Essential Clauses
A good LGD contract protects both the buyer, the breeder, and most importantly, the dog.
1. Genetic Health Guarantee
What it should cover: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other breed-specific hereditary conditions.
Duration: Should last at least 24-26 months. Why? Because OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) finals for hips can't be done until 24 months. A 12-month guarantee expires before you can properly test the hips.
Remedy: Replacement puppy or refund. Note that reputable breeders rarely require you to return a beloved (but lame) dog to get a replacement; they usually require veterinary proof and proof of spay/neuter.
2. Return-to-Breeder Policy
The "Safety Net": Responsible breeders will ALWAYS take their dogs back at any point in the dog's life. They do not want their dogs in shelters. Even if you don't get a refund, having a secure fallback plan for the dog if life throws you a curveball is invaluable.
3. Spay/Neuter Agreement
Timing matters: For giant breeds, early neutering (before 18 months) affects bone growth plates. Look for contracts that allow waiting until 18-24 months for health reasons, rather than demanding sterilization at 6 months.
4. Registration Papers
If the dog is sold as registered (AKC, UKC), the contract should specify when papers will be provided. "Limited Registration" (no breeding rights) is standard for pet/working homes.
Working Guarantees?
Can a breeder guarantee a puppy will work? No.
Nature and nurture both play roles. A breeder can guarantee:
- The parents are working dogs.
- The puppy has been raised with stock (exposure).
- The puppy shows appropriate temperament at the time of sale.
They cannot guarantee the adult dog will never chase a chicken, because that depends heavily on YOUR training and management. Be wary of "100% predator proof" guarantees—they don't exist.
Contract Red Flags
- No Contract: "We don't need paper, we're country folks." (Run away.)
- 72-Hour Health Guarantee Only: This covers Parvo/Distemper but is useless for hip dysplasia or genetic flaws.
- "As Is" Sales: Suggests the breeder knows there are problems.
- Mandatory Supplements: "Guarantee void unless you feed NuVet/LifeAbundance." This is often a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) kickback scheme for the breeder, not a health requirement.
- Breeding Requirements: Contracts that require you to breed the dog and give puppies back (unless you are a co-own show home) are exploitative for working owners.
Contract Checklist
- [ ] Breeder and Buyer full contact info
- [ ] Puppy identification (Microchip #, DOB, Color/Sex)
- [ ] Price and fees (deposit, transport costs)
- [ ] Health Guarantee (2+ years for hips/genetic)
- [ ] Return Policy (Breeder takes dog back)
- [ ] Spay/Neuter terms (age appropriate)
- [ ] Registration details (if applicable)
- [ ] Signatures and Dates
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (2025). Elective spaying and neutering of pets. (Regarding delayed gonadectomy in giant breeds).
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). (2025). Orthopedic testing minimum age requirements for permanent certification.
Rigg, R. (2001). Livestock guarding dogs: their current use world wide. IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group. (Regarding behavioral guarantees and nurture impacts).