Dog breeding’ll advance national growth – experts
KEHINDE AKINPELU ILORIN
Dog breeding when properly regulated and professionally practiced, can have significant benefits for Nigeria, President, Cane Corso Kennel Club, Nigeria, Mr Tito Osarumwense Obazee, has said.
He stated that it can create employment and business opportunities for breeders, veterinarians, handlers, trainers, groomers, pet-food manufacturers and other professionals within the canine industry.
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He added that it can also support the development of properly bred dogs for companionship, security, detection, protection and other legitimate working purposes.
He said the CCKC Cane Corso Specialty Show 2026, taking place on 1 October 2026 in Ibadan and 3 October 2026 in Abuja, will bring together Cane Corso breeders, owners, exhibitors and enthusiasts from across Nigeria.
He explained that dog breeding is much more than mating a male and female dog to produce puppies.
He said: “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.
“A responsible breeder studies pedigrees, understands genetics and breed standards, conducts appropriate health testing, selects compatible breeding animals, properly raises and socializes puppies, maintains accurate records and takes responsibility for the dogs produced.
“There is therefore a need for greater recognition of responsible dog breeding as a serious professional and agricultural/canine sector.”
Chief Executive Officer, Silagreen International Agro Development Limited, Mr. Michael Akinruli opined that structured dog breeding offers Nigeria several benefits which include economic opportunity — breeding, grooming, training, and veterinary services can become viable small businesses and create jobs.
He added that well-bred, health-tested dogs strengthen security agencies, private security firms, and search-and-rescue capacity.
According to him, it improves animal welfare standards as he noted that regulated breeding reduces indiscriminate/backyard breeding, inbreeding, and the health problems that come with it.
Akinruli who also is Vice President, Cane Corso Kennel Club (CCKC) said: “International recognition — FCI-affiliated shows put Nigeria on the global canine map, attracting international breeders, judges, and buyers. Public education — shows like ours help the public understand responsible pet ownership, vaccination, and animal care.”
General Secretary, Cane Corso Kennel club, Nigeria, Olukunle Oladepo, said the Cane Corso Specialty Show 2026 scheduled for 1 October in Ibadan and on 3 October in Abuja, is to promote, preserve and improve the Cane Corso breed in Nigeria in accordance with the internationally recognized breed standard.
He said: “As the mother club for the Cane Corso breed in Nigeria and the official FCI Cane Corso breed club in Nigeria, CCKC has a responsibility to provide a platform where Cane Corsos can be professionally evaluated, breeders can assess the progress of their breeding programs, and owners and enthusiasts can gain a better understanding of correct breed type, structure, temperament and health.
“The Specialty Show is therefore much more than a competition. It is an important tool for breed preservation, education and responsible breeding in Nigeria.
“An all-breed show brings together many different breeds, while a Cane Corso Specialty Show is dedicated specifically to the Cane Corso.
“This allows for a much deeper assessment of the breed. Dogs are evaluated with particular attention to the characteristics that define a correct Cane Corso, including breed type, proportions, head, construction, movement, temperament and overall functionality.”
Secretary General, Canine Owners and Breeders Association (COBA), Omoniyi Ewete, said that professional and responsible dog breeding is an integral part of animal husbandry that focuses on the development of a sustainable canine industry founded on animal health, welfare, traceability, responsible ownership and ethical breeding practices.
“He said: “In Our society, some still perceive Dog breeding simply as the keeping of dogs for companionship, security or commercial purposes. Professional Dog breeding, however, is considerably more than the production and sale of puppies.
“When properly conducted, it is a structured animal-husbandry activity involving informed and careful selection of breeding pairs, preventive medicine, nutrition, behavioural development, responsible placement, record keeping, identification, traceability and lifelong welfare.”
“It therefore requires cooperation among breeders, veterinary professionals, kennel clubs, the general public and wider community. Hence, it is imperative to distinguish Professional breeding from indiscriminate or irresponsible multiplication of dogs. A responsible breeder should work with his/her National Kennel Club, to breed with the health and welfare of the dogs as the primary consideration. Maintain appropriate housing, sanitation, nutrition, exercise and a clean environment for their pets.”
He should work with appropriately licensed veterinary professionals, maintain accurate breeding, health, vaccination, identification and ownership records, maintain regular and appropriate health screening, and avoid breeding animals with known heritable conditions that could significantly compromise offspring welfare.
He should educate prospective owners, breeders and the public on responsible canine companionship, nutrition, vaccination, training, reproduction and ensure puppies are responsibly placed with suitable owners and provide appropriate socialization and behavioural development for their pets
Ewete said: “COBA is international recognized as the National Kennel Club affiliated with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) , American Kennel Club (AKC) & Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
“COBA oversees dog registration, pedigree issuance, and licensing of breed clubs in Nigeria. It responsible for certifying purebred and non-purebred dogs in accordance with global breeding standards
“COBA is National Kennel Club for all dog breeds while CCKC is the official breed club that handles the Cane Corso breed & is tasked with upholding the standard and enforce breeding rules.”
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper, September 8, 2026
