Dog Breeder Contract Template

Dog Breeder Contract 

This Dog Breeder Contract (“Agreement”) is made and entered into on Date: , by and between Buyer (Name): , of Buyer Address: , email , phone  (“Buyer”), and Breeder (Full Legal/Business Name): , of Breeder Address: , email , phone  (“Breeder”). Buyer and Breeder may be referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

1). Description of the Dog Being Purchased

• Dog’s Call Name: 
• Breed: 
• Registration Body (e.g. AKC, CKC): 
• Registration Number (if assigned): 
• Date of Birth (DOB): 
• Color/Markings: 
• Sex (Male/Female): 
• Microchip/Tattoo ID (if any): 

Breeder’s Representation: Breeder represents they are the lawful owner with full authority to sell the Dog, and the Dog is free of liens or encumbrances.

2. Pedigree of the Dog

Sire (Father)

• Name: 

Dam (Mother)

• Name: 

(Attach pedigree if available.)

3. Registration Paperwork

• Responsible Party for Filing: Breeder
• Fees paid by: Buyer

The Parties agree to cooperate in good faith to complete all registry requirements.

4. Dog’s Status: Show Potential vs. Pet Only

Classification (Pet Only or Show Potential): 

• Pet Only: Limited Registration; offspring not eligible for registry.
• Show Potential: No guarantee of titles, fertility, or future quality.

If Pet Only, Buyer agrees the Dog will not be bred and will be spayed/neutered by Date: ; proof to Breeder within 30 days after the procedure.

If Show Potential, any breeding must comply with registry and health testing standards and requires the Breeder’s written approval.

5. Breeder’s Expectations Regarding Future Involvement (Care Standards)

Buyer agrees to:

• Feeding & Care: Provide appropriate diet, exercise, grooming, and humane living conditions.
• Veterinary Care: Maintain routine vet care (vaccinations, deworming, heartworm/flea/tick prevention).
• Breeding: Not permitted without the Breeder’s prior written consent.
• Spay/Neuter: If applicable, as stated in Section 4.
• Showing (if applicable): Buyer will notify Breeder of show plans and may seek mentorship.

Breeder may request periodic updates/photos on health and progress.

6. Buyer’s Expectations Regarding Support from the Breeder

Breeder agrees to provide reasonable, ongoing support and advice regarding health, nutrition, behavior, training, and general care for the life of the Dog. The Breeder can be reached at the email and phone listed above and typically responds within a few business days.

7. Health Guarantees

• General Health at Transfer: Breeder warrants the Dog is sold in good health at the time of transfer.
• Initial Vet Exam: Buyer shall have the Dog examined by a licensed veterinarian within 3 business days of transfer. If the Dog is found to have a serious contagious illness or life-threatening condition existing at transfer, Buyer must notify Breeder in writing within 2 days and provide the vet report.
• Genetic Defects Guarantee: The Dog is guaranteed against hereditary/genetic defects materially affecting quality of life for 2 years from DOB.
• Remedy: replacement puppy (when available) or return of the Dog for a full refund.
• Conditions: Guarantee is void if Buyer fails to provide routine vet care, proper nutrition, or permits neglect/abuse, or if injury/illness results from accident, poisoning, or preventable disease post-transfer.

8. Transfer of Ownership

Ownership and possession transfer on Date:  at Location: 

Risk of loss passes to Buyer upon transfer. Documents provided at transfer: health, vaccination and deworming records, registration/transfer forms, bill of sale, and microchip information.

9. Purchase Price and Payment Terms

• Purchase Price (Total): 
• Deposit (non-refundable unless Breeder cancels): $
• Balance Due at Transfer: $
• Payment Method(s): 
• Late/Failed Payment: The balance must be paid in full before the Dog is released; returned payments are subject to any bank fees incurred by the Breeder.

10. Rehoming or Returning the Dog (Right of First Refusal)

If Buyer cannot keep the Dog at any time, Buyer must first notify Breeder. Breeder shall have 14 days to take the Dog back or assist in screening a suitable new home. The Dog shall not be surrendered to a shelter, rescue, pet store, or sold/gifted without Breeder’s involvement and approval in writing. Any rehoming fees, transport, or expenses will be agreed in writing at that time.

11. Amendments to the Contract

This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both Parties. Electronic signatures are accepted.

12. Termination of the Contract (Pre-Transfer)

• By Buyer: Buyer may terminate before transfer by written notice; the deposit is non-refundable.
• By Breeder: Breeder may terminate before transfer if Buyer is not a suitable match; deposit shall be refunded in that case.
• Effect: Upon termination, neither Party shall have further obligations except as expressly stated (e.g., refund of deposit by Breeder if Breeder cancels).

13. Dispute Resolution and Remedies

1. Negotiation: The Parties will first attempt informal, good-faith negotiation.
2. Mediation/Arbitration: If unresolved, the Parties agree to mediation and then binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, seated in the Breeder’s state.
3. Governing Law: This Agreement is governed by the laws of the state where the Breeder resides.
4. Attorneys’ Fees: The prevailing Party in any arbitration/litigation may recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.