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5K views 33 replies 12 participants last post by  LJack  
#1 ·
Hello, everyone!

I’m a new member here and I am currently on a waitlist for a conformation puppy. I am extremely excited as I’ll finally be able to show in conformation as a beginner! The kennel I chose is Sun Golden Kennels but I do have some doubts that I can manage their contract as a newbie in this field. I would love some insight from anyone who has experience with conformation and help me figure out if this is the right fit for me? Or if I’m biting off more than I can chew as a beginner. I’m really doubting myself if I’m capable of their requirement. Would really love some help and a second opinion thank you. ❤
 
#31 · (Edited)
Would really love some help and a second opinion thank you.
This is the earliest pic of Clooney’s efforts toward a simple Butt Conformation. Sure, some might call using a soft surface as cheating, but give us a break.
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But he soon made some more ‘Free Style’ attempts.
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(So I bought a Conformation Hammock and soon had him totally relaxed. (Note: This is very close to a grooming hammock, used when getting a dog used to having his nails trimmed)
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But all the efforts paid off. Check out Clooney’s most recent conforming efforts.
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Yeah, I used a safety mat n the bed shot. But keep in mind this was his first effort toward a ‘Double front-paw flexion with a rear leg dangle’. And check out the perfect jowl/eye alignment in the second pic. That last one is called a Carpenter Square.
 
#23 ·
The show ring is very different where I am. I have friends who show and breed in the USA and they tell me stories all the time about what handler is sleeping with what judge. It is not about your over priced puppy. It is more who you know and how far you will go. The show ring is more political than politics. They live vicariously thru their dogs. They are mostly middle aged woman!
 
#18 ·
That cost is more than I have seen so far. Probably double. I assume you have not shown any dog yet, correct? Goldens are arguably the most competitive breed there is. I don't know the Ca shows but around here in the North East 95% of the handlers are all pros with very competitive dogs. It can be very very discouraging for a newbie to get started. Do you know of any kind of conformation handling classes out by you?
 
#20 ·
Yeah, i was aware that goldens are a tough breed to compete with due to the competition, but that hasn't deterred me at all. I still have a lot of passion for the breed regardless of how tough the competition is, we all gotta start somewhere! ^^
I did look into handling classes near me, most are an hour away but definitely doable for me. I have been doing a lot of research on the breeds standard, upcoming events, classes, grooming tools, proper gaits, appropriate grooming styles, etc. and also been studying pros at my local shows. Im doing my best to be as prepared as i can be without a dog. I am definitely reaching out for mentorships that is a big priority for me as well.
 
#11 ·
The price is absurd. You should look for a breeder near you so they can help you in your venture.
 
#15 ·
This.
Since you admit to being new, you will want a mentor to show you how to properly show groom a Golden, and to help you in more ways than you can imagine right now. The show world is not for the faint of heart, and having someone by your side is huge.
 
#4 ·
I'd love to see the pedigree that is worth $6-7K PLUS from 1st litter, BREEDER will receive 1st & 3rd picks of Puppies or the price of a puppy and from the 2nd litter, BREEDER will receive 2nd pick of Puppies or the price of a puppy, if BUYER is keeping a puppy, otherwise BREEDER will have 1st pick of puppies.
Truly not being sarcastic.... you are paying twice what any well-bred puppy would cost in FL and add to that (I count) 3 puppies downline? So assuming costs remain same, you are paying around $25k for this puppy. Add to that the required CH before breeding, realize that could easily cost you $15k, it seems a very expensive purchase.
 
#3 ·
Hi, thanks for sharing the contract.

I can share my thoughts as a kind of newbie myself. Most of this contract is not unreasonable, but it is overwhelming.
The price stands out (6-7k is a LOT for a golden puppy, regardless of show quality) and while the show requirements seem like a lot, it seems they want to dog to finish.
That’s basically one show a month or a month and a half of showing every weekend. This is not so difficult if you send the dog out with a handler and if you live somewhere with a lot of shows, is pretty easy to do yourself. If you don’t live somewhere with a lot of shows, it’s tough.
The health testing and breeding requirements are pretty normal and you’ll find those less overwhelming as time goes on. The breeder wanting to pick the stud dogs for the first two litters feels like a lot but I imagine it might be something they’re open to talking about if they’re mentoring you.
What are your goals for this puppy? Are you establishing a breeding program? Just wanting a show dog?
 
#5 ·
Hi, thanks for sharing the contract.

I can share my thoughts as a kind of newbie myself. Most of this contract is not unreasonable, but it is overwhelming.
The price stands out (6-7k is a LOT for a golden puppy, regardless of show quality) and while the show requirements seem like a lot, it seems they want to dog to finish.
That’s basically one show a month or a month and a half of showing every weekend. This is not so difficult if you send the dog out with a handler and if you live somewhere with a lot of shows, is pretty easy to do yourself. If you don’t live somewhere with a lot of shows, it’s tough.
The health testing and breeding requirements are pretty normal and you’ll find those less overwhelming as time goes on. The breeder wanting to pick the stud dogs for the first two litters feels like a lot but I imagine it might be something they’re open to talking about if they’re mentoring you.
What are your goals for this puppy? Are you establishing a breeding program? Just wanting a show dog?
I live in Cali and I am mainly wanting to show my puppy myself. I want to earn titles as team but I’m not experienced or comfortable breeding my pup and would like to focus on just competing for now until I earn enough experience to breed.
 
#2 ·
Hello, everyone!

I’m a new member here and I am currently on a waitlist for a conformation puppy. I am extremely excited as I’ll finally be able to show in conformation as a beginner! The kennel I chose is Sun Golden Kennels but I do have some doubts that I can manage their contract as a newbie in this field. I would love some insight from anyone who has experience with conformation and help me figure out if this is the right fit for me? Or if I’m biting off more than I can chew as a beginner. I’m really doubting myself if I’m capable of their requirement. Would really love some help and a second opinion thank you. ❤
Here is the contract I just want to make sure this is doable for a novice and I’m not just doubting myself or overthinking the matter.


Sun-Golden Kennels llc
Golden Retriever
PUPPY PURCHASE AGREEMENT
FULL REGISTRATION

BREEDER/Seller: Sun-Golden Kennels llc
7812 N. Longview Ct.
Edgerton, WI. 53534
608-884-4000
sungoldenkennels@yahoo.com
www.sungoldenkennels.com

Definitions used herein include:

"BUYER" shall herein be define ____
"BREEDER" or “SELLER” Shall herein be defined as: Sun-Golden Kennels llc
"PUPPY" shall herein be defined as “A PUPPY”, registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC)

with the registered name of: ____

AKC Litter registration #____
Show Puppy price of $6,000-$7,000

In agreement on the purchase of a Golden Retriever PUPPY we voluntarily enter into, and
agree to all terms in this contract as witnessed by the signatures below.

You (BUYER) agree that this puppy will not be used to breed mixed breed offspring of any
type. He/She will be used to breed to and produce only the Golden Retriever breed. If found
that this Sharmik Golden Retriever PUPPY has been used for mixed breed production (Breeding),
this contract will have been breached and will result in the repossession of the said PUPPY at the
BUYERS expense to BREEDERS: Mike or Sharon Long of Sun-Golden Kennels with no refund, or legal action will be taken.

BREED/SHOW Terms

Sex: ____ Color: GOLDEN

Litter ID# __ Whelp# _ out of: ____

SIRE: AKC# Reg Name ___

DAM: AKC# Reg Name _

This PUPPY will be co-owned until the show/breeding requirements have been meet.
Puppy must be shown 12 times per year or more to obtain it championship.

PUPPY as identified above is guaranteed 24 months of age for the congenital defects,
affecting the Golden Retriever breed.
The parents of this PUPPY have had x-rays to establish that they are free
of Hip & Elbow Dysplasia, Yearly eye exams & Heart Clearance.

I. Should the PUPPY be diagnosed with a tested for genetically derived medical disorder mentioned in the above paragraph which is attested to by two unassociated veterinarians, thereby causing both the BUYER and BREEDER to agree that the PUPPY cannot ethically be bred, the Breeder will, upon provision of veterinary reports and, where applicable, Orthopedic foundation for Animals (OFA) report, or Canine Eye
Registration Foundation (CERF) Certification, provide the BUYER with one of the following
LIMITED TO HIPS, ELBOWS, EYES & HEARTS.

options:

A. Should the BUYER choose to keep the PUPPY and not purchase another dog for
breeding, and accept a refund, the BREEDER will refund the difference of the pet price and
breeding purchase price of: $3500.00 The PUPPY must be spayed or
neutered before a refund check will be issued, and a spay/neuter certificate must be provided
to the BREEDER by the BUYER'S veterinarian of choice.

OR

B. Should the BUYER choose to relinquish ownership of the PUPPY to the BREEDER, the
BREEDER will replace the PUPPY with another breeding quality puppy, when available. It is the responsibility of the BUYER for any shipping or miscellaneous charges
necessary for transportation of the PUPPY to the BREEDER and replacement Puppy to BUYER.

OR

C. Should the BUYER choose to keep the PUPPY and accept a replacement breeding
quality PUPPY, the BUYER must pay the Pet price of $2,800.00 and any shipping or
miscellaneous charges associated with the transport of the replacement PUPPY. Upon receipt
of sapy/neuter certificate and the pet price of $2,800.00 the BREEDER will provide a
replacement breed quality PUPPY as soon as such a PUPPY is available to the BUYER.

II. The BREEDER shall not be held responsible for the development of non-genetically derived
disqualifying faults, diseases, or disorders which are due to the BUYER'S negligence, The
BUYER agrees that the SELLER is not responsible for the actions or safety of this PUPPY once
it leaves the SELLER'S possession. The SELLER is not liable for any costs that result from
such actions. All provisions in this contract are designed to safeguard the PUPPY, the breed in
general and/or the community, and as such, violation of any provision that will cause damage
to the SELLER'S reputation. Lack of cooperation BY THE BUYER in any way with the BREEDER is considered, Damage to the Breeders Reputation. Failure to comply with any provision will result in the return of the PUPPY to the SELLER at the BUYER'S expense.

III. The BUYER agrees that the PUPPY shall not be used for breeding purposes until
Orthopedic Foundation for animals (OFA) Certification of hips have been received, and testing
is completed with results sent to BREEDER. The BUYER will forward a copy of the OFA to the BREEDER upon receipt. An Eye exam for PRA and Cataracts and has a CERF certificate. The BUYER will forward a copy of the CERF to the BREEDER upon receipt.
The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) provides certification of eyes.

HEALTH GUARANTEE

1. The BREEDER guarantees that the PUPPY is in good health and has received the
appropriate vaccinations and worming schedule for the PUPPY'S age. The BREEDER will
provide the BUYER with a health record detailing the treatment the PUPPY has received under
the BREEDER'S care, and future care the BREEDER feels is essential to the PUPPY'S well-being.
2. If the PUPPY is found to be other than healthy by the BUYER'S veterinarian within 3 days
after delivery to the BUYER (unless otherwise agreed upon due to travel), and attested to in
writing to the BREEDER by the BUYER'S veterinarian, the BREEDER will provide the BUYER
with a replacement breed quality PUPPY as soon as such a PUPPY is available to the
BREEDER. The BREEDER strongly recommends that the BUYER have PUPPY examined by a
licensed veterinarian of the BUYER'S choice within 72 hours of receipt of PUPPY (Unless
otherwise agreed upon due to travel).
TEMPERAMENT
The BREEDER strongly recommends that the BUYER attend puppy class and obedience classes with PUPPY and provide proper socialization opportunities for the PUPPY.

BREEDING
1. When breeding (bitch PUPPY), the BREEDER will pick the stud dog for 1st and 2nd litters; costs involved with these breeding are the sole responsibility of the BUYER.
2. If a Bitch PUPPY; from 1st litter, BREEDER will receive 1st & 3rd picks of Puppies or the price of a puppy and from the 2nd litter, BREEDER will receive 2nd pick of Puppies or the price of a puppy, if BUYER is keeping a puppy, otherwise BREEDER will have 1st pick of puppies or price of a puppy.
3. If a Stud Dog, BREEDER receives 4 breedings in which a litter is produced, from said PUPPY.
4. A litter consists of 4 live puppies at 2 weeks of age.
5. Show PUPPY’S must be shown in AKC Conformation/Breed Ring a min. of 10 shows a year.
6. Said PUPPY will not be bred until AKC championship is complete, unless the BREEDER decides otherwise.

GENERAL
1. A copy of all documents and clearances will we sent to the BREEDER when received from AKC or OFA or GRCA or any other organization dealing with dogs.

2. The BUYER agrees to: (a) allow the BREEDER the right of first refusal should the
BUYER decide to relinquish the PUPPY; (b) assist the BUYER in finding a
suitable home for the PUPPY.

3. Should the BUYER choose to break any of the covenants of the agreement, the remainder
of the agreement will be considered null and void, and the BREEDER will have the right to
repossess the PUPPY at the BUYER'S expense.

4. This document constitutes the entire agreement between the BREEDER and BUYER with
respect to this sale. BUYER'S signature below indicates that he/she has read, agrees and does
understand all the conditions of the Sales Agreement and Contract of Sale.

The undersigned agree to uphold all covenants of this agreement as of this day of

______________________2023


BUYER__________________________________________________________________


Signature________________________________________________________


Address____________________________________________City____________________


State_________________________Zip___________________________


E-Mail__________________________________Phone_____________________________


Cell PHone_____________________________