Question
I bought my dog from a breeder for $1,500. He’s an English Bulldog Tri Merle. I’ve had him for a year now, and I’ve been wanting to breed him, but I can’t because I don’t have his certificate. The breeder never mentioned a certificate when I was in the process of buying him or when I went to pick up the dog. When I asked him what could vary the price, he said, “The color of the dog can change the price.” I was new to the breeder world, so I didn’t have a clue about it. Now that I’m asking for the certificate, he’s saying that he doesn’t want to give it to me without compensation of $1,000. What can I do in this situation?
Answer
Most importantly, I hope your dog is doing well.
A breeder is not generally required to provide breed registration documentation unless the contract of sale says that the breeder will and the breeder fails to do so, in which case the purchaser may have a viable lawsuit for breach of contract. The lawsuit can seek the dog’s registration papers or money for the difference in monetary value between a dog with and without papers. Some states, such as New York, specifically address this issue. For example, New York’s law state, in part: “Any pet dealer who states, promises, or represents that an animal is registered or capable of registration with an animal pedigree registry organization shall provide the purchaser with the appropriate documents necessary for such registration within one hundred twenty days following sale of the animal…”
Complaints about deceptive practices may be made to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Division. Complaints about breeders in Texas may also be made to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, although the agency focuses on violations of the laws and regulations governing breeders, not individual contract disputes.
There are so many wonderful dogs and other animals at shelters and rescues in need of loving homes. Breeding can contribute to the overpopulation of animals.
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