I am sorry you suffered two tragic losses of your first 2 pups.
Limited AKC registration with an agreement to spay/neuter is typical for pups. My boys' breeder held onto the AKC papers until after the pups were neutered.
Breeding rights usually do increase the purchase price significantly. I believe AKC registration for a breeding dog costs more.
Was it a contract that you signed with the breeder? The type of registration should have been indicated in the contract.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy  |