Breeders Contracts -- Confusion??

[Jaidann]

Okay, we haven't purchased a Rottie for twelve years. So I'm extremely rusty in what to look for in Breeders Contracts. I've read the stickies in this section but I haven't found the answer to this in them. Our Mastiff's contract was very straight forward. "You get this, if you don't, I replace the pup." I must admit the ones I have run across for Rotties are quite wordy from what I am use to and I think I need a degree to figure them out! LOL.

My main concern seems to be in the Hip Dysplasia area. Some contracts I've looked over read under the Pet/Companion section ... "Guaranteed against Hip Dysplasia for 2 years." And that's it. Under the show/breeding part it will say this and then say "if at any time this pup has hip dysplasia (And all other health problems listed), we'll replace the pup with another one of the same quality." I think I've only seen two that applies the same guarantee for both Pet AND show pups. At least in the wording of the contract.

When I ask about this discrepancy, I will get "Oh, well the replacement does apply to pets also." But the contract you have to sign doesn't state that specifically.

My gut tells me here that I need to find someone that guarantees BOTH in the wording of the contract. No matter what they "tell" me on the phone. But I have to admit I tend to be paranoid and not trusting of things that are told to me verbally.

So my question is to those much more knowledgeable with breeder contracts than I am, do I go with my gut here or can I trust the "verbal" people tell me? Is there commonly a difference in a pups guarantee between a pet/companion puppy and a show puppy?

We don't want to show or breed. This pup will be an addition to our family and be worked in obedience, receive his/her CGC and then on to something more depending on the abilities of the pup. However, health and temperament are our biggest concerns.

[Nishasmom]

Originally Posted by Jaidann

So my question is to those much more knowledgeable with breeder contracts than I am, do I go with my gut here or can I trust the "verbal" people tell me? Is there commonly a difference in a pups guarantee between a pet/companion puppy and a show puppy?.

Health guarantees should be the same for both companion and "show" dogs. DO NOT take a "verbal" agreement!! And DO NOT buy a puppy with a 2 year hip guarantee (you can't get their hips certified until they are 2 anyways). Health guarantees should be for life!!! Trust your gut!!

[brunie's mom]

Also watch the wording very carefully. They may guarantee...but the breeder makes you return the puppy...and they will give you another puppy from a breeding in the future. How hard would it be to give a puppy back that you have fallen in love with??? and why would you want another puppy that may be defective also?

The best quarantee is that you know the breeder has done all of the health certifications on the dog...and that if HD or other defect does show up, they at least give you your money back and let you keep the puppy. This will help with future health care costs.

I think the most important thing is to have a good relationship with your breeder and to trust them. Without that you have nothing.

Gina

[Jaidann]

Okay, thank you much. Confirmation of my gut feelings help me alot :)