In the village of Rukubi, Lower Kabete, Kiambu County, just a few kilometers from the popular Wangige market, Oscar Ragui Ngime continues his business of breeding guard dogs.
It’s a trade embraced by few in the country, and this breeder specializes in obtaining puppies.
With over seven years of experience, particularly in guard dog breeding, he has developed expertise in the field.
According to him, he was raised in an environment surrounded by guard dogs, a factor that motivated him to honor and continue this tradition.
“My father loves dogs, and since I was young, he has been breeding them. I believe the genes for genuine love for these domestic animals transferred to me,” he explains.
He began his breeding venture with a single German Shepherd dog that he purchased for Ksh 40,000. “When he needed a male by chance, he accidentally mated with a local dog. The results were not satisfactory; I got mixed-breed puppies,” he hints.
The term mixed-breed puppies refers to an offspring born after different species with different colors or traits interbreed. Dogs have a gestation period ranging from 58 to 68 days after mating.
“Many people do not prefer mixed-breed dogs. Despite the costs incurred in feeding and vaccinations, I decided to give away the puppies,” he says.
Ragui embarked on a new journey after conducting in-depth research. He is now a highly esteemed dog breeder.
In addition to German Shepherds, he breeds Havanese and Japanese Spitz breeds. His goal is to produce puppies for individuals who raise dogs for security purposes.
He has three animal enclosures, each measuring nine feet in length and four and a half feet in width.
Each enclosure is divided into two parts: sleeping quarters, which are roofed with iron sheets and elevated to prevent rainwater from entering, and a resting area without roofing, constructed with wood and wire mesh.
“You often find them relaxing here, enjoying the fresh air and sunlight,” says Ragui.
The construction of these enclosures cost him Ksh 100,000.
When observing their facial features, the dogs’ sturdy build, intimidating size, and courageous demeanor instill confidence in his clients due to their strong protective instincts.
The level of cleanliness in his guard dogs’ enclosures is of the highest standard. Ragui revealed that he cleans and sprays the dogs with insecticide three times a week to eliminate ticks, fleas, and germs.
“I bathe them twice a week and groom their fur,” he says.
Additionally, female dogs give birth one and a half years after being born.
Ragui crossbreeds every three months.
Currently, he has a total of seven guard dogs, one of which is pregnant.
Although he has succeeded in improving his project, he complains about the high cost of dog food, especially the commercial variety. He feeds them once a day.
“I give them dog rice, Omena, and chicken feet and heads. They require nutrient-rich foods and a high protein content,” explains Ragui. “A pregnant dog is fed twice a day. Additionally, she should be given special pellet food to enhance milk production.”
He states that it’s not uncommon for one dog to consume around Ksh 500 worth of food every week, with the price doubling for a pregnant or lactating dog.
Ragui is meticulous in monitoring the health of his dogs, especially in terms of medical treatment and vaccinations.
He says that raising a puppy until it reaches a marketable age costs a minimum of Ksh 3,500 for vaccinations.
He mentions diseases like Parvovirus as one of the major challenges in dog breeding.
When all nine or ten puppies reach the age for sale, Ragui smiles all the way to the bank.
Having registered his breeding with the relevant authorities, he reveals that a three-month-old puppy fetches no less than Ksh 70,000. “Some breeds go for over Ksh 250,000.”
He is the founder of an app that seeks customers for breeders and veterinarians. Popularly known as Bobbi, Ragui admits he is never worried about finding a market.
This digital app, with over 1,000 registered clients, connects breeders with food suppliers as well.
