How binding is a breeder contract?

1885 Views 9 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Capehank, Oct 6, 2009

Capehank

Discussion Starter · Oct 6, 2009

A friend of mine is seriously thinking about getting a puppy. He has come to me for information. Hmmm, I have no idea why, other than I have two goldens. Anyhow, I am coming to all of you for advice.

The area of concern is the type of food the breeder wants the pup to be fed. The breeder wants the pup on a raw food diet. The breeder indicated that it will be in the contract. He is not sure how it will be worded in the contract.

His question is this: If he chooses not to feed raw food to the pup, what will happen??? How binding is the contract???

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you

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Noey

· #2 · Oct 6, 2009

Hmmm not sure they can dictate that. I think they can suggest it but they can't tell you how to grow them. ; )

They can require neutering.

One of the experts might know better.

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Debles

· #3 · Oct 6, 2009

A breeder can put whatever they want in their contract. It would depend on a judge to determine if the specifics are binding.
I would not work with a breeder with whom I didn't agree with their contract.. he could be in for lots of headaches.

I would find a breeder I agree with. Has he discussed this with the breeder?

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NuttinButGoldens

· #4 · Oct 6, 2009

I think that is going a bit far...

I think it is reasonable to indicate a minimum food quality to keep the health guarantee intact, but to outright demand raw feeding is ridiculous IMHO.

Gilmours contract includes a minimum food quality, vaccination requirement (over-vaccination will void the health guarantee) and that he not be neutered before 18 months.

All of which I think is reasonable.

The puppy packet does include a recommended feeding schedule, which includes items such as plain yogurt, cottage cheese, raw meat and bone meal, but as long as the minimum food quality is met the rest is just recommended, but optional.

Capehank said:
A friend of mine is seriously thinking about getting a puppy. He has come to me for information. Hmmm, I have no idea why, other than I have two goldens. Anyhow, I am coming to all of you for advice.

The area of concern is the type of food the breeder wants the pup to be fed. The breeder wants the pup on a raw food diet. The breeder indicated that it will be in the contract. He is not sure how it will be worded in the contract.

His question is this: If he chooses not to feed raw food to the pup, what will happen??? How binding is the contract???

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you

Save

Pointgold

· #5 · Oct 6, 2009

If this were the puppy/pedigree that I absolutely could not live without, I would discuss the possiblity of alternative feeding plans - perhaps she could recommend a kibble that she feels would be suitable in lieu of raw. If she is absolutely set on her puppies ONLY being fed raw, and the contract is punitive if not (ie - no warranty if not, "fines", etc) then I'd be inclined to look elsewhere if a compromise cannot be reached. Personally, as a breeder, I think it would be cutting off my nose to spite my face to eliminate an otherwise wonderful home over not wanting to feed raw.

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MurphyTeller

· #6 · Oct 6, 2009

I wouldn't enter (or advise anyone else to) a contract I didn't intend on adhering to. In a breeder/buyer contract I think it's even more important to be honest with the breeder if there is something objectionable in the contract. I know lots of people (particularly co-workers) that have brought me their puppy contracts and we've gone over various parts - things I've objected to (in one case that a puppy cannot be neutered before 3 years old and breeder gets to use dog for breeding purposes w/o fee - not even collecting or shipping fees would be reimbursed!), they've gone back to the breeder and negotiated changes - in writing...before they ever met the puppy

In every case it's worked out...Breeders are reasonable people - they want the best for their puppies - and they're going to be reasonable with people who want the same. If you find someone unwilling to bend...well, they're probably unwilling to bend on a lot of things over the life of the puppy.

Also, I think there are some really good alternatives to raw diets - perhaps one of those would be acceptable...Nature's variety has a freeze-dried formula and honest kitchen has a dehydrated line of food (my dogs LOVE their honest kitchen). Depending on why your friend objects to raw, perhaps one of those would be an acceptable compromise...

Erica

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sammydog

· #7 · Oct 6, 2009

I agree with the comments, that I would not enter into a breeder contract that I did not intend on adhering too. Period. I would work with the breeder or go elsewhere.

My biggest concern, was say your friend does not feed the raw as directed in the contract. Does that void any heath guarantee?

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Bender

· #8 · Oct 6, 2009

Bender/Storee's breeder now insists on the pups being fed raw, which I don't mind. She's not going to go remove a dog being fed kibble, however she wouldn't sell that person another pup and has the option to void the contract as well.

I think she does loose some great homes due to that rule, and she's very anti kibble as well so won't even suggest a high quality one as an option. Mind you she's had two litters in the past three years so she's not struggling to place pups either. To each their own.

I would tell your friend to be honest with the breeder and look elsewhere for a pup, so there's no issues down the road (not sure how the breeder would 'proove' what the dog was fed, but...). It's also not fair to the breeder to lie from the start - everyone is quick to trash a dishonest breeder so the puppy owners should be honest as well.

Lana

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NuttinButGoldens

· #9 · Oct 6, 2009

This is why I discussed the neutering section with Gilmours breeder. It stated that he not be neutered prior to 18 months.

However, as a rule, I do not neuter unless there is a health reason to do so. My dogs are well protected and away from females, and I'm not convinced it's always the best thing. That's just me, and I absolutely realize not everyone agree's with that. And that's ok

So I discussed this with her, and she was fine with it. Like most breeders these days, he has limited registration anyway.

That was a long way of saying like others, I recommend you discuss it with the breeder

MurphyTeller said:
I wouldn't enter (or advise anyone else to) a contract I didn't intend on adhering to. In a breeder/buyer contract I think it's even more important to be honest with the breeder if there is something objectionable in the contract. I know lots of people (particularly co-workers) that have brought me their puppy contracts and we've gone over various parts - things I've objected to (in one case that a puppy cannot be neutered before 3 years old and breeder gets to use dog for breeding purposes w/o fee - not even collecting or shipping fees would be reimbursed!), they've gone back to the breeder and negotiated changes - in writing...before they ever met the puppy In every case it's worked out...Breeders are reasonable people - they want the best for their puppies - and they're going to be reasonable with people who want the same. If you find someone unwilling to bend...well, they're probably unwilling to bend on a lot of things over the life of the puppy.

Also, I think there are some really good alternatives to raw diets - perhaps one of those would be acceptable...Nature's variety has a freeze-dried formula and honest kitchen has a dehydrated line of food (my dogs LOVE their honest kitchen). Depending on why your friend objects to raw, perhaps one of those would be an acceptable compromise...

Erica

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Capehank

Discussion Starter · #10 · Oct 6, 2009

Thank you for all of the responses. This is of great value to my friend. I just knew I could count on all of you.

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