Contracts regarding the sale of dogs should be written by an attorney licensed to practice in your home state who is versed in dog laws and the nuances of dog ownership.  Don't do it yourself. The only way to be sure that any  dog you breed is registered with your kennel name is to register it yourself as the owner and then tranfer it to the buyer using the AKC registration form. It is illegal for anyone other than the owner of the dog to fill in any part of the name, that's up to the owner to do. I know many who do that, but if the buyer complains to AKC, they will allow the buyer to register the dog however he or she wishes and the name you picked will be voided.

I've never had a problem collecting on a contract and always got back the dogs the the buyers couldn't keep. Sounds like this guy wanted to make a few bucks by selling the pup for more than it cost him. Unfortunately there are people like that everywhere and sometimes they can fool even the most astute seller.  I was fooled too a few times and lived to regret it. Sorry that happened to you, YellowRose. I'd be pretty upset myself.