Why Contracts Exist in the First Place
When you purchase a puppy from a responsible breeder, you are not just buying a dog. You are entering into a relationship, one that includes expectations on both sides about how that dog will be cared for, housed, and used.
Contracts protect the puppy first. They also protect the buyer and the breeder. A well-written contract sets clear expectations before money changes hands, which prevents misunderstandings and ensures every dog produced by the kennel goes to a situation that is right for it.
At CCR Kennels, every puppy leaves our home with a signed Purchase Agreement. Whether a puppy is placed on a companion contract or a show/breeding contract depends on the individual dog, the individual buyer, and the intended purpose.
The Companion Contract (Limited Registration)
A companion contract, sometimes called a pet contract, is the standard agreement for the majority of puppy placements. In AKC terms, companion placement typically corresponds to Limited Registration.
What Limited Registration Means
An AKC Limited Registration means the dog is fully registered with the AKC and is a purebred Cane Corso in every sense. The dog can compete in AKC performance events such as obedience, rally, agility, and Canine Good Citizen. The one restriction is that any offspring of a Limited Registration dog cannot be registered with the AKC.
This is the breeder's mechanism for controlling who breeds from their lines.
What a Companion Contract Typically Includes
Most companion contracts include a spay/neuter requirement, meaning the dog must be spayed or neutered by a specified age, often between 12 and 24 months. For large breeds like the Cane Corso, waiting until physical maturity is important for joint and hormonal development, so a responsible breeder will build that into the timeline rather than requiring it at 6 months.
You will also find a no breeding clause, which simply means the dog may not be used for breeding purposes. There is typically a no resale or rehoming provision without breeder notification, so if the owner can no longer keep the dog, the breeder has first right of return or approval over the new home. This is standard and protects the dog.
The contract will outline health guarantee terms, including what is covered, for how long, and what documentation is required to make a claim. Finally, some contracts specify care requirements such as feeding standards, housing conditions, veterinary care, and a prohibition on chaining or tethering.
Who Is a Companion Contract For?
The companion contract is for buyers who want a healthy, well-bred Cane Corso as a family member, personal protection dog, or working companion, with no intention of breeding. This covers the vast majority of puppy buyers, and there is nothing "lesser" about it. A companion-placed puppy can go on to be a therapy dog, a competition obedience dog, a family guardian, and a beloved pet for 10 to 12 years.
The Show or Breeding Contract (Full Registration)
A show or breeding contract is offered when a puppy demonstrates the structure, temperament, and breed type to potentially be shown or bred. In AKC terms, this corresponds to Full Registration.
What Full Registration Means
Full Registration means the dog and any offspring it produces can be registered with the AKC. This is the only registration type that allows a dog's puppies to carry AKC papers.
Full Registration is not handed out automatically or sold as an upgrade. It is earned by demonstrating that the buyer is qualified to breed responsibly and that the dog meets the standard well enough to contribute to the breed.
What a Show or Breeding Contract Typically Includes
A show or breeding contract will include health testing requirements, meaning that before any breeding takes place, the dog must complete a specified list of health evaluations. For a Cane Corso, this commonly includes OFA hip and elbow evaluations, a cardiac exam by a board-certified cardiologist, a CAER eye exam, and a DNA panel. These tests must be completed and results documented before the dog is bred.
Many show contracts also require AKC conformation showing, where the dog must earn an AKC Championship or at minimum attain a specified number of points before breeding, demonstrating that the dog has been evaluated against the breed standard by independent judges.
The contract will address breed standard adherence, requiring that dogs bred under the agreement only be bred to dogs that are similarly health-tested and AKC-registered. Breeding to unregistered, untested, or mixed-breed dogs violates the agreement. Any puppies produced must be AKC-registered and placed under appropriate contracts through a litter registration provision.
There is also an expectation of ongoing communication, as most breeders who offer show/breeding contracts maintain an ongoing relationship with those buyers. You are extending the breeder's program, not just buying a dog. Additionally, the original breeder often retains a right of first refusal, meaning they can purchase back the dog at the original sale price if the buyer can no longer keep it, and they have the right to be offered any puppies from breedings before they are placed elsewhere.
Who Is a Show or Breeding Contract For?
Show and breeding contracts are for buyers who are serious about the breed. These are people who plan to show in AKC conformation, who are building their own responsible breeding program, or who have a documented track record working with this breed or a similar one.
First-time dog owners are rarely offered full registration, not because they are unwelcome, but because responsible breeding requires a foundation of knowledge and experience that takes time to build. A reputable breeder who offers full registration to anyone who asks a premium price should be a red flag.
Common Questions
Can I upgrade from Limited to Full Registration later?
Yes, at the breeder's sole discretion. If a companion-placed puppy matures into an exceptional specimen, the breeder may agree to lift the limited registration. This requires a conversation, documentation, and mutual agreement. It is not automatic and it is not something a buyer can demand.
If I paid more, should I get full registration?
No. Price and registration type are separate. Breeders who charge more for full registration without evaluating the buyer's intentions are not operating responsibly. They are selling breeding rights as an add-on, which is not in the breed's interest. A responsible breeder evaluates the buyer, the dog, and the intended purpose before offering full registration.
Does a companion contract mean the dog is lower quality?
Absolutely not. Many companion-placed dogs are structurally and temperamentally excellent. The placement decision is about intended use, not dog quality. In fact, some companion dogs would make exceptional show or breeding prospects, but the buyer's goals and experience level make companion placement the right choice.
What happens if I breed my companion-contracted dog anyway?
Breeding a dog placed on a companion or limited registration contract is a breach of contract. Depending on the terms of your specific agreement, consequences can include financial penalties, required return of the dog, and permanent damage to your reputation in the breeding community. It also means any puppies you produce cannot be AKC-registered, which significantly reduces their value and traceability. Beyond the legal and practical consequences, it is simply not the right thing to do.
The Bottom Line
The contract you sign when you bring home a Cane Corso puppy reflects the trust a breeder is placing in you and the commitment they have made to every dog they produce. Whether companion or show/breeding, both contracts exist to serve the same purpose: making sure every CCR Kennels dog lives the life it was bred for.
If you have questions about our Purchase Agreement or what to expect when you reserve a puppy, we are happy to walk you through it before you commit. Transparency is part of how we do things here.