In the world of dogs, a breeder's worst fear is that a great dog will somehow wind up in the hands of an unscrupulous "back-yard breeder" or - even worse - a commercial "puppy mill". Most responsible breeders use a legally binding agreement (a written contract) as a mechanism for exercising some form of control over how their canine stock is sold, leased, and cared for. Whether the contract is written specifically for a show dog that is expected to produce future offspring or simply transferring ownership of a pet-quality animal, a well written contract protects both the seller and the buyer equally. It may be fairly generic or quite specific in nature.
From a breeder's perspective, we want to insure our show dogs receive proper care & grooming, innoculations and regular veterinary care, etc. in return for a puppy from a planned litter or some other consideration. In addition, a contract for a pet-quality dog should include clauses for the spay/neuter of the animal within a specified time, and any other conditions of the sale that both parties agree will enhance the quality of life for both dog and owner. Such a contract should include some form of agreement as to what would happen to the dog should the new owner no longer be able or willing to care for the animal - this is generally referred to as the "right of first return". A well written contract will also provide some type of legal remedy in case the contract is violated, and will also spell out any genetic testing procedures to be performed and health guarantees offered by the breeder.
SIBEX Siberians utilizes a fairly comprehensive contract for both show quality dogs and pets alike. Both forms of agreement are clearly written in plain English, with a minimum of "legalese". Beyond that, we take the time to explain each portion of the contract to a prospective puppy owner to insure there are no questions unanswered. If you are considering the purchase of a quality Siberian Husky, make sure the breeder offers a contract. Read it over carefully, and ask any questions before signing the agreement. By following these simple guidelines you'll be assured that formal procedures are in place to protect yourself and the breeder. For a copy of a sample contract, feel free to
email us.
