Kennel Record Book: Track Every Litter Like a Pro

Quick answer

Use a dedicated kennel record book to log every litter from breeding date through puppy placement. Consistent entries create a single source of truth for registrations, vet bills, and expenses.

How to set up and use a kennel record book

1. Choose one book per year or per breeding program: Start a fresh record book at the beginning of each calendar year, or use a separate book for each breeding female if you raise multiple litters simultaneously. Label the cover with the year and the dog's registered name. Checkpoint: confirm the book has enough pages for your expected number of litters; a busy kennel may need one book per female.
2. Create a litter profile page: At the top of a new page, write the dam's name, sire's name, breeding date, expected whelping date, and actual birth date. Leave space for registration numbers and microchip details. Mistake to avoid: skipping the sire's registration number—you will need it for puppy papers later.
3. Log daily care and expenses as they happen: Each day, record feed amounts, supplements, and any vet visits with cost. Use the book's expense categories to note supplies, repairs, or advertising related to that litter. Checkpoint: total expenses weekly so you catch missing receipts before they pile up.
4. Track puppy weights and milestones: Weigh each puppy at birth and then every few days until weaning. Note first vaccinations, deworming dates, and any health issues. Record the date each puppy is placed and the new owner's contact information. Mistake to avoid: relying on memory for weight gain—small declines are easy to miss without written records.
5. File registration and health papers in the same order: As you receive registration certificates, health clearances, and vaccination records, note the date received in the book and file the paper in a matching folder. Cross-reference the book page number on each document. Checkpoint: if a paper is missing, the book shows exactly when you requested it and from whom.
6. Review the litter record before repeating a breeding: After puppies are placed, read through the litter's page to compare costs, health outcomes, and timing against previous litters. Use those notes to decide whether to repeat the pairing or adjust your program. Mistake to avoid: waiting until the next breeding season to review—details fade quickly.

Product facts

• Kennel Keeper Kennel Record Book: The Kennel Keeper Kennel Record Book includes sections for supplies, repairs, feed, vet bills, registration papers, delivery expenses, breeding papers, advertising, wages and commissions, charity, and other expenses. Having pre-labeled columns reduces the chance you forget a cost category, so your litter profit-and-loss picture stays complete.