Pros & Cons of Co-ownership ?

[Denise M]

Hi, I am not sure if this is a taboo topic. Is so, then just let me know.

I have been looking at obtaining a show prospect puppy.

Some Breeders require a co-ownership agreement that will I think be satisfied once a dog is finished.

I go back and forth on whether I should consider this an option. I do not want to pass on nice dogs because of it. I have found some breeders that do not require it. But there are a couple with really nice dogs that do.

If the pros and cons can be listed in a way that is diplomatic to all it would be appreciated. Then I can form my own opinion on my risks and opportunities.

I have been on line trying to get as much info as possible, but the websites all say that this may be the only way for a new comer to start, but it should be avoided if at all possible.

Again, I do not intend to start any negative controversy, I am just so confused. My Husband is so against the concept, but if I can point our some good points maybe I can sway him.

[jwestoverpug]

This is a tough one. I've done co-ownerships in the past without a single problem....but I've heard some horror stories too.

This is just my opinion, but I think they protect the dog and the breeder. A breeder is taking a huge chance when they sell an intact dog/bitch with full registration, that they want to be shown to someone they do not know. Personally, I wouldn't sell a show dog to someone I didn't know incredibly well, they're better off in a pet home. Generally speaking, as long as you keep your end of the agreement, you should be fine. Just make sure you understand every single bit of the contract, if there's something you don't like, discuss it with the breeder.

Jesse

[Dana1658]

I too have heard GREAT stories and some terrible ones

Make sure that if lays things out like........If the dog cannot be finished in x time frame or x amount of shows then what happens?

If breeding is allowed what happens to puppies...is their a puppy later in the deal...many times this is hidden in the contract

Many times the show contract hides a LOUSY health contract....check it over CLOSELY

The benefits are that you will have access to lines of the breed that are not generally available to the public.....the other benefit is the entrance to the show ring with what could possibly be a champion even as a novice person in the ring
Make sure you have a good trainer and a strong mentor and the realistic time to commit to showing

[shaynapug]

I have been against it for a long time, but would consider it depending on whether or not the contract met my needs as well as the other person's. It would have to be a dog that I really wanted in my line for me to get one with a co ownership. I might co own one of mine ...again ...so I can show in bred by down the line....or use a male for breeding. I'm not sure about that tho.

I do co own with Connie. She gave me Nikki years ago. I co own what she wants to keep as I show them. That way, I can show them in bred by. While we talk over who she will breed them to, it is her decision as I co own in name only with no restrictions. I co own Topaz with her right now. This time, I will be making all decisions with the pups as this litter is mine as I have taken care of all her showing, medical...etc. After this litter.....the pups belong to Connie and she does what she wants with them.

[Luvbean25]

Just as everyone else this is my two cents!

I personally would never ever own a dog on co-ownership-unless we had a very strong friendship and it was all CLREARLY in writing. I also would never sell one of my pugs outright to someone who has never shown before. My feelings are that I have spent far too much time and money to sell someone a show prospect on full registration, no strings attached, do whatever you want and then some years later I see my pedigrees turn up in puppy mills with people advertising "Champion lines"....

When I purchased my first show bitch, I bought her outright, however there was a puppy back stipulation on it, which I ended up paying out becasue there was no way she was getting a puppy from me after what I found out, some 6-9 months down the road (long story). All the rest after her, I have bought outright, no strings attached. I have paid my dues in the show ring I don't think I would encounter a problem obtaining one from a breeder...but when buying outright you are also getting the breeders second best!

So let me breakdown for you the wonderful pro's of co-ownership...First of all you have a mentor when it comes to showing, someone who is there for you. In many contracts the breeder will even assist in finishing the dog for you. You also have an opportunity to build a very good relationship with the breeder to further along your success in the future. They will also help you with the breeding side, whether it be finding the right boy for your bitch or finding the right female for your stud. Lastly is the cost, usually obatiaing a dog on a co-ownership is less expensive then buying one outright.

So now for the cons...What if the two of you disagree on a matter? What if she wants to take your dog away from you to send on the road with a handler and this dog has become your baby? What if they want you to do a breeding you don't agree with and then they want first, second and last pick and there is only three babies in the litter? What if you have a boy and they want to stud it out to someone you don't like or trust? What if you never finish the dog, Do you have a co-ownership for life? These are some of the problems that people I know personally have gone through and most of them have ended up in court. There is also one other thing to think about with Co-ownerships from the AKC side of things. If the person you co-own with gets suspended from AKC, that also means anything that is co-owned as well.

There are many things to think about and if it were me, I would get involved in a club, make some contacts, earn their trust and buy one outright! It will be far more rewarding in the long run to be able to make your decisions!

Again....just my two cents!

[Denise M]

to all who gave me their honest opinions.

I also have weighed the pros and cons. My main thought is that we do not know each other. If I did know the breeder for a good length of time I would be more for it. I am fearful of the unknown. This is not a contact for property, it is about a future baby. If something was to go wrong I would be devastated.

I especially want to thank you Sarina, you laid it out very well.

I do feel hopeful because even though I do not have a pug yet, I have already become a member and am involved in our local pug club. I also have the wonderful fortune of having the the officers of the club as mentors. I am trying to learn as much as possible from the books that you all recommended to me a while back.

I figured that I must let people get to know me and my character before they are willing to take a chance on me. Since I just recently joined the club, I am going to wait awhile before seeking membership into the PDCA.

I try to go to as many shows as possible and try to let the breeders know a little about me and try to get to know them. I am trying to be a little sponge at the shows taking in as much as I can. I usually get home exhausted.

This like any goal in life. It is going to take time, commitment and an education.

Again, I thank you all very much for your advice.

Dee