Weekly Website Wednesday -- Week #20

Stud Dog Contracts

You’ve invested a tremendous amount of time and money building your breeding program and campaigning your dogs. Your success as a breeder is going to attract attention in the form of customers and other breeders who want to pair their females dogs with your stud dogs. Are you using a stud dog contract?

The stud dog contract is an often-overlooked document. Much like a puppy contract, it’s a written agreement between two parties, the owner of the male dog (the stud) and the owner of the female dog (the dam). It outlines the stud fee, how the breeding will take place and what each party is responsible for.

A good stud dog contract should clearly define expectations. This includes the type of payment, whether it’s a flat fee, pick of the litter, or a combination of both. What happens if the breeding doesn’t take place or the bitch fails to conceive. Does the contract allow for a repeat breeding? A refund? And under what circumstances?

You should also detail how the breeding will occur, artificial insemination, transcervical insemination, chilled or frozen semen or natural breeding. Make sure the contract specifies who pays for shipping, collections and veterinary costs. It’s equally important to outline health requirements: Do both dogs need clearances? Are brucellosis tests, vaccination records, or progesterone timing required prior to breeding?

Pitfalls often arise when contracts use vague language. Lack of timelines for rebreeding rights, missing health-test requirements, and poor communication after the litter is born can all lead to unnecessary frustration. A solid, well-written contract prevents misunderstandings, protects your kennel’s reputation, and could save you from lawyer fees down the road.

I’ve created a sample Stud Dog Contract you can download and use on NetKennel at the following link: https://netkennel.com/photos/pdf/1763602418/1763602418.pdf"