I just realized what she's emailing me! The pedigree is from a previous litter that has the same sire and dam that this litter has. I had first talked to the breeder she's co-breeding with and she told me that there were two puppies that she had info on and I bet that's what this is. I wish she would have been a little clearer when I emailed her, but I get it now.

HQ doberman has another litter now - anyone here got any first hand experience of co-owning a dog with them.The breeder will only send a show male on co-ownership terms.I have never co-owned before so little hesitant.

While I don't have first hand experience with this breeder I know they are reputable. Any breeder I know will co own a show potential puppy with the new owner, especially with a first time show home. Do you know what all is involved in showing and finishing a puppy?

I do not have practical knowledge but have some friends in dog show world who know the ropes.As owner I "think" my responsibility will be to keep the dog in show condition with proper diet,supplement,exercising, socializing and show stacking. As I am paying full price for a puppy why do I still need to sign co-ownership and complicate things. My preference will be to get a puppy without co-ownership but if that is not possible I do not have a choice but to sign.

The main reason for a co-ownership is to protect the breeder's reputation. If/when the dog is used as a stud both owners will have to sign AKC paperwork or the resulting litter can not be registered. I would be more concerned with what's in the actual contract. Read through it carefully and if there's anything that seems unreasonable, walk away or ask here for feedback. It can seem daunting to a new owner, but IMO if you're determined to finish the dog and he turns out as you and the breeder hoped, you both have good vibes and a rapport, then you should be A-OK. Some breeders will sign off as an owner after the dog is finished or when the dog reaches a certain age.

I can't think of many breeders that would sell a show puppy to a first-time show owner without a co-own. In fact, many breeders are moving to co-owns for pet pups, too, to protect themselves and the pups. There are opinions on that on both sides, of course. You have to decide how you feel about it, I suppose, but I would try not to buy a puppy from a breeder I didn't "mesh" with in the first place, nor would I buy from someone that had a contract I couldn't live with. My bitch is a "pet" (well, performance, but still "pet") puppy, and she was sold on a co-own contract, like all her breeder's puppies. Her breeder does it to protect her dogs in case something goes wrong. I've never had an issue with it. The contract isn't odd in any way (like I said, I wouldn't buy a dog that has a contract with anything I can't live with).

If you already feel like it's a situation where "you have no choice" or you don't feel comfortable, don't buy the puppy. Your breeder will be in your life for a decade, hopefully; will be someone to mentor you, someone you can call or text or contact when you need advice or help. Your contract shouldn't make you feel beholden to them, or constricted.

I would never sell a show prospect puppy without a co-ownership. I did so once (to another Doberman breeder), and got royally screwed. That said, I agree that you really need to be comfortable with the breeder, and with the written contract. Some contracts are absolutely ridiculous - but most are fair.

Can you please share a sample co-owner contract for a male show puppy - so that I know what to expect. A very generic one would do. I will try to stick to the generic one I get so that I do not land myself with trouble with my first show dog.

Is there a reason you want a show dog vs. a pet/performance?

It really depends on the breeder.

Some of them have a fairly simple one page contract requiring that their name stay on the dog, the dog has to have all appropriate health testing before being bred, the breeder has to approve any breeding decisions, and the usual the dog comes back to them if you can't keep it.

The other end of the spectrum is a multi-page contract that spells out in excruciating detail exactly what you must feed the dog, exactly what handler you have to use, exactly what judges you can and can't enter under, how long you have to title the dog, and a whole host of nit-picky things that you have to do in every day life.

If you really like this pup, then ask for a copy of the contract to read. See if you can live with the terms of it. If there are things you don't like, ask the breeder if you can reach a compromise on them. If you and the breeder can't agree on terms, and you think that there is no way you can live with the contract, then say "thanks, but no thanks", and look elsewhere.

I second this. I strongly encourage people to ask to see the contract even before they get on a waitlist or put a deposit, because the contract will say a lot about a breeder's mentality and values, and it makes more sense to see if you mesh well earlier on.

I think there are some generic contracts listed somewhere.... will have to think about where. Mine is outdated, and I don't make it public.

I thought Denise Fenzi's blog on contracts was pretty level headed: https://denisefenzi.com/2018/04/purc...th-a-contract/

I prefer show dogs as they have a easier temperament compared to working dogs and look wise more perfect.Also I want to show my dog.

I guess I meant vs. a "pet", sorry for not being more explicit.

Reading this old post makes me laugh! I started researching breeders in 2012 and didn't end up buying a pup until 2016! Just goes to show that it's true what they say about the best-laid plans....