It can be disappointing to find out that you don’t have breeding rights for your dog. It’s not your fault if you’re thinking of ways around it, but it’s essential to have a complete picture first.
Breeding a dog without breeding rights is sometimes the only way if the breeder isn’t giving you breeding rights. However, you will have to face the consequences, which can go as far as losing your dog.
This is why this article will tell you in what circumstances you can legally breed without breeding rights and what you will have to face if you do it illegally.
We’ll also help you with the process of requesting breeding rights for your dog, so keep on reading!
What happens if I breed my dog without breeding rights?
When you adore your dog so much that you want to see how beautiful his pups would be, you could be tempted to breed your dog.
However, if you have a contract restricting you from doing that, you might get into trouble.
You could:
- Get banned from a kennel club or breed club (such as the American Kennel Club, the largest registry in the United States)
- Get a damaged reputation in the dog community
- Get a steep fine
- Lose your dog
These legal implications mean little to some people. Still, if you’re a dog lover, you should know that breeding without breeding rights is unethical and can cause harm to dogs.
How can I bypass my breeding contract legally?
Well, many breeding contracts are drafted without lawyers. They can be easily avoided if not according to state or federal laws. Especially if your contract has unreasonable clauses, you are free to ignore them.
If that is not the case and the contract is legally sound, drafted by a lawyer, then any action against it will have consequences for you. It could either be a hefty fine or even go as far as losing your dog’s ownership.
Why do most breeders refuse breeding rights?
An ethical breeder will give you a hard time giving up breeding rights for your dog.
And as much as you don’t like it, the breeder may have genuine reasons for doing so.
One of the most common reasons is that the breeder remains in control of the breeding because their goal is to improve the breed.
Suppose you, me, and every other person is given breeding rights. That would give rise to so many sick dogs.
So to prevent this unethical breeding and its risks, a breeder has the right to deny breeding rights for the dog and, instead, require spay/neuter.
Here are some other reasons why a breeding contract is important:
1. Health testing
Health testing is crucial before breeding a dog, so that bad genetics are not passed down to other dogs.
According to research, dogs can only have their bone structure thoroughly tested after age two. So it’s not recommended for a dog under two to be bred. This can be a big deal in the purebred dog fancy.
2. Breeder’s reputation
Your dog and the dogs produced with his help will all affect the original breeder’s reputation.
If something goes wrong, the breeder’s reputation will be at stake in the dog community.
3. Risk of passing a genetic anomaly
What will happen if a dog with a genetic problem is bred? The genetic anomaly could be passed down to other dogs, leaving everyone to point fingers at the breeder.
4. To avoid breeding for profit
Some breeders don’t want their dogs to be used as cash cows.
This problem is more common than you would think. In the U.S., forcing dogs to breed for profit is so prevalent that they lose control of the quality and health along the way.
Even if someone goes into breeding dogs with good intentions, the money that comes in with each puppy tends to blind them.
How can I get breeding rights for my dog?
If you’re still reading, you’re determined to get those breeding rights for your dogs, and we’re all up for it.
You can follow these steps to help you:
1. Ask the breeder
Sometimes the most straightforward ways are the most effective. Talk to the breeder and explain the whole situation to him. Tell them where your interest lies in the dog and why breeding is important to you.
2. Ask for breeding mentorship/co-ownership
This is a very effective way to gain the breeder’s trust. You can offer the breeder to be your mentor in the breeding process. Since they will be experienced already, they can guide you with the process and can help find your dog suitable mates.
You both can share the ownership of the breed, and the breeder won’t fear a loss of complete control of the breed this way.
3. Take your dog for conformation shows
Get your dog out in public; let him show the world what he’s got. Training your dog and presenting their talent shows they’re a great representation of their breed.
This might convince the breeder that you’re a responsible dog owner who actually wants his dog’s betterment.
Once you’ve convinced the breeder to give you breeding rights, 80% of the work is done. The rest will be done when you have all the required paperwork.
What paperwork is required for breeding rights?
1. Pedigree certificate
This is the most important document required for breeding rights. It shows whether your dog is purebred and mentions your dog’s lineage as well. It will have up to three generations of your dog for potential buyers.
2. Health record
A document with your pup’s vaccine and health records will be required. This will show the potential buyer your dog’s medical history and that you were diligent with his vaccines.
3. Health certification
You must take your dog for a complete medical check-up to ensure he’s free of any congenital disease. These include phenotypic evaluations and genetic testing.
This certificate gives the go-ahead that your dog’s suitable for reproducing.
4. Certificate of ownership
Proof that you’re the legal owner of the dog is needed. Once this certificate is registered in your name, you will benefit from this legal service.
5. Full registration
If you get this paperwork from your breeder, you have the breeding rights to do anything with your pup as you wish.
This paperwork shows that your pup is healthy and ready to be bred.
