Co-Owning - Page 1

Good morning! I have been possibly offered a chance to co-own a very nice male with his breeder. I was just wondering why do breeders co-own a dog with a person? What are some of the common stipulation placed on owners in the co-ownership? What are some of the setbacks for co-owning a dog and what some of the common issues that arise from co-owning a dog? Is it possible for the breeder to take advantage of someone who co-owns a dog with them?

Thanks

Ideally a Co-own allows a breeder to keep dogs in their program without actually having them there. The dog has a home with a family, training and care that is not possible with a kennel full of dogs. Ideally. It is especially beneficial if the individual is know to work and title their dogs. Ideally.

The biggest thing is how well do you know the breeder and how much do you trust them. Get EVERYTHING in writing, everything you could possibly think of pertaining to breeding, what if the breeder wants to sell the dog, your obligations, their obligations etc... Co-own can go very wrong very quickly.

Melissa

good advice from Melissa. I have been involved in many co-owns in the past. Had one bad experience, many positive ones. Not sure I would do it again.

As stated, get everything in writing. Who is responsible for vet bills, normal expenses. Cost of training/trialing/showing, etc. Make sure and certain that if you take a dog on a co-own, that you are willing and able to fulfill whatever it is that you commit too. This is where many co-ownerships go wrong, when people make promises and do not follow through.

The advantages for the person placing a dog on co-own is that they can retain rights to the dog, especially in breeding, shared expenses promoting the dog, etc.

The major disadvantage for the person getting the dog would be having to meet someone else's expectations.

It can work and it can also quickly turn into a very bitter and regrettable experience. Just depends on the folks involved.

Rik

Very good advise from Melissa.  I have tried the co-ownership and I would NEVER do it again.

I co own a female right now.  Basically, she lives full time with me and my family.  I paid zero to get the dog.  Our agreement is we breed her once a year and split the litter equally.  If the litter is not equal say 7 puppies I get 4 he gets three.  We split stud fee costs.  I pay basic vet care and she gets to live in a house with me and my family not a kennel.  It is working out very well.  I know and trust the co owner (breeder).

Very good advise from both Melissa and Rik.  I was into a co-ownership once with this person and tho everything was spelled out on paper when the time came for her to do her part it never happened.  It ended up bad all the way around except for the dog who stayed with me.  I co own a dog now with my mentor and I trust her to the ends of the earth.  Our first co ownership we put everything in writing--the dog didn't work out for me so she took her back.  This time we have no contract but our word is our bond and it is all worked out who will do what.  I think our relationship is an exception to the rule.  If I were to co own with any one else, I would make sure I knew the person or their reputation and then get everything in writing..................(even the tiniest things you think may not matter)

Be safe. Don't.

I have co-owned alot of nice dogs in the past that there is no way i could afford.  It worked out well for both parties.  I would do it again in a heartbeat!

I'd suggest you do a seach here on the subject, and after reading all of the trauma that can be involved, decide if you're really up for the challenge.  And if you think you are, take heed of the various issues that are mentioned in the various posts on the subject and make sure they're ALL addressed in the contract between you and the breeder, for the protection of both of you and most importantly for the protection of the dog.

I've co-owned several dogs and had one absolutely horrible experience (with a large, well-known breeder), one fantastic experience and several in the middle.  Per your question "is there any way the breeder could take advantage of you": Absolutely!!  As others have said, get everything in writing, make sure you're clear on what each person's goals are and make sure you're willing to fulfill those goals.