantees.
- VIP services, such as nanny delivery or grooming referrals.
- Potty training, temperament matching, and superior socialization.
High-end buyers seek exceptional value and are often willing to pay premium prices for puppies bred to high standards.
Why Target the Elite Market?
Positioning yourself as a top-tier breeder offers several benefits:
- Premium Pricing: Increased revenue to improve facilities, bloodlines, and personal resources.
- Loyal Clientele: Elite buyers commit early and are less affected by economic fluctuations.
- Referrals: Satisfied clients recommend you to others in their network.
- Prestige: Establish yourself as a leader in your field, attracting recognition and trust.
Final Thoughts: Setting Yourself Apart
Exceptional breeders will always have a market. Focus on:
- Raising well-socialized puppies with a foundation in potty and manners training.
- Providing long-term support to your buyers.
- Prioritizing transparency and ethical practices.
By targeting the elite market, you can create a sustainable, resilient breeding program that thrives regardless of external challenges.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about building a successful breeding strategy, I invite you to watch my free webinar at EliteBreederFormula.com/free-breeder-masterclass. Registration is simple, and a replay will be available for 24 hours if you miss the live session.
Wishing you all success in 2025! Let’s make this year a great one for breeders and our beloved puppies.
Warm regards,
Dr. Meg
9 responses on "2025 Puppy Market Forecast: Strategies for Breeder Success"
Leave a Reply to Dr Meg Howe Cancel reply
Hello I love to read your information itv helps so much its very low middle class and i find the prices a challenge. I use good open honnest transparency about my breeding and my self and recive lots of compliments about my advert and how it reads to clients. . I do live in the United kingdom lancashire .it’s been a challenge selling four puppies of who I raise to a high end of commitment.i find the market challenge at the moment tough . For me I adore and it is about the puppies but I do need to make a better return on what I do .x kind regards nicola . X
Hi Nicola
Pricing is low for most UK breeders, but not Elite breeders!
Check out the results my UK student Rachel is getting with her Australian Labradoodles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KvkxoWYCns
So many pre-orders at 3750 pounds a puppy that she is feeling a bit under pressure to deliver. A great problem to have ????
Meg
Hi I live in the UK I find pricing is very low here .
Hi Nicola
Pricing is low for most UK breeders, but not Elite breeders!
Check out the results my UK student Rachel is getting with her Australian Labradoodles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KvkxoWYCns
So many pre-orders at 3750 pounds a puppy that she is feeling a bit under pressure to deliver. A great problem to have 🙂
Meg
Thank you Dr Meg. This is very informative. I previously signed up to your webinar but life got in the way and I didn’t attend. Can you please sign me up for the next webinar?
Kind regards
Sam Needle
Hi Sam
Thanks for the lovely feedback.
You can simply re-register for the free masterclass here.
To your success!
Meg
Hi Sam
You can sign up again here. There is “just in time” viewing available too.
To your success
Meg
I tried to sign for the free phone call that you advertized but your site wants to charge money ….so is it free or not:
Hi Margaret. I used to offer those calls for free but found that unless folks pay, they often don’t turn up to the call. So recently started charging $20 for them, which I will happily refund if you don’t think an hour of personalized help from me is worth it!
If you are still interested, here is the link to book the session. And I’d appreciate you letting me know where you saw it still being offered as free so I can correct it. Cheers, Meg