Co-ownership was a popular arrangement between breeders that has spread into breeder / client relationship that just does not belong. We will discuss why Co-ownership is not needed nor it is feasible for the average person that MIGHT breed or show.
First and foremost Co-ownership is a way for a breeder to control YOU. If you do not do everything they say in the time designed they have every right to reprocess your loved one. For that reason alone why would you even think about Co-ownership of your Rottweiler Puppy that you just paid thousands of dollars for?
Second most Co-ownership contracts are very vague. The tests required are “subject to change” as the times change. So when you bought your Rottweiler puppy two years ago there were only three or four tests to complete. You complete those tests and now your bitch is ready to breed. Only your breeder tells you there is a new test available that you are required to do. So you miss another heat cycle and everything you have worked for is down the drain.
Third most of these breeders offer puppies at a much lower cost. Trust me it is not worth the savings, you may save $500.00 to $700.00 but now you have one more person in your life telling you what to do. For the most part these are not even the breeders own lines. In most cases they are newer breeders and have produce very few litters. The stud dog does not even carry their own kennel name.
Fourth they are hiding something. With the stud dog not carrying their own kennel name they are offering a discount if you do a Co-ownership because they are undercutting the original breeder where they purchased their breeding stock. That is all good and fine saving you a few hundred bucks but if they are doing this to someone they have a relationship with, how do you think they are going to treat you? Trace the pedigree and contact the breeders of the Rottweilers in the pedigree. Who knows maybe there was a ready they moved away from those lines. Another reason they are offering discounts.
Fifth you as the breeder, if you are a breeder that does require co-ownership. No matter what you are still responsible for that Rottweiler including temperament even if have no control over it’s training or what is said in that contract IF you are a registered owner. If the Rottweiler develops an aggressive temperament and mauls someone you can be sued!
Now there are some legit breeders out there that have put in the time and work to have their own lines. They will only deal with Co-ownership if you are a fellow breeder, show home or can prove you will be a show home.
Things to look for in legit Co-ownership Breeders
1. They are a proven show home with at least Three (3) Grand Champions.
Grand Champions are not extremely hard to achieve how ever it does take time and work to get there.
2. They have been breeding for over 10 Years and can proven it by AKC records.
Any breeder with AKC can pull a report so you can see when they first litter was produced, how many litters / puppies produced in X many years.
3. Their kennel name goes back AT LEAST 3 generations on a Certified Pedigree.
Some breeders bring in new lines from time to time so at least one side of the pedigree, normally bitch side, should still go back 3 generations. This equals at least 6 years of breeding depending on the age of each bitch at breeding.
4. You are for sure going to SHOW your Rottweiler.
If you are going to show the breeder will want their name on the Rottweiler for free credit. Not unheard of but it also gives them the ability to show in the bred by category.
5. All DNA testing has already been done on the parents.
I don’t care what anyone says, the DNA testing is always the most important testing there. It does not change and in the long you can avoid genetic issues by doing the required DNA testing.
6. Your pup DNA is cleared by parentage.
If your breeder has run their program properly they should have been able to breeding out any DNA faults or slowly move away from certain recessive genes to make sure your new rottweiler puppy’s DNA is clear by parentage. This will save you hundreds in DNA testing in the years to come.
As far as the other testing (hips, elbows, heart and eyes) you must complete these tests but remember these are living moving parts that can develop issues at anytime inf your Rottweiler’s life. Just because you tested at 24 months, does not mean you will get the same results at 48 months.
In short, unless you are for sure going to show your new Rottweiler puppy and working with a breeder that has EARNED the right to demand Co-ownership, just pay a few extra hundred and save yourself the hassle. There is no real reason for a breeder to Co-own any of their puppies. After all if they trust you enough to buy a puppy from them, they should trust you enough to follow their contract.
*** DISCLAIMER: Do NOT confuse co-ownership between breeders of their breeding stock. Many breeders will work together and co-own a litter of puppies to sell. This normally does not have any affect on you. Just make sure you do NOT co-own YOUR PUPPY with either of the breeders as a condition to the sale. Always own your puppy outright with no string attached. ***
