What’s in a Puppy Contract? 

The contract is meant to ensure the dog’s well-being and preserve both your rights and responsibilities and those of the breeder. Signing it reinforces the responsibility all parties are undertaking and reminds everyone of the topics discussed during visits and phone calls.  

The requirement to sign a legal document should not be a last-minute surprise to buyers – it should be clear from the very beginning that there will be one. The contract should be available to review before the final decision to purchase is made. Terms may be negotiated then as well. 

Many breeders’ contracts may be too burdensome and draconian. While contract provisions are generally enforceable, the cost of litigation is prohibitive. 

All contracts should contain the basics: 

·         the puppy’s AKC registration number 

·         the puppy’s microchip ID number 

·         names and registration numbers of the sire and dam (parents) 

·         purchase price 

·         full identification of both buyer(s) and seller(s). 

Some breeders send buyers home with the necessary form to register their new puppy, and some take care of it themselves. If you are buying from an AKC Breeder of Merit, the breeder is required to ensure that the puppy is registered. You might be registering the puppy together online when you come to pick it up.  

You may not have complete freedom in the naming of your puppy. The breeder’s kennel name may be part of the puppy’s name, allowing you to choose part of the name. Some breeders have themes for litters, and it can be fun for you to come up with a name that fits. Others provide a list of names and allow you to choose one. Whatever your naming option are, the puppy’s registered name is just a formality. At home, you may call the puppy whatever you like! 

Pet Puppies 

Puppies that are not show quality are usually sold with a limited registration and a spay/neuter requirement, and this should be addressed in the contract. Dogs with limited registration are eligible to participate in all AKC events with the exception of conformation, and no offspring of these dogs are eligible for registration. They have received the same care as all the other littermates; they may be indistinguishable from their brothers and sisters, and are deserving of the same love and care in your home. 

Show Prospects 

Some breeders will only sell show-quality puppies on a co-ownership. A co-ownership might be changed to total ownership by the buyer upon completion of a championship title. 

If the buyer does not want to show the dog, the breeder may want to evaluate the puppy at a certain age and then show it themself.  

Some breeders require owners to hire a professional handler to groom, train and show their dog.  

A co-ownership might also include breeding rights, puppies back from a litter/litters, and how breeding expenses will be handled. 

Breeding Rights 

The contract should list all the breed-appropriate health screenings that must be performed (with acceptable results) before this dog is bred, and who bears the cost for these. 

 It might also address who decides on a breeding match, who will whelp and place the puppies, and how expenses for the litter will be covered.  

Other details may include a puppy-back arrangement or additional financial details. 

 Return-to-Breeder Clause 

All good breeders want their puppies to have wonderful homes for life. Changing family circumstances can affect that. Health problems, finances, family issues, and more can make providing a dog the best home impossible. Breeders ask for the right of first refusal, reclaiming the dog so it does not wind up in a shelter or retail rescue. 

Health Guarantees & Veterinary Care 

A reputable breeder cannot make a 100% guarantee that no health issues will ever come up. 

Requiring buyers to take the puppy to their own veterinarian within a few days of purchase is normal, as is providing a time frame during which the puppy can be returned for a refund if the vet finds any issues. 

Providing up-to-date health records is common. This includes shots that have already been given (with dates) a schedule for future vaccinations, and worming and/or flea/tick or heartworm preventive. 

Some contracts include a guarantee against genetic defects (usually up to a certain age), while others guarantee against specific ailments, such as heart problems, sometimes under certain conditions that may affect a breed. 

The Bottom Line 

Whatever the terms and conditions, make sure you understand them and agree with them. The time to do this is before the contract is signed. You are considering adding a living, breathing family member to your life for the next 10-20 years (hopefully). It’s not “just a dog”, and the purchase deserves at least the level of consideration you would give the purchase of a new car.