Puppy Contracts - Good or Bad?
When purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder, the contracts they require you to sign serve several important purposes. Let’s delve into the details:
Legal Protection:
Most major life acquisitions involve legal contracts, and bringing home a purebred dog is no exception. These contracts are designed to protect both you and the breeder.
While I can’t provide legal advice, it’s essential to understand that violating a properly executed contract could potentially lead to legal consequences.
Philosophy and Expectations:
Breeder contracts are not just about legalities; they also serve as an opportunity for breeders to share their philosophy, advice, and expectations.
By signing a contract, you acknowledge the significant responsibility of caring for the puppy and commit to the terms outlined by the breeder.
Common Elements in Breeder Contracts:
Pet Quality vs. Show Quality:
Contracts often distinguish between “pet quality” and “show quality” puppies.
Pet-quality puppies are unlikely to become show dogs and are typically sold on limited registration.
Show prospects may have more detailed contracts, specifying health screenings, show requirements, and breeding decisions.
Basics Included:
The contract usually includes:
AKC registration number of the puppy.
Sire and dam’s names and registration numbers.
Purchase price.
Health and Care:
Contracts may cover health guarantees, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchip information.
They outline responsibilities related to the dog’s well-being.
Show Expectations:
For show prospects, contracts may detail when the breeder wants to see the puppy and who will handle its show career.
If the dog is eventually bred, the contract specifies health screenings and other breeding-related details.
Remember that each breeder’s contract is unique, reflecting their individual practices and values. Signing one is not just a formality; it’s a commitment to providing the best care for your new furry family member.
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I think contracts are useful. But I'm not entirely sure they are enforceable. They can be used to qualify and screen potential puppy owners.
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I think the main problem with the contracts is that there is no real way to ensure that all the terms of the contract are met. Specifically, some contracts will have stipulations about breeding, spay, neuter, feeding, right of return, training and other stipulations that for the most part the breeder will never know if the stipulations are met. lets say a breeder on the East coast of the USA ships a pup under contract to a buyer in Oregon (West coast of USA) how will the breeder know what is being done contractually? virtually impossible unless the buyer decides to share that info.
This is a tricky one.
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Unfortunately this is the truth. It doesn’t have to be across the country. It happens in your backyard. I personally know of a dog that was sold as a pet. I know the breeder. We aren’t friends but she is ethical. A guy called me wanting to breed to my male. I asked some questions. I knew who he said was the breeder. He said that she’s never been bred. I met him. I knew the dog had been bred. I saw the dog was pet quality. I called the breeder up. She told me he wasn’t supposed to breed the dog. He hung papers on it. She said for me to take that dog from him. Give it back to her. I know she give an honest critique of her dogs. But it wasn’t my place to get that involved. I never heard from him again. I don’t know if she ever recovered the dog.
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