Stud Dog Contract Example: 3 Real-World Formats for Different Arrangements
Not every stud dog arrangement is the same. Here are three complete contract examples — one for a standard cash fee, one for pick-of-litter, and one for a shipped semen breeding.
A standard cash-fee stud contract looks different from a pick-of-litter arrangement, which looks different again from a shipped semen agreement. Here are three complete examples — one for each of the most common situations breeders encounter.
Example 1: Standard Cash Fee Breeding
This is the most common arrangement. A flat fee, paid at the time of breeding, with a full return service guarantee.
STUD DOG SERVICE AGREEMENT
STANDARD CASH FEE BREEDING
Date: [DATE]
Stud Owner: [NAME] | [ADDRESS] | [PHONE] | [EMAIL] Dam Owner: [NAME] | [ADDRESS] | [PHONE] | [EMAIL]
STUD: [Registered Name] | [Registry] #[Number] | DOB [Date] DAM: [Registered Name] | [Registry] #[Number] | DOB [Date]
FEE: $[AMOUNT] — due in full at time of service — payment by [method].
SERVICE: Natural tie(s) witnessed on [DATE(S)]. Pregnancy is not guaranteed.
RETURN SERVICE: If no live puppy results, one free return service within [12] months subject to:
- Vet-confirmed miss in writing within [35] days
- Same Dam only, same breeding season
- Voided if miss is due to Dam infertility or timing error
- If Stud unavailable: full refund of $[AMOUNT]
BRUCELLOSIS: Both dogs negative — Stud [DATE], Dam [DATE] — tests within 30 days.
DAM HEALTH: Current on Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella. No known communicable disease.
HEALTH TESTING (STUD): OFA Hips [Rating] ([Date]) | OFA Elbows [Rating] ([Date]) | CAER ([Date]) | DNA: [results]
LITTER REGISTRATION: By Dam Owner with [Registry]. Stud Owner signs forms within 14 days.
LIABILITY: Stud Owner liability limited to $[AMOUNT] (fee paid).
GOVERNING LAW: State of [STATE].
Stud Owner: ______________________ Date: __________ Dam Owner: _______________________ Date: __________
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Example 2: Pick of Litter Arrangement
Pick-of-litter is used when the stud owner wants a puppy from the litter instead of (or in addition to) a cash payment. This example uses POL in lieu of cash.
STUD DOG SERVICE AGREEMENT
PICK OF LITTER ARRANGEMENT
Date: [DATE]
Stud Owner: [NAME] | [ADDRESS] | [PHONE] | [EMAIL] Dam Owner: [NAME] | [ADDRESS] | [PHONE] | [EMAIL]
STUD: [Registered Name] | [Registry] #[Number] | DOB [Date] DAM: [Registered Name] | [Registry] #[Number] | DOB [Date]
FEE STRUCTURE: In lieu of a cash stud fee, the Stud Owner receives first choice of one (1) puppy from the resulting litter ("Pick of Litter"). No cash changes hands unless specified in this Agreement.
PICK SELECTION PROCESS:
- Selection occurs at [8] weeks of age
- The Dam Owner will provide photos and/or video of all puppies to the Stud Owner by [8 weeks + 2 days]
- The Stud Owner will communicate their selection within [5 calendar days] of receiving the photos
- If the Stud Owner fails to select within this window, the Dam Owner may place all puppies at their discretion
PICK PUPPY — DAM OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES UNTIL PICKUP:
- All veterinary expenses, food, and care until the puppy is transferred
- First vaccinations and deworming schedule per standard puppy protocol
- AKC registration in the Stud Owner's name or transfer registration at the Stud Owner's request
PICK PUPPY TRANSFER:
- The puppy will be transferred at [8 / 10 / 12] weeks of age, in good health, with health record, vaccination history, and AKC registration papers (or application)
- Transfer location: [Stud Owner picks up / Dam Owner delivers / agreed neutral location]
IF LITTER PRODUCES ONLY ONE PUPPY: The Stud Owner [ ] takes the single puppy as agreed / [ ] accepts a cash payment of $[AMOUNT] instead / [ ] [other arrangement].
IF LITTER PRODUCES NO LIVE PUPPIES (breeding miss): Return service applies — one free re-breeding within [12] months under the same POL terms.
RETURN SERVICE CONDITIONS:
- Negative pregnancy confirmed in writing by vet within [35] days
- Same Dam only
- Voided if miss caused by Dam infertility or timing error
BRUCELLOSIS: Both dogs negative — Stud [DATE], Dam [DATE].
DAM HEALTH: Current on Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella.
HEALTH TESTING (STUD): [List all tests with dates and results]
GOVERNING LAW: State of [STATE].
Stud Owner: ______________________ Date: __________ Dam Owner: _______________________ Date: __________
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Example 3: Shipped Semen (Chilled or Frozen) Arrangement
Shipped semen breedings require additional clauses covering collection, shipping logistics, and the reality that the stud owner has no control over insemination timing.
STUD DOG SERVICE AGREEMENT
SHIPPED SEMEN BREEDING
Date: [DATE]
Stud Owner: [NAME] | [ADDRESS] | [PHONE] | [EMAIL] Dam Owner: [NAME] | [ADDRESS] | [PHONE] | [EMAIL]
STUD: [Registered Name] | [Registry] #[Number] | DOB [Date] | Microchip [Number] DAM: [Registered Name] | [Registry] #[Number] | DOB [Date] | Microchip [Number]
SEMEN TYPE: [ ] Fresh chilled (24–72 hour viability) [ ] Frozen (indefinite storage)
STUD FEE: $[AMOUNT] — due [before collection / upon confirmed shipment / other].
COLLECTION AND SHIPPING: The Stud Owner will arrange collection of semen at a licensed veterinary or reproductive clinic on a date agreed with the Dam Owner (target: [DATE RANGE]).
Post-collection semen analysis will be performed. Results will be shared with the Dam Owner. Minimum acceptable post-collection progressive motility: [70%] for chilled / [35%] for frozen post-thaw.
If semen quality falls below the minimum threshold, the Dam Owner will be notified immediately and the stud fee [ ] will be refunded / [ ] will be credited toward a future collection.
SHIPPING COSTS: Borne by the [ ] Stud Owner / [ ] Dam Owner / [ ] split equally. Shipping method: [overnight courier / dry shipper / other]. Carrier: [FedEx / UPS / specialist courier].
STUD OWNER DISCLAIMER FOR SHIPPED SEMEN: The Stud Owner is not responsible for: (a) semen quality degradation during shipping caused by courier mishandling, temperature excursion, or customs delay; (b) conception failure caused by improper insemination timing by the Dam Owner's veterinarian; or (c) conception failure caused by the Dam's fertility status.
TIMING: The Dam Owner is responsible for progesterone testing and determining the correct insemination window. The Stud Owner accepts no responsibility for breeding failure caused by incorrect timing.
INSEMINATION TYPE: For frozen semen, surgical AI or transcervical (TCI) insemination is required. Vaginal AI with frozen semen is not covered under return service if used without the Stud Owner's written agreement.
RETURN SERVICE: One free re-collection and shipment if no live puppy results, subject to:
- Vet-confirmed miss in writing within [35] days
- Timing was confirmed by progesterone testing — documentation required
- Same Dam only, within [12] months
- Re-collection shipping costs borne by [Dam Owner / Stud Owner / split]
- If Stud unavailable: [refund / stored frozen semen / other]
BRUCELLOSIS: Stud tested [DATE] — Negative. Dam tested [DATE] — Negative. Both within 30 days of collection.
HEALTH TESTING (STUD): [List all tests with dates and results]
GOVERNING LAW: State of [STATE].
Stud Owner: ______________________ Date: __________ Dam Owner: _______________________ Date: __________
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Which Example Should You Use?
| Your Situation | Use |
|---|---|
| Cash fee, natural breeding | Example 1 |
| Puppy instead of cash | Example 2 |
| Shipped chilled semen | Example 3 (chilled) |
| Frozen semen, stored or fresh-frozen | Example 3 (frozen) |
| Cash fee + one pick from the litter | Combine Example 1 + Section 7 from Example 2 |
Copy the example that matches your situation, fill in every bracketed field, have both parties sign and date, and keep a copy.