Buyer

1. The buyer should make his needs clear and precise to the seller. Do not request a pet quality puppy if one has any intentions of breeding the animal.

2. The buyer should not purchase any animal without a written sales agreement specifying conditions of sale and guarantees. If paying the price of a show potential/breeding quality animal, one should obtain a written statement that a refund or replacement animal will be given in the event of hereditary diseases or disqualifying faults in exchange for the afflicted animal.

3. Each puppy or adult sold should be accompanied by an AKC registration form (unless buyer and seller have both signed an agreement that AKC registration should be withheld), a correct, signed pedigree, and a complete health record. If the seller has not received the registration for the puppy, he shall provide written identification to include breed, the names and registration numbers of the sire and dam, breeder, and date of birth of the puppy. Also, a statement that the registration will be forwarded as soon as possible, but in no event should it be later than 90 days from the sale unless this is agreed upon, in writing, by both buyer and seller.

4. No puppy should be sold without having received at lease one vaccination for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvo Virus -- a veterinarian's certificate will provide proof of this.

5. Due to incidence of hip dysplasia in Chow Chow's, the buyer should require written proof that both parents were x-rayed and certified clear of hip dysplasia, and that both parents were checked and found clear of of dysplasia by a veterinary.

6. The breeder has a right to expect you to keep the puppy clean and healthy.

7. If you agree to have the puppy altered, you are obligated to do so within a reasonable time. Six months is usually considered the norm.

8. The breeder has the right to expect that you have represented yourselves and your family honstly regarding your ability to care for this animal.

9. If you have signed a breeding contract which governs when and how a bitch or dog will be bred, you are bound to abide by that contract. It is important to a breeder that puppies they produce are in turn bred to improve the line. It is for this reason that many breeders sell puppies, particularly bitch puppies, with "strings" attached. You should know what the conditions are and the breeder should explain them to you thoroughly before any contract is signed.

Co-Ownerships

Many breeders like to co-own their show stock so that they can have a voice in the show career and breeding potential of that dog. There are many kinds of co-ownerships and the responsible breeder will explain the details to you before you buy your puppy. There are also many pitfalls to co-ownerships, so the buyer needs to thoroughly understand what is involved. Co-ownerships are a little like a marriage. You had better like each other and know each other very well before engaging in any complicated arrangements. Co-ownerships work best when the details are thoroughly understood and the expectations of all parties are in agreement.

If you, as a puppy buyer, have doubts-about co-ownerships, but you really want to buy from a particular breeder, a limited time co-ownership sometimes works best. That way both of you can evaluate one another to see if this marriage will work. Such a contract would continue through the first litter or until the dog is mature and shows its worth as a show dog. You can then decide whether to terminate the contract or continue with it if both parties are satisfied.

If you can recommend any additional information or services or Links to Chow Chow sites.