breeder lied about full registration - Page 1

Hello,

This is the first full registration dog that I have bought and the breeder agreed on the price and that he would have full registration because he is show quality and charged me accordingly. I went online to register him with AKC today and after filling out many boxes got to the one that asks for the "Registration type" and realized that refers to full or limited regisration and now see that the box is blacked out. No number!! I contacted her and she said she "Doesn't have to change anything and won't and why do I care becuase I said I might nueter him?" I might neuter him but I might not...it depends on his composition in a year or so. I paid for full registration regardless. She pretty much conned me. Does anyone know anything that can be done? Thanks much

Sadly this happens too many times. 
Do you have a written agreement that states you are to get full registration?  If no written agreement, do you have any text messages or emails where the breeder agreed and stated to sell you the puppy on a full registration?

Hmmm. 

Are you 100% certain you understood what she meant as far as pricing and registration terminology? Was she hostile when you talked to her or did she seem surprised that there was a problem? I'm only asking you to clarify because I've talked to many people who mean nothing more than AKC papers when they say "fully registered," where to me, full reg. means breeding rights. 

I would try to work it out with the breeder in writing, but I have heard in the past that AKC can be helpful when it comes to breeders going back on contracts and other registration issues. 

Yes, it was in a text message, verbal and "randomly" written on her bill of sale. She had no contract which was strange to me.  He is not a puppy mill dog and she seemed very informal and older claiming she doesn't breed often and is not very savvy with technology etc. so I accepted the AKC papers and her written and spoken word as plain. Honest. Yes it was clearly discussed that I may breed him, but only if he turns out exceptional otherwise I would not continue the line and have him neutered and keep him as a family pet. To me that is responsible breeding. Cull out the dogs which are not excellent examples of the breed. I am a very friendly and cheery person so I contacted her thinking it was a simple mistake. Yes, she was hostile and almost verbally aggressive. She hung up on me before I could ask any more questions. It was very strange and when I purchased him she had filled out most of the paperwork and then got very flustered and said " Oh no I think I have the other puppy's papers", and departed only to return acting as if nothing was wrong and said these were the correct papers. The other dog was the pet quality dog and only " limited registration." I believe she mixed up the papers. Her hostile nature after the fact has me very concerned. She refuses to correct her mistake whatever it may be. I am at a loss as to what to do. She is in a neighboring state.

Contact AKC and tell them your situation, they may request the bill of sale and any other proof you may have. Was the puppy for sale on this site because you would be surprise how quick they may change their mind when they find out they may lose their privilege to post more classifieds. If the puppy was on this site for sale please send me a copy of bill of sale and any other proof like messages and emails.

AKC will require something in writing that specifically identifies that YOUR puppy was bought on unlimited registration. It cant just say puppy, as that can mean any puppy from any parents.  It has to be some kind of definite identification to your pup.  Otherwise they will say there is no way to prove your case to them to allow you to register it unlimited.  They will contact the breeder and get their side of the story.  I hope you can get this resolved. AKC will not get involved in a civil suit. They will not take sides. That is why any and all paper work, text, emails is very important. 

Good luck and keep us posted.

And this is why professionals do not deal in text messages. 

And it's FULL registration, not "unlimited." Terminology problems are a huge part of why these kinds of problems happen in the first place.

Jest, are you saying that you looked over the first set of papers and then she switched them and you didn't notice the blacked out box until later? That's terrible...reallly blatantly terrible. I'd be polite but firm and tell her you want what you paid for or you'll take it to the next level. But you must be absolutely sure that she intentionally conned you and this was not in any way a mistake or miscommunication. Even with my "full" pups, they are limited until joints have passed. I didn't used to be like that, but white trash and their unethical breeding practices forced my hand. When joints are cleared, reg. is lifted, no charge, no strings, no hoops. But everyone leaves here with the black box filled in, regardless of what they paid, unless I am also listed as an owner. 

It is not uncommon for breeders/sellers and buyers to communicate by text messages and emails. I doubt seriously any breeder can say they have never discussed dogs, potential sales or purchases in emails and text. However I would never confirm or accept an agreement that way.  In a court of law, text messages, and emails are actuall proof and can be used as evidence.  So yes they are legal and binding if both sides of the conversation are present.  

If you knew anyone who forges documents you could ask them how to remove her ink if not google it

This is why I cut out the box and leave a hole

Old papers were easy to read through and cutting out the box was the only way. New ones are so faint any marker covers it easily. 

I wasn't arguing whether texts were admissible in court. <sigh>  I said "this is why professionals do not deal in text messages." Texts can be received out of order, some can be deleted, making a reply seem as if it pertained to another message, etc. I won't even answer texts about a dog. You want a dog? Act like a grown up, not a high school kid, and email a literate inquiry or pick up the phone and speak. Sure, I get texts all day w/pics of pups, simple questions, etc. and it's very convenient. But you do not negotiate a dog sale via text for the reasons I outlined. 

Anything of importance or significant relevance needs to be on the contract, a single sheet of paper with BOTH signatures indicating both parties are in complete agreement and understanding of the terms.