Scam or normal breeding contract?
Hello this is a bit unusual but I figured if anyone knows breeders will
I am completely new to the show world and am hoping to get some independent advice from experienced owners and breeder on a mentorship structure I was recently offered. While I am new to the breed I had enquired about, I’m not new to dog training or handling over had giant breeds for many years. I approached a breeder to purchase a show prospect puppy. My goals were to attend Ringcraft, fully health test at two years old, conformation show, and hopefully lift Kennel Club endorsements to breed a litter in the future. The breeder offered a mentorship under the following contract conditions:
- I purchase the puppy at full market show price,
- The puppy is sold with standard Kennel Club Breeding Endorsements.
- The breeder retains a permanent 50% legal co-ownership on paper from day one.
- I absorb 100% of the cost for rearing, insurance, showing entry fees, and travel.
- I absorb 100% of the cost for official BVA hip scoring and heart testing at two years old.
- If the puppy passes health testing, the breeder lifts the endorsements, but demands a free puppy back from my future litter as a requirement for payment for mentorship. The breeder told me they are taking a huge risk and were not giving up their time for free.
- When I ran the commercial math on the food, giant-breed insurance, Ringcraft training, Championship show campaigning, and health diagnostics over a two-year period, combined with giving away a free puppy asset, I realised this structure would cost my household roughly £15,000 to £18,000 in cash and labor. All while the breeder retains 50% legal remote control of my dog. I am completely happy to pay full price, show, health test, and respect standard electronic endorsements. But I was advised by an independent veteran to run a mile from this specific co-ownership arrangement. When I enquired why the co ownership was needed I was told the kennel club have recently changed how they handle endorsements and that the owner can now petition to have them removed which means it was the only way to “control” the lines and “stop me doing anything untoward” Be completely honest does this contract structure sound standard in the show community? Thank you so much for your help!
Just to quickly add. The co ownership never ended for the life time of the puppy.
When I said I needed to get some advice (before entering a contract I was unsure of) the breeder went ballistic, verbally abusive name calling accusing me of being greedy, accusing me of gaslighting them, accusing me of not listening, and much more. This was yesterday. Today I woke up to an apology. They recommended I speak with their own mentor as they would be able to explain it better, when I agreed to speak with their mentor they went ballistic again. Telling me I don’t listen, why do I need to go to other people, why can’t I just trust them, and again started with the insults. As you can imagine I have terminated any chance of this deal happening but I’d like to know what is realistic when approaching other breeders