Co-ownership means that a breeder provides a promising puppy to a family where the dog lives its entire life, receiving unlimited personal attention. At the same time, the breeder retains the right to use the dog for breeding if its health, temperament, and other characteristics make it suitable.
The family does not pay the full price for the puppy but instead pays a deposit (usually half the puppy’s price). When the dog has a litter, the breeder returns the deposit, 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 refunded. Co-ownership allows breeders to continue their breeding program without having to maintain a large kennel of dogs at home.
This article discusses a co-ownership agreement based on the Finnish Kennel Club contract, which we use in our kennel. If you enter a co-ownership agreement elsewhere, be sure to carefully review the breeder’s conditions and the contract to understand the rights and responsibilities involved.
Why Choose Co-Ownership? Why Doesn’t the Breeder Just Keep the Best Puppy and Sell the Rest?
The goal of breeding is usually to preserve or improve the breed. Breeding should involve dogs that are at least as healthy and representative of the breed as their parents. Only as the dog matures can its suitability for breeding and its breeding value be assessed.
In Labrador Retrievers, breeding considerations include temperament, nerve stability, working ability, general health, health test results (hips, elbows, eyes, heart), genetic testing, and the health and traits of close relatives. These criteria limit the number of dogs suitable for breeding, meaning only a small percentage of promising puppies will be used in breeding programs.
For breeders to be selective, they would need to keep multiple puppies to later choose the best ones for breeding. Large kennels often have staff dedicated to caring for all these dogs, but in Nordic countries, dogs are usually bred in home kennels. Therefore, sometimes promising puppies are placed in co-ownership, and the best ones are later selected for breeding. This also ensures every dog has a family, receives attention, and leads an active life.
Who Covers Which Costs?
The family bears the everyday costs of the dog, including food, vaccinations, grooming, supplies, training, and more. The breeder covers breeding-related costs, such as health tests, genetic tests, stud fees, artificial insemination, whelping, and puppy care expenses.
Co-ownership terms should be agreed upon in writing, including the duration of the agreement or the number of litters. For female puppies, agreements typically cover 1–2 litters, while for male dogs, breeding rights often end after a certain age or number of litters.
How Long Does Co-Ownership Last?
If the dog is not suitable for breeding, co-ownership usually ends by the time the dog is 1–2 years old, and full ownership transfers to the family. If the dog is suitable for breeding and has one or two litters, ownership typically transfers to the family right after that at 3–5 years of age.
Does the Co-Owner Have to Handle Puppies?
The litter of a co-owned female dog may be born either at the family’s home or the breeder’s home. Since the breeder often has more experience, the female usually goes to the breeder about a week before whelping and returns to the family after the puppies are weaned, around 5–7 weeks later.
Does the Co-Owner Need to Participate in Shows or Breeding?
Not unless specifically agreed upon. Our co-owned puppies live as family dogs, occasionally participating in shows or trials with the breeder. On the other hand if you are interested in shows and breeding, co-ownership may be the only way to acquire a promising puppy from a strong lineage and gain a breeder as a mentor to guide you through the nuances of the breed and breeding.
Can a Co-Owned Puppy Be Bought Out?
Co-owned puppies are not for sale. Breeders choosing co-ownership face the decision of “keeping the puppy or placing it in co-ownership.” Such puppies may represent years of breeding work or be the only opportunity to continue a specific lineage, making their value to the breeder far beyond their price.
Can a Maternity Stay in Another Home Stress the Dog?
A well-socialized Labrador with a stable temperament usually adapts easily. At the breeder’s home, the dog will encounter familiar people and dogs, as co-ownership puppies are often socialized early on with the breeder. Some breeders also provide temporary homes for dogs, akin to “going on vacation at grandma’s house.”
Can the Breeder Take the Dog Back?
According to the agreement, the breeder does not have the right to take the dog back. In case of issues, the situation is resolved through negotiations or with the help of advisors.
When Not to Enter a Co-Ownership Agreement?
You should not enter a co-ownership agreement if:
- Anything is unclear, or the terms seem unfair. The agreement should clearly define when ownership transfers and who is responsible for various costs.
- The idea of your dog having a litter at the breeder’s home bothers you.
- You are not ready to follow the breeder’s guidance in raising and developing the puppy.
- You don’t feel a connection with the breeder. When visiting the puppy, all your questions should be answered, and you should feel comfortable collaborating with the breeder.
- The only reason for choosing a co-owned puppy is the lower price. Regardless of the price, owning a dog requires quality food, grooming, training equipment, and other expenses. In the first year, these costs may exceed the full price of the puppy.
Co-Owners’ Experiences:
Kristin:
“Our co-ownership experience has been very positive. Not only did we get an amazing dog, but also a great support network, which was crucial for us since we were new to dog ownership and had lots of questions about training, socializing, and daily care. Co-ownership gave us confidence and peace of mind, knowing we could always turn to our breeder for advice. As a bonus, we’ve had great experiences and made friends through shows, which I wasn’t initially interested in but now thoroughly enjoy.”
Anneliis:
“Initially, co-ownership seemed ‘suspicious’ to me. However, after gaining interest in Labradors and breeding, I realized co-ownership offered an amazing opportunity to learn from an experienced breeder and be involved in the world of breeding without starting my own program. My experience has been so positive that I’d gladly consider co-ownership again in the future.”
➡️ An article about co-ownership by Sini Lindroos (Estonian Retriever Society’s webpage)