Should you specialise in walking one breed of dog; pros and cons

Being a single breed dog walker has its advantages. Specializing in one breed allows you to develop a deep understanding of their unique needs and behaviours. This expertise enables you to provide tailored and exceptional service to owners seeking specialized care.

But there are pros and cons to specialising, so consider them carefully to see if they apply to your own situation.

Pros:

Niche specialization:

Focusing on one breed allows you to become an expert in handling and caring for that specific breed. This can attract dog owners who want a specialized service for their breed, as they may have unique needs, temperaments, or exercise requirements.

There is a home boarder near me who specializes in Dachshunds so her home is set up for small dogs with ramps, steps up to the sofas and she has no nearby neighbours to be annoyed by the barking!

Breed-specific equipment:

Focusing on one breed allows you to invest in and specialize your equipment to cater specifically to that breed. For example, if you’re walking small toy breeds, you can use smaller harnesses, leashes, and accessories designed for their size and needs. This attention to detail can enhance the overall experience for both the dogs and their owners.

Harnesses, especially crash tested ones, can be expensive so this could essentially save you money by only having to buy one size.

Targeted marketing:

By catering to a specific breed, you can tailor your marketing efforts and materials to appeal directly to owners of that breed. This can help you stand out from generalist dog walkers and attract clients who are specifically looking for someone experienced with their breed.

Word-of-mouth referrals:

Satisfied clients are more likely to recommend your services to other dog owners who have the same breed. By consistently delivering excellent service and expertise, you can generate positive word-of-mouth referrals within the breed community, which can boost your business.

Owners of the same breed tend to gravitate towards each other in local parks and dog walking spots so there’s a great opportunity there for referrals.

Breed-specific health and safety:

Specializing in one breed enables you to focus on breed-specific health and safety concerns. You can educate yourself on the breed’s common health issues, potential injuries, and precautions to take during walks. This specialized knowledge allows you to provide a higher level of care and attention, giving owners peace of mind.

Some breeds lend themselves to this really well. Dachshunds have to have their long backs protected, Flat faced breeds such as French Bulldogs need to be protected in the heat and choosing to only walk Border Collies will result in you having a lot more epileptic dogs as clients.

Networking opportunities:

Focusing on one breed allows you to build connections within the breed community. You can attend breed-specific events (like this worlds largest ever Dachshund meet up) , join online forums or social media groups, and collaborate with breeders or local dog clubs. These networking opportunities can help you establish a strong reputation and gain access to a larger pool of potential clients.

Breed-specific group walks:

When you focus on one breed, you have the opportunity to organize breed-specific group walks. These can be appealing to owners who want their dogs to socialize with other dogs of the same breed. Organizing group walks can create a sense of community among owners and provide a unique experience that sets your services apart from others.

Cons:

Limited client base:

Restricting your services to one breed may limit your potential client base. Dog owners with different breeds may be hesitant to hire you if they perceive you as specialized only in one breed. This could result in a smaller pool of potential clients and potentially affect your overall business growth.

Seasonal demand:

Some breeds may be more popular in certain seasons or regions, which can lead to fluctuations in demand for your services. For example, if you specialize in a breed that is popular in colder climates, you may experience reduced demand during warmer months. Those flat faced breeds are far more likely to cancel your services (or you cancel theirs) in the warmer weather.

Lower availability:

If you exclusively walk one breed, you may need to decline clients who have different breeds or mixed breeds. This could result in turning away potential clients and limiting your availability compared to dog walkers who cater to a broader range of breeds.

Specialized knowledge required:

Focusing on one breed means you must possess in-depth knowledge about that breed’s characteristics, health issues, training requirements, and behaviour. This requires continuous education and staying updated on breed-specific information, which may require additional effort and time investment. (But keep in mind that those training courses or books can be offset on your expenses)

Limited variety and potential boredom:

Walking the same breed of dog repeatedly has the potential to become monotonous and less stimulating over time. If you prefer variety in your work and enjoy the unique characteristics of different breeds, specializing in one breed may lead to boredom and a lack of fulfilment.

Breed popularity fluctuations:

The popularity of dog breeds can change over time. A breed that is currently popular may experience a decline in popularity in the future, potentially affecting the demand for your services. Relying solely on one breed may make your business vulnerable to such fluctuations.

There was a surge in the popularity of Huskies when Game of Thrones became popular, but that demand has reduced as time went on.

Overcoming breed biases:

Some dog owners may have preconceived notions or biases against certain breeds. By limiting your services to one breed, you may encounter potential clients who are not interested in your specialization or who hold negative stereotypes about that breed. This can result in a smaller pool of potential clients and potential obstacles in attracting new clients.

Research your area to see if it’s a viable option

If you think you might prefer to work as a single breed dog walker here’s how to check if there’s enough work in your area to make sure you can earn a good living:

1. Identify the breed of interest: Determine which specific breed you are considering specializing in as a dog walker. Be as specific as possible, as this will help you gather more accurate data.
2. Research local dog ownership and demographics: Look for information on the number of dogs owned in your area and the popular breeds. This data can often be found through local government records, pet licensing databases, or surveys conducted by pet-related organizations.
3. Analyze online platforms: Explore online platforms such as social media groups, forums, and breed-specific websites. Look for discussions, inquiries, or requests related to dog walking services or specific breed-related needs. Pay attention to the frequency and engagement levels of these discussions, as they can indicate the level of demand.
4. Reach out to local breed clubs and organizations: Contact local breed clubs, rescue organizations, and shelters that specialize in the breed you’re considering. Inquire about the demand for dog walking services for that specific breed and whether they have any insights or recommendations. These organizations often have extensive knowledge about the breed and can provide valuable information.
5. Talk to veterinarians and pet professionals: Reach out to local veterinarians, groomers, trainers, and other pet professionals. They interact with pet owners regularly and may have insights into the demand for specialized dog walking services for specific breeds. They can also provide recommendations or refer clients to you if they see a fit.
6. Conduct surveys or interviews: Consider creating a survey or conducting interviews with local dog owners, specifically targeting those who own the breed you’re interested in. Ask questions about their current dog walking arrangements, their preferences, and whether they would be interested in a specialized dog walker for their breed. You can distribute the survey through online platforms, community groups, or even by approaching dog owners directly at local parks or events.
7. Assess competition: Research other dog walking services in your area and determine if any of them already specialize in the breed you’re considering. Analyze their marketing efforts, pricing, and customer reviews. This can give you insights into the existing demand and competition in the market.

By gathering information through these methods, you can assess the demand for a single breed dog walker in your local area. Remember to consider the size of the potential client base, the level of interest, and the feasibility of sustaining a specialized business in the long term.

Ultimately, the decision to specialize in one breed as a dog walker depends on your personal interests, the demand for that breed in your area, and your ability to attract and retain clients. Consider conducting market research, assessing the local demand for your chosen breed, and evaluating your own experience and passion for that particular breed before making a final decision.