PRICE

Presently in the United States there is a range of puppy prices from about $1000 to $1500+ per dog. This range reflects price differences between pet and show prospects, genetic testing done on breeding stock, titles earned...Please keep in mind that prices charged are not an indicator of quality.

CLAUSES, TERMS and CONDITIONS

An experienced breeder uses a contract as tool to clarify expectations of both the breeder and the buyer. Contracts may contain "spay/neuter" terms, guarantees for hereditary diseases and conditions that must be met before the dog is bred.

- The responsibilities of both seller and buyer should be clearly spelled out should the pup NOT turn out as anticipated.

- Clauses may contain language that allows the breeder's right of first refusal" if for some unforeseen reason the puppy owner is unable to keep the puppy. The breeder may place the on an AKC "Limited Registration". ("Limited Registration") means that the dog may not be shown in AKC Conformation events, and any offspring may not be registered with the AKC. Dogs registered under AKC Limited Registration is eligible to compete in other AKC events such as Agility, Obedience trials and other working events. Should a pup turn out to be show quality and has not been spayed or neutered, only the breeder may change the Limited Registration to AKC Full registration.)

- Co-ownership occurs when two or more people jointly own a dog. Co-ownership contracts are typically between the breeder and the purchaser, but may involve an third party or parties. Co-ownership can take on many different forms and sometimes vague language may make understanding the legal meaning difficult. Co-ownership disputes are a source of daily complaints at AKC. If you don't consider yourself a "contract savvy" person, ask someone you trust to review the contract with you. Careful review of any contract is strongly recommended, especially if this is your first AKC registered dog. Also consult the documentation provided by the AKC covering registration matters. In addition, so you have full knowledge of what a breeder should be responsible for supplying each puppy buyer, please review the Code of Ethics from the BMDCSEW and the BMDCA.

- At the time of purchase, the breeder should sign the AKC registration application ("papers") over to you. Occasionally there is a problem with AKC not sending the AKC registration papers out in time and the breeder does not have them at the time of purchase. In this case you may ask to reserve part of your payment until the papers arrive. A breeder cannot predict how a puppy will turn out as an adult with absolute certainty. A contract is beneficial to both parties and in the best interest of the puppy. Understand that you are committing yourself emotionally as well as financially to this puppy to make sure he or she receives the proper food and health care for life. Big dogs equal big bills. For routine health care, food and maintenance for a mature dog figure $500 to $700 per year if no problems develop. Of that amount, the annual vet visit with annual shots or titer tests, heartworm and stool tests and heartworm medication will be in the range of $150 to $250. Other examples of expenses should problems occur: surgery to repair a congenitally bad joint is at least several hundred dollars, emergency treatment for bloat and aftercare at a major vet hospital can be $100 to $2500. If you have questions concerning any terms and conditions in the contract, ASK the breeder. Discuss everything before taking your puppy home with you. Leave nothing unanswered! Finally, please be honest with yourself and the breeder and make sure you can live within the Parameters of the contract, its terms and conditions. Remember these terms are important to the breeder and to the puppy.

They should be terms you agree to completely.