Stud Dog Contract Template: Free Fill-In Format (2026)

A professional stud dog contract protects both the stud owner and the dam owner. Use this free fill-in template as your starting point — it covers every clause you need.

A stud dog agreement does two things: it makes expectations crystal clear before any money changes hands, and it gives both parties a fair, written resolution if something goes wrong. Breeders who skip the contract create problems for themselves — missed return services, disputed fees, and damaged relationships that could have been avoided with two signatures on one page.

This template is used by breeders across the country. Fill in the bracketed fields and customise any clause to match your arrangement.

What This Template Covers

• Stud fee — amount, when it is due, and how it is paid
• Tie guarantee — what the stud owner promises occurred
• Pregnancy / return service — what happens if no pregnancy results
• Brucellosis testing — requirements for both dogs
• Vaccination requirements — minimum health standards for the dam
• Pick of litter — if used instead of or in addition to a cash fee
• Litter registration — who registers and how co-ownership is handled
• Limitation of liability — standard protection clause

How to Use This Template

1. Copy the full contract text below using the Copy Contract button
2. Paste into Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Apple Pages
3. Replace every [bracketed field] with your specific information
4. Both parties should read and initial each page, then sign the final page
5. Keep a copy for your records — the stud owner and dam owner each receive a signed original

Tips Before You Sign

Verify health testing before the breeding. Check the stud's OFA results at ofa.org before the appointment. Ask for DNA test PDFs.

Get a brucellosis test within 30 days. Both dogs should have a current negative test. This is the single most important safety step for natural breedings.

Run progesterone testing on the dam. Timing is the number one cause of failed breedings. A missed ovulation window is not a stud fertility problem — it is a timing problem, and it is not covered under return service.

Take photos at the breeding. A timestamped photo of both dogs at the time of service is useful documentation if any dispute arises later.

STUD DOG SERVICE AGREEMENT

STUD DOG SERVICE AGREEMENT

This Agreement is entered into as of [DATE] between:

STUD OWNER Name: [Full Legal Name] Address: [Street, City, State, ZIP] Phone: [Phone Number] Email: [Email Address] Kennel Name (if applicable): [Kennel Name]

DAM OWNER Name: [Full Legal Name] Address: [Street, City, State, ZIP] Phone: [Phone Number] Email: [Email Address] Kennel Name (if applicable): [Kennel Name]

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1. IDENTIFICATION OF DOGS

STUD DOG Registered Name: [Full Registered Name] Call Name: [Call Name] Breed: [Breed] Date of Birth: [DOB] Registration Number: [AKC / CKC / UKC / Other Number] Microchip Number: [Microchip Number] Color / Markings: [Description]

DAM Registered Name: [Full Registered Name] Call Name: [Call Name] Breed: [Breed] Date of Birth: [DOB] Registration Number: [AKC / CKC / UKC / Other Number] Microchip Number: [Microchip Number] Color / Markings: [Description]

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2. STUD FEE

The agreed stud fee is: $ [AMOUNT]

Payment terms: [ ] Full fee due at time of service [ ] Deposit of $ [AMOUNT] due at booking; balance due at time of service [ ] Full fee due upon confirmed pregnancy (ultrasound or relaxin test)

Accepted payment methods: [Cash / Check / Zelle / Venmo / Other]

If payment is by cheque, the breeding will not be confirmed until the cheque clears.

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3. TIE GUARANTEE

The Stud Owner guarantees that a natural tie (copulatory lock) of at least [5] minutes was observed and witnessed during the breeding on [DATE(S) OF BREEDING].

[ ] A witnessed tie was achieved. [ ] A slip mating occurred (ejaculation without a full tie — conception is still possible).

The Stud Owner does NOT guarantee pregnancy or live puppies as a result of this service. Conception depends on the Dam's ovulation timing, fertility, and other factors outside the Stud Owner's control.

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4. RETURN SERVICE POLICY

If the Dam does not produce at least one live puppy as a result of this service, the Stud Owner agrees to provide ONE (1) return service under the following conditions:

a. A negative pregnancy result must be confirmed by a licensed veterinarian via ultrasound or relaxin blood test, with written documentation provided to the Stud Owner.

b. The return service must be used within [12] months of the original breeding date, subject to the Stud Dog's availability and health.

c. The return service applies to the same Dam only. It is not transferable to another female.

d. The return service is voided if: the breeding failure is determined to be due to the Dam's infertility, improper breeding timing by the Dam Owner, or the Dam Owner's failure to present the Dam during the optimal fertile window (as determined by progesterone testing).

e. If the Stud Dog is deceased, retired, or otherwise unavailable before the return service is used, the Stud Owner will: [ ] Refund the stud fee in full [ ] Offer a substitute stud of equal value [ ] [Other arrangement].

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5. BRUCELLOSIS TESTING

Both dogs must have a negative Brucella canis test result dated within 30 days prior to the breeding date.

Stud Dog brucellosis test date: [DATE] Result: [ ] Negative Dam brucellosis test date: [DATE] Result: [ ] Negative

If either dog tests positive, the breeding will be cancelled. The stud fee deposit [ ] will / [ ] will not be refunded in this event.

The Dam Owner acknowledges that it is their responsibility to obtain and provide a current negative brucellosis test for the Dam before the breeding appointment.

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6. VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

The Dam must be current on the following vaccinations at the time of service: [ ] Rabies [ ] DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) [ ] Bordetella (Kennel Cough) [ ] Leptospirosis (recommended)

The Dam Owner warrants that the Dam is in good health, free from known infectious disease, and up to date on parasite prevention (flea, tick, and heartworm) at the time of service.

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7. PICK OF LITTER (if applicable)

[ ] This clause DOES NOT apply. The stud fee is cash only as described in Section 2.

[ ] This clause APPLIES. In lieu of [ ] all / [ ] part of the cash stud fee, the Stud Owner receives first choice of one (1) puppy from the resulting litter ("Pick of Litter").

Pick selection will occur at [7 / 8] weeks of age. The Stud Owner will visit or receive photos/videos of all puppies and will make their selection within [5] days of the selection date.

Until the Pick puppy is collected by the Stud Owner, all puppy-related expenses (food, veterinary care, vaccinations) are the responsibility of the Dam Owner.

The Pick puppy will be transferred to the Stud Owner at [ ] 8 weeks / [ ] [other agreed age], with AKC registration papers, a health record, and a [30-day / 72-hour] health guarantee.

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8. LITTER REGISTRATION

The resulting litter will be registered with [AKC / CKC / UKC / Other registry] by the [ ] Dam Owner / [ ] Stud Owner.

The Stud Owner agrees to sign any necessary registration applications (AKC Stud Service form or equivalent) within [14] days of the Dam Owner's request.

The Stud Owner does not retain any co-ownership of the Dam, the litter, or any individual puppy by virtue of this agreement, unless otherwise specified in Section 7 (Pick of Litter).

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9. HEALTH AND GENETIC DISCLAIMER

The Stud Owner makes no guarantee regarding the health, temperament, show quality, working ability, or genetic makeup of any resulting puppies. Health outcomes depend on the genetics of both parents and environmental factors outside the Stud Owner's control.

The Stud Owner represents that the Stud Dog has the following health testing on file: [ ] OFA Hip Evaluation — Result: [RATING] — Date: [DATE] [ ] OFA Elbow Evaluation — Result: [RATING] — Date: [DATE] [ ] OFA Cardiac Evaluation — Date: [DATE] [ ] CAER Eye Examination — Date: [DATE] [ ] DNA Health Panel (Embark / Wisdom Panel / Other) — Date: [DATE] [ ] Breed-Specific Testing: [LIST TESTS AND RESULTS]

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10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The Stud Owner's total liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the amount of the stud fee actually paid. Neither party shall be liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising from this Agreement.

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11. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of [STATE]. Any disputes arising under this Agreement that cannot be resolved informally shall be subject to binding arbitration or small claims court in [COUNTY], [STATE].

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12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding this breeding. Any modifications must be made in writing and signed by both parties. Verbal agreements are not binding.

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SIGNATURES

By signing below, both parties confirm they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this Agreement.

STUD OWNER

Signature: _________________________________ Date: ___________ Printed Name: _________________________________

DAM OWNER

Signature: _________________________________ Date: ___________ Printed Name: _________________________________

───────────────────────────────── This template is provided for informational purposes. For complex arrangements or high-value breedings, consult a licensed attorney in your state.