Co-owning a dog

I would draw up a contract that is agreed on by both parties and crystal clear on who is responsible for what (how many shows, how often, who handles the dog, who pays the handler a/o entry fees, who pays for routine vet bills, who pays for illness/injury, who pays for food and supplies, who is responsible for grooming, when does the dog become yours, if there is a dispute over the terms of the contract who keeps the dog....).  Even if nothing "bad" happens, it will not hurt.  With Nikon it is just easier for me to own the dog outright even though I paid a dang lot for him up front.  I would not have been opposed to co-owning and depending on how he does in conformation and his sport titles we are open to using him for breeding, but again I would have required a very very explicit contract because I don't like getting jerked around even if you are my friend/mentor, and sometimes there are misunderstandings that really had no ill-intent but can get out of control.

 I will have full ownership of the dog once he is finished. And if I want to continue to try to make him a special then that is all up to me. The breeder will continue to help me if I wish to continue showing him.

Thanks Liesje. That list is great. 

I have never co-owned a dog but I have heard lots of horror stories. But  I think you hear about the bad ones and not the ones that work well for both parties.  Educate yourself on all the options and ins and outs and listen to Gina. LOL

kle1986

 I will have full ownership of the dog once he is finished. And if I want to continue to try to make him a special then that is all up to me. The breeder will continue to help me if I wish to continue showing him.

This is where I'd ask for clarification and a contract.  What if it become apparent he's not CH material?  If he retires from showing before finishing, who keeps him?   I don't do AKC conformation so maybe those are dumb questions, but those are ones I'd want to have answered.

The point schedule for KY indicates 7 dogs are req for a Major...which isn't too bad. That's always helpful. But I do think that most of the more showy Sporting dogs are COMPETITIVE...but if she's the only one at most shows in the area...that helps LOL.

 The breeder goes to shows almost every weekend.

She said that she wishes there was more competition. Their going to Cali in December for one of the shows there. They actually just moved here from Cali. I have no idea why in the world someone would want to live here. I sure dont!!