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  Cost of Purchase The current cost of purchasing a bullmastiff puppy in the Northwest varies by breeder but here are some guidelines of what to expect: Pet Quality: $800-$1,500 (average is $1000) The purchase cost should include all vaccinations and worming up to time of placement (puppies should never be placed prior to 8 weeks old) and in some cases will include microchipping (for AKC identification or in case the puppy is lost or stolen). Some breeders may have adult dogs for purchase. The cost of an adult is decided on an individual basis. Contracts Reputable breeders in the Northwest sell their puppies under specific contractual arrangements that are designed to benefit both the breeder and the buyer. Contracts vary considerably, with some being more detailed than others. However, there are several key elements that should be present in all contracts. They are as follows:
The contract you sign is the foundation of breeder trust and support for you and your dog in the years to come. A quality breeder will be able to explain the terms and why they consider them important. If you are not able to negotiate differences you feel strongly about, you should not buy the puppy. Continue to look for another breeder you feel can best meet your needs. The Difference Between Pet and Show Quality (From the Pet vs. Show section) The term "pet" should NEVER imply that the dog is inferior regarding health or temperament. The only difference between pet and show quality should be cosmetic…i.e., how good the dog looks and whether it meets the standard in terms of physical features. For example, maybe a puppy’s head is a little small or not in proper proportion, or there is too much white on the chest, or perhaps the puppy is too light in the eye. Or maybe the dog is too large or small and will be well out of the breed standard. When considering the purchase of a bullmastiff ask the breeder specifically what defines the puppy you are interested in as a "pet" or a "show" animal. Have the breeder demonstrate to you if you are looking at a litter. The breeder should clearly point out the difference in features so that you understand. It is important to remember that a puppy can be sold as a "show quality" and not turn out to be show quality when it gets older. This is because no matter how experienced a breeder is, it is possible to make a mistake in judgement at such an early age. As a puppy grows, problems in the health and looks of the dog may arise. A good breeder will often sell a puppy as "show potential" and refund the difference between a pet quality and show quality if the dog does not turn out as expected. This includes health as well as simple cosmetic issues. However, some breeders will not refund you the difference so it is important to discuss this prior to purchase. AKC Registration An American Kennel Club (AKC) registration on your puppy is not a guarantee of quality but it is an element to consider. If the puppy or adult dog is not registered you should expect to understand why. The AKC provides litter owners (usually but not always the breeder) with the option of registering a litter at birth and determining the type of registration it will be sold under. There are two types of registration: limited and full. It is the litter owner(s) decision as to how each individual puppy in a litter will be registered. Limited registration is given to puppies based on the litter owner/breeders desire to protect the quality of their breeding program and not have the animal bred. A limited registration is usually spelled out in the contact along with the understanding that the animal be neutered or spayed. A puppy that is given a limited registration cannot compete in AKC breed competition for its championship but can compete in such AKC events as obedience and agility. If the buyer breeches the contract arrangements regarding neutering/spaying and breeds the dog at a later time, the buyer will not be able to obtain registration papers from the AKC for the litter. Therefore, the limited registration serves as an added protection for breeders looking to breed only the highest quality of Bullmastiff possible. Limited registration can only be assigned at the time the puppy is first registered but it can be changed to full status if the breeder agrees it is appropriate. Only litter owner(s) can change to status from limited to full. A limited registration can never be reimposed after it is lifted If you are considering buying a puppy from a breeder who is not the litter owner make sure the type of AKC registration is clearly undestood in the contract. You should not be buying a "show quality" puppy at full price if the registration is limited. Full registration means that there are no limitations on the puppy you are buying with regard to confirmation showing and breeding. If you choose to breed the dog or bitch later it must be bred with another bullmastiff who has a full registration in order for the litter to be AKC registered. Terms of Ownership A breeder will sell a dog under two basic ownership conditions: sole ownership or co-ownership. In a sole ownership the person purchasing the puppy owns it outright. In a co-ownership the buyer owns the dog with the breeder. A co-ownership should be beneficial to both breeder and buyer. Most often co-ownership involves "show potential" puppies and are done so that the breeder can maintain an investment in the puppy. An example of a healthy co-ownership is when a breeder sells a high quality puppy to a new owner interested in showing and breeding. The co-ownership may require the puppy be "shown to its championship" so that the championship reflects positively on the breeder’s program. In return, the breeder teaches the owner how to show their dog. There may also be contract clauses regarding a breeding after a championship is achieved with a puppy being given back to the breeder at no cost. The breeder in turn usually helps with the actually breeding and whelping of the litter. Co-ownership Caution! Regardless of the specifics, it is important to understand that co-ownerships are always done so that the breeder maintains a certain amount of control over the puppy you are purchasing. How much control and who benefits are the issues. If you are considering purchasing a puppy under co-ownership you need to be very clear as to your obligations, responsibilities and to the pros and cons of the arrangements. Read the contract carefully as some contracts ONLY benefit the breeder. An example of a one-sided co--ownership:
In other words, the co-ownership only or predominantly benefits the breeder! Be cautious of breeders who insist on co-ownerships for all puppies or dogs they sell, including pet quality. When a breeder insists on co-ownership for all dogs it is usually to maintain control over you and your dog’s life. This is not what most people want in a relationship with a breeder. |
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