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:  AKC  CKC  Other: 
• 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: 
• Registration Number: 

Dam (Mother)

• Name: 
• Registration Number: 

(Attach pedigree if available.)

3. Registration Paperwork

• Responsible Party for Filing:  Breeder  Buyer  Joint
• Registration body: AKC / other: 
• Registered Name Format/Prefix (per registry rules): 
• Fees paid by:  Breeder  Buyer  Split (terms: )

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

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

Classification (select one):

•  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 by  days after procedure.

If Show Potential, any breeding must comply with registry and health testing standards: describe required tests/clearances:  and requires  Breeder’s written approval  Not required.

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  Permitted only with Breeder’s prior written consent.
• Spay/Neuter: If applicable, by Date:  (proof within  days).
• 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. Preferred contact method: email/phone: ; typical response time: [– 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  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  days and provide the vet report.
• Genetic Defects Guarantee: The Dog is guaranteed against hereditary/genetic defects materially affecting quality of life for  from DOB.
• Remedy (choose one or more):  Partial refund of $  Replacement puppy (when available)  Return for full refund  Other:  .
• 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 Time:  at Location: 

Risk of loss passes to Buyer upon transfer. Documents provided at transfer:  Health record  Vaccination record  Deworming record  Registration/transfer forms  Bill of sale  Microchip info  Other: 

9. Purchase Price and Payment Terms

• Purchase Price (Total): 
• Deposit (non-refundable unless Breeder cancels): $ paid on 
• Balance Due at Transfer: $
• Payment Method(s):  Bank transfer  Credit card  PayPal  Cashier’s check  Other: 
• Late/Failed Payment: Late balances incur $  or [ % per month after  days; returned payments subject to a $ fee.

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  days to:  Take the Dog back  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. Rehoming terms (fees, transport, expenses): .

11. Amendments to the Contract

This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both Parties. Email signatures:  Accepted  Not 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  binding arbitration under the rules of Association:  seated in City/State:  .
3. Governing Law: This Agreement is governed by the laws of State/Country: .
4. Attorneys’ Fees: The prevailing Party in any arbitration/litigation may recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.