Co-ownership of a dog means that the breeder gives the promising puppy to a family where the dog will live its entire life, receiving unlimited personal attention. At the same time, the breeder retains the right to use the dog for breeding purposes, if the dog's health, temperament, and other characteristics allow it.
The family does not pay the full price for the puppy, but a deposit (usually half the price of the puppy). When the dog has a litter, the breeder returns the deposit to the family and ownership is fully transferred to the family. If the dog is not used for breeding, the co-ownership agreement ends and the deposit is not returned. Co-ownership gives the breeder the opportunity to continue their breeding work without having to keep a large herd of dogs at home.
*The article discusses the co-ownership agreement made under the Finnish Kennel Club agreement, which we use in our kennel. If you sign a co-ownership agreement elsewhere, carefully check with the breeder and the agreement what the associated rights and obligations are.
Why co-ownership? Why doesn't the breeder just keep the best puppy in the litter and sell the rest?
The purpose of breeding is usually to maintain or improve the breed standard. The offspring should be dogs that are at least as healthy and of breed type as their parents. In the case of Labrador Retrievers, the dog's temperament, nervous system, working qualities, health, health test results, genetic tests, and the characteristics and health of the dog's close relatives are also taken into account. All of these criteria reduce the number of dogs suitable for breeding, so only a small proportion of promising puppies end up in breeding.
Unfortunately, the suitability of a dog for breeding and its breeding value can only be assessed when the dog is already an adult. Many health tests can only be officially performed on a dog that is 12 months old, including hips, eyes, heart and elbows. A dog's character and temperament are also largely formed during the first few years. Many diseases only show themselves for the first time when the puppy has become an adult and mature dog (allergies, epilepsy, etc.).
If a breeder wants to be selective in breeding, they should keep several puppies to grow up, so that over the years they can choose the best ones. Large kennels often have a separate team to take care of the dogs, but in the Nordic countries, dogs are usually raised in home kennels. Therefore, promising puppies are given to co-ownership and later the most suitable ones are selected for breeding. This also ensures that each dog has its own family, enough attention and an active life.
Who bears what costs?
The family covers the costs related to the dog's daily life: food, vaccinations, care, equipment, training, etc. The breeder covers breeding costs, such as health examinations, genetic tests, mating fees, insemination costs, and costs related to whelping and puppy care.
The terms of the co-ownership agreement should be agreed in writing, including the duration of the co-ownership or the number of litters. Typically, 1-2 litters are agreed for a female puppy, while the termination of breeding rights for male dogs is determined by age or number of litters.
How long does co-ownership last?
If a dog is not suitable for breeding for some reason, co-ownership usually ends at 1-2 years of age and ownership of the dog is transferred to the family. If a dog is suitable for breeding and has one or two litters, ownership is usually transferred to the family at 3-5 years of age.
Does the co-owner have to deal with the puppies?
A litter of a female co-owned dog can be born either at the family or at a breeder. Since the breeder usually has more experience, the female often goes to the breeder a week before giving birth and returns 5-6 weeks later, when the puppies have been weaned.
Does the co-owner have to participate in shows or breeding?
No, unless specifically agreed. Our co-owned puppies live as family dogs who may occasionally participate in shows or trials with the breeder. However, if you are interested in shows and breeding, co-ownership may be the only way to get a puppy from a good line with breeding potential and find a mentor in the breeder who will introduce you to the nuances of the breed and breeding.
Can a co-owned puppy be purchased?
Co-owned puppies are not for sale. A breeder looking for a co-owned home is faced with the choice of “keep or co-own.” A particular co-owned puppy may be the result of years of breeding work or the only way to continue the line, so its value to the breeder does not lie in price.
Kas emapuhkus teises kodus võib koerale stressi põhjustada?
A well-socialized and balanced Labrador usually adapts easily. The breeder has familiar people and dogs with whom the puppy gets used to from an early age. Some breeders also offer a foster home for the dog, which can be like “going on vacation to grandma’s house” for the dog.
Can the breeder take the dog back?
According to the contract, the breeder does not have such a right. In case of problems, the situation is resolved through negotiations or with the help of consultants.
When should you not co-own a puppy?
You should definitely not co-own a puppy if:
- Something is unclear or the terms seem unfair. The co-ownership agreement must clearly define when ownership transfers to the family and who is responsible for various expenses.
- You are disturbed by the thought that your dog will have a litter with a breeder in the future.
- You are not prepared to follow the breeder's instructions in raising and developing a puppy.
- You don't feel a connection with the breeder. When you go to see the puppy, all your questions should be answered and you should feel like you're happy to work with this person.
- The only reason to get a co-owned puppy is the cheaper price. Whatever the price of the puppy, any dog ownership requires complete food, care and training equipment, and the costs of the puppy's first year of life can even exceed the full price of the puppy.
Here is link to a typical female dog co-ownership agreement, which many breeders use. For males, the co-ownership agreement usually specifies an age or number of matings after which ownership passes to the family.
Experiences through the eyes of co-owners:
Kristin:
“Our co-ownership experience has been very positive. In addition to getting a super nice girl dog, we also got a very good support network, which has been very important for us, because there has been a break in dog ownership and many things are either not known or not remembered right away. There were many questions about what and how to teach/socialize/get started – co-ownership gave us more confidence and peace of mind that there is always a trainer with extensive experience for us to ask for advice if questions arise and that more than one person is responsible for the dog's well-being. As a bonus, we have also gained a lot of cool experiences and nice friends/acquaintances from dog shows (not that I am a particular dog show fan – on the contrary, I was not interested in dog shows at all initially).
Anneliis:
“When I got my first Labrador Retriever, co-ownership seemed a bit “suspicious” to me (although I also researched the Kennel Club about it and there is nothing suspicious about it) and it seemed much safer to buy the puppy outright and be the sole owner. The first dog sparked a deeper interest in the Labrador Retriever breed in me, and I followed the breeding work of different breeders and kept an eye on future litters. In my mind, I knew that in the future another Labrador Retriever would join our family, and then in co-ownership. A little less than three years later, a puppy that met my wishes was looking for a co-ownership home.
Why did I want to co-own a dog this time? Because it gives me a great opportunity to learn and see what it’s like to be a breeder, without having to start breeding myself. As a (purebred) dog enthusiast, it’s a good opportunity to collaborate and gain the knowledge and experience of a breeder with long-term experience. Being a co-owner is no different in everyday life from being a sole owner, and in fact, my experience is so positive that I see no reason why I shouldn’t co-own a dog in the future. This does require trusting the breeder’s knowledge and experience, a willingness to cooperate, and an open mind, but I get a dog that can become one of the most outstanding and excellent representatives of its breed.”
