I think it is more common with bigger dogs. I have a friend that shows/breeds GSDs and there is a limit to how many he can physically keep, so he will place a bitch in a home with a contract that keeps her in his ownership and registration and the new "foster" parent for lack of a better term returns the bitch to him for one breeding. He keeps her for that period from breeding to weaning, then at that time the bitch is spayed and ownership changes hands.
In breeding the papillons I have leased bitches for breeding from my mentor. It is a very good way to get a litter from an outstanding bitch and to help enhance your pedigrees. For me it allowed me to produce the 2 bitches that, along with a 3rd bitch I purchased, form the real foundation of our own program. They are half sisters to each other which sets up nice opportunities for line breeding later. I would never have gotten that strong a base if I had had to purchase 3 unrelated bitches. It also allows you to introduce genetic diversity with more options than just outside studs. The key is a very specific contact that spells out exactly what everyone's duties and obligations are during the lease, esp. Related to vet care and the risk of losing a bitch-- meaning in our case a liquidated damages amount agreed upon if I, when leasing the bitch, had her die due to my own negligence. I feel very fortunate to have such a strong relationship with my mentor and now co-breeder for her to have trusted me with her girls to give me the start that she did. She also benefitted more than just financially as on one litter she received a very nice bitch puppy to pay for the lease bred from a marvelous dog-- but I bore the cost of the stud fee, so it worked to her advantage in her program as well.
I would not do a lease with someone I had not had a long term relationship with- even with the best contract... |