I raise and train dogs sold for $175,000 each. It took time to become profitable, but we place 20 dogs annually.

Kim Greene began breeding protection dogs when she discovered she was expecting twins. Today, her dogs sell for $175,000 each, arriving fully trained to their new families. After her divorce, Greene took full control of the company, accelerating its growth. This article is based on a conversation with Kim Greene, founder of Svalinn Dogs, edited for clarity and length.

Early Life and Unexpected Inspiration

As a child, Greene suffered a severe case of poison ivy from playing with her family dog, which left her with an intense dislike of dogs. She made her future husband promise they would never own one. Both worked internationallyhe in defense, she in humanitarian aidand met in Afghanistan before relocating to Kenya, where both skill sets were in demand. It was there she learned she was pregnant with twins.

Starting the Business

During her pregnancy, Greene gained over 80 pounds, leaving her feeling vulnerable. Seeking protection without relying on guns or bodyguards, she reconsidered dogs. She and her husband imported two security dogs from the U.S., but quickly realized they could improve the model. Greene envisioned dogs that could serve as both loving companions and vigilant protectors for families.

The couple initially planned a $5 million budget but managed to raise only $160,000 from friends and family. They officially launched Svalinn Dogs in 2005 and began breeding in 2007. Greenes twins have grown alongside the business, now 19 years old, reflecting the companys two-decade journey.

Challenges of Relocation and Growth

As her sons required more academic support, Greene moved them back to the U.S. in 2012, while her husband remained in Africa. Launching in America in 2013 revealed steep operational costs, with profitability not achieved until 2017. Svalinn Dogs undergo up to three years of intensive training before placement with a family.

During those early years in the U.S., Greene considered giving up daily, but her commitment to the dogs and families kept her going. She believed in outlasting competitors and maintaining the quality and care necessary for her protection dogs.

Restructuring After Divorce

Greene divorced in 2019, which became a turning point for Svalinn Dogs. Taking full control allowed her to reshape the business and focus on its mission: providing safety and security for mothers and children. Before the divorce, she had already been managing much of the company alone while her husband lived abroad.

She also adjusted pricing, recognizing that $75,000 per dog did not reflect the value of three years of round-the-clock care and training. Today, dogs cost $175,000 each, and the company places about 18 to 20 dogs annually. Svalinn now employs 13 staff members and has gained a strong reputation in the industry.

Legacy and Lessons

Greene emphasizes that her greatest wealth is the lessons learned over 20 years: hard work, resilience, and the balance between responsibility and joy. Her sons, who have grown up working alongside her in the family business, reflect these values in their own lives. Svalinn Dogs continues to thrive, blending affection and protection in each carefully trained dog.

Author's Commentary: The Evolution of Svalinn Dogs

Kim Greene’s journey from a skeptic of dogs to the founder of a multi-million dollar protection dog company is a story of persistence, resilience, and strategic thinking. Starting Svalinn Dogs in 2005 with a modest budget, she overcame numerous personal and professional hurdles to build an enterprise that today places highly trained protection dogs at $175,000 each. The story of Svalinn is more than just about high-value dogs; it’s about the value of dedication and adapting to life’s unpredictable changes.

One of the most significant turning points came with Greene’s divorce in 2019. This moment not only marked a personal shift but also a pivotal moment for the business. Taking full control of Svalinn allowed Greene to pivot, realign the company’s goals, and double down on what made her brand unique: a blend of security and companionship for families in need. The company’s growth trajectory post-divorce underscores Greene's ability to stay focused and recalibrate the business model, even in the face of adversity.

Despite the early challenges, including relocating from Africa and battling high operational costs in the U.S., Greene’s commitment to quality training and her belief in the mission kept her pushing forward. Today, Svalinn Dogs is not just a business; it is a legacy of care, responsibility, and a deep understanding of the bond between humans and animals. With each dog placed in a home, the company solidifies its reputation for excellence in protection and care.

Sources:

• I breed and train dogs that sell for $175,000 each. We place about 20 dogs a year, and it took us a while to be profitable.