Animal Breeder

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Some

Growth

2.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Animal Breeder?

An Animal Breeder selects and breeds animals according to characteristics and genealogy to produce offspring with desired traits. This profession involves a deep understanding of genetics, animal science, and breeding practices to enhance and preserve animal qualities.

Sample job titles:

Animal Technician, Artificial Insemination Technician (AI Technician), Breeder, Dog Breeder

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Animal Breeder.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Animal Breeder earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Animal Breeder.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$40K per year	$48K per year	$62K per year	$80K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $17K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Animal Breeder do?

Work environment

Animal Breeders typically work on farms, ranches, breeding facilities, or kennels, depending on the type of animals they specialize in. The environment is hands-on and often requires physical labor, with a significant amount of time spent outdoors or in animal housing facilities.

Quick task list

Selects and pairs animals for breeding based on genealogy, characteristics, and health.
Monitors animal health and wellbeing, including providing proper nutrition and veterinary care.
Maintains breeding records and registers animals, if applicable.
Assists with the birthing process and cares for newborns.
Markets and sells animals to customers or other breeders.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Equine Breeding: Specializing in breeding horses for racing, sport, or work.
Canine Breeding: Focusing on breeding dogs, often for specific traits or pedigree.
Livestock Breeding: Breeding farm animals like cattle, pigs, and sheep for agriculture.
Exotic Animal Breeding: Working with exotic or non-traditional animals, often for conservation or specialty markets.
Poultry Breeding: Focusing on breeding chickens, ducks, and other poultry for meat or egg production.

Description

Animal Breeding is a field that combines knowledge of genetics, animal behavior, and veterinary science. Breeders must understand the principles of heredity and genetics to make informed decisions about mating pairs to produce healthy, high-quality offspring. This requires not only a theoretical understanding but also practical skills in handling and caring for animals.

Breeders play a crucial role in the agriculture industry, enhancing animal traits for better productivity, and in the pet industry, focusing on the health and temperament of animals. They must stay updated with advances in animal science and adapt to changes in market demands or breeding techniques. Animal breeders often collaborate with veterinarians, animal scientists, and other professionals to ensure the best outcomes.

Ethics and welfare are integral parts of this profession. Breeders must ensure that their practices are humane and sustainable, adhering to ethical breeding standards and animal welfare laws. This includes providing adequate living conditions, healthcare, and nutrition to all animals under their care.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the improvement and preservation of animal breeds.
The joy of working closely with animals and witnessing the results of successful breeding programs.
Opportunities for continuous learning and engagement with animal genetics and behavior.

You might make a good Animal Breeder if you are...

Passionate about animals and their welfare.
Detail-oriented, especially regarding animal health and genetic traits.
Patient and committed, as breeding can be a long and intricate process.
Capable of making informed decisions based on scientific knowledge and practical experience.
Comfortable with physical work and spending time in various outdoor or animal facility environments.

Pros:

Emotional fulfillment from working with and caring for animals.
Potential to contribute to important genetic research and conservation efforts.
Variety in daily tasks and the opportunity to work in a natural setting.

Cons:

Physical demands and potential for long, irregular hours.
Emotional challenges associated with animal care, including dealing with illness or loss.
Economic variability, as income can depend on market demands and breeding success.

How to become an Animal Breeder

Typical education

Formal education requirements vary; some breeders learn through hands-on experience, while others pursue post-secondary education in animal science or a related field, typically requiring 2-4 years of college.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Life Sciences for a fundamental understanding of genetics and animal physiology.
Agriculture classes, if available, to gain basic knowledge about animal care and farming.
Business Studies to learn about managing a breeding operation as a business.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining 4-H clubs or Future Farmers of America (FFA) to gain hands-on experience with animals.
Volunteering at animal shelters, farms, or stables to learn about animal care.
Participating in science fairs or projects related to biology or animal science.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, or a related field.
Internships or apprenticeships with experienced breeders or in animal-related industries.
Attending workshops and seminars on breeding, genetics, and animal care.

More resources

American Kennel Club (AKC) - Provides resources for canine breeders and information on dog breeds.
The Livestock Conservancy - Offers information on conserving rare breeds of livestock and poultry.
Equine Breeder Resources - A resource for horse breeders, including best practices and industry news.
National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) - Provides information and resources for those interested in animal breeding and genetics.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.