Question on Co-Ownership - Page 3

Thanks for your input.  I am not new to the breed, not interested in breeding.  I grew up with German Shepherds and St. Bernards.  I am considering getting a puppy in the next year for show etc...

I never considered co-owning until Rachelle offered it to me. 

She did mention if Nancy doesn't get pregnant they will keep trying until she does. 

I know what matters is what I want or what I feel is right.  I am just trying to get feedback from others is all.   Isn't that what this board is for...to ask questions and inquire about things and help each other out?

I appreciate your post!  Rachelle is very nice and I trust her.  I have never co-owned.  I have spoken to Rachelle and been to her place many times.  I am glad to hear you had a great experience.

I am going to ask her many more questions and I will then make my decision.

I appreciate everyone's input and opinions on this.

I do not think it is fair you have to pay $500 on top of raising the litter. Raising a litter is a lot of work when done properly, and you are essentially doing the breeder a favor by whelping and raising the litter and then letting her take all the money for them, save for one. From what I have seen, usually the breeder takes back the female for whelping and then releases her back to you once the puppies are raised. I would try to negotiate on the $500, if possible, especially if you are responsible for all the costs of raising the litter.

Sounds an expensive way to get a middle aged pet and a puppy.  Rearing a litter does not come cheap  even if all goes well and it can be very disruptive for a household that is not set up for breeding.   I suppose it depends on how badly you want this particular bitch.  If you just want a pet and are prepared to consider an older dog, I'm sure there are plenty in rescue that would fit the bill and it would be nice to give a disadvantaged dog a good home and you could always get a puppy or even another rescue dog later if you wanted to expand to a two dog household.

Margaret N-J

This is the thing that bothers me about large breeders. The dog is 6, and they say they will try as long as they can to get her pregnant? How about accepting the fact that she is older, not all dogs are made to have puppies, and you have someone willing to give an older girl a good home? Forget about money and the like and have the dog spayed and give her away. People wanting older dogs do not come along that often, and the breeder should be doing what is best for the dog in this situation, not what is best for her.

Over the years I have found it to be very enjoyable when my dogs are getting older. My current female is going on 9 and is a joy to have around . I had her Dam until she passed away and she was the same way. Would never even think about getting rid of her after a lifetime together. I visited a "famous" kennel to look at a pup and they were also going to sell the dam , I think she was about 7 - 8 at that time but they wanted too much and I still had to buy a pup. I always like to see people take older dogs and give them homes. Not knocking larger kennels at all but nice to see breeders working to place their older GSD's. I see this as a positive.

We purchased an older female from Germany........she had a couple litters prior, and was in great health to have another or two.  She was 7 when we bought her.  We have 2 "repeat" breedings from her, smaller size litters (3 & 4 pups) and she was healthy until she died at the age of 10 1/2....in my home.

I have had only a couple "bad" experiences from co-owns.......just be prepared to "let go" and step back!   But it would not stop me from trying again.

NOTHING is worth the aggrevation and malice that comes with "breached" contracts that are supposed  to protect us!  Buyer & Seller alike!

Best of luck!.........just be honest and communicate with the seller.  If you BOTH, trully agree on the terms.....take the chance.

Sincerely,

Robin

Well, after asking Rachelle a list of questions about pre and post-whelping expenses, shots etc...she proceeds to then tell me Nancy is no longer available!  Imagine that!!  lol

I asked her how many litters has Nancy had?  How many puppies does Nancy generally have? I asked if I would get any profits from the puppies. 

I asked many questions and, in my opinion, felt that she was bothered by all the questions. 

I think I will look for a puppy or older dog elsewhere.  She has beautiful dogs, but after going to the property again, I noticed a lot of dogs in a small woodened building just barking and barking.  Articles claim this breeder is on 3 beautiful acres, but that is not true!  Anyway, the deal is off because she decided Nancy was now no longer available.  I find that surprising since 2 weeks ago she had told me that she was afraid she would be "stuck" with Nancy forever and really wanted to find her a forever home.  She seems to have changed her mind. 

Thanks for all the input!  It really did help me out a lot!  I don't think I will go the co-own route and just buy outright an older dog or a puppy.

 Imagine that! If a breeder becomes uncomfortable about your asking reasonable questions, for whatever reason, common sense would suggest that it is indeed wise to look elsewhere. You used good common sense. Especially in a co-own situation, ALL possible questions should be discussed and answers recorded. Otherwise, one is likely to end up in a mess. Even people who are friends end up all too often at odds over co-ownerships. That should give one serious pause for thought...and running away from any such situation.

Maybe the change of mind was the result of this thread?

I've had a few co-ownerships with Malamutes, never any problems, all have worked out great. I currently co-own 2, we have no written contract, never have.  The co-onwer has bred since 1095 and we have been close frined since the 70's.

Having said that I would co-own with a very few GSD breeders and then only those who I knew well and who shared my own sense of ethics.