Sales Contracts

How many breeders out there really have contracts that are worth the paper they are written on? How many actually have contracts that protect the puppy, the owner and the breeder? How enforceable are they?

A reputable breeder will always provide a written sales contract that must be signed by both parties at the time of the purchase of a puppy. A "hand shake" or "word of honor" is worthless once you have a problem and that breeder says "prove it". A good contract is designed to protect the pup/dog first and foremost, as well as the buyer and the breeder. Here are a few things that will be included by a reputable breeder in his/her sales contract:

1. A clear explanation as to what genetic health problems (i.e., hips, elbows, cardiac, etc.) are guaranteed and whether a replacement or refund is given. Please remember that some breeders require you return your pup/dog in order to receive your replacement/refund. This is usually done to deter people from actually seeking compensation since most people are unwilling to part with their beloved pet. A fair contract would require the dog be spayed/neutered (with proof provided) and all paperwork be returned & signed over to the breeder in order to receive the said replacement or refund.

2. Requirements such as enrolling your puppy in a puppy kindergarten & obedience class by a certain age.

3. It will clearly state that all pet quality pups are sold on limited registration and require you to provide the breeder with a spay/neuter certificate by a certain age.

4. It will stipulate that you agree to notify the breeder if they change address, or telephone number to allow the breeder to keep track of the dog.

5. It will have a provision clearly stating that if (for whatever reason) the purchaser cannot or does not want to keep the Cane Corso (at any time during it's lifetime) ownership reverts back to the breeder, including all paperwork. At no time can they sell, give or transfer ownership in any way without written permission from the breeder. Any breeder that does not take responsibility for what it produces is not someone you want to buy from.

The above are just basic examples of what should be included in any reputable breeder's contract. These are minimum requirements for a fair sales contract. There are some very caring, reputable breeders who have much stricter guidelines such as passing of required testing before breeding any show quality dog/bitch they sell. Read through the contract carefully and if you don't agree with any portion, talk to the breeder about it before buying the puppy. Hopefully you can work out a fair contract that is mutually agreed upon. Many of us go into these things believing "it won't happen to me" but the sad fact is that it can happen to any of us. So make sure you protect yourself and agree with all the provisions of the contract before hand. These are living creatures and even if you do all your research, buy from a reputable breeder who is fully health testing their stock, there are no guarantees that a pup/dog will be free of health problems, even coming from healthy parents.

Below is a link to a website with some great examples of different types of contracts:

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/1239/contracts.html

Breed Info