Becoming a foster family
We are regularly looking for foster families for both male and female dogs that we would like to include in our breeding program. At the moment, we have four females living with us, which we consider our current maximum. It’s important to us that we can dedicate enough time and attention to our dogs, so we want to ensure they all have a home where they are loved and well cared for.
Becoming a foster family is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it also comes with certain responsibilities. Around the dog’s first birthday, a series of health and temperament tests must be completed to determine if the dog is suitable for breeding. To qualify, both male and female breeding dogs must receive a score of 9 or 10 and pass all evaluations. Dogs that do not meet this standard make excellent family pets but are not eligible for our breeding program.
Some tests are done early: the hip evaluation can be performed from around 15 weeks of age, and the DNA test is done by the breeder while the puppy is still in the litter. For the hip evaluation, we sometimes use PennHIP, and we assess individually for each dog what is appropriate. Other required tests include an annual eye examination, patella evaluation, and shoulder checks. We aim to schedule as many of these tests as possible on the same day for convenience.
In addition, there will be ongoing communication with the breeder regarding the dog’s health, development, and the most appropriate diet. A stud dog must be available to mate with females regularly, while a female that has a litter will stay with the breeder for approximately 10 weeks to give birth and care for her puppies.
Breeding Female
When a female dog from a litter bred by us is placed with a foster family, the family purchases the dog for a price of 20 000 SEK. . The breeder retains the contractual right for at least two litters. By agreeing to this, the foster family consents to make the female available for two litters.
According to Swedish law, a female dog may have a maximum of five litters. In our kennel, however, our females retire after a maximum of four litters. After the second litter, the breeder and the foster family will discuss whether both parties are open to continuing with a third litter. If both agree, the breeding program may continue. The foster family will receive a fee of 10,000 SEK for a potential third litter, and another 10,000 SEK after the fourth litter, if those litters occur.
Once it has been decided that the female will no longer have litters, or when she is no longer suitable for breeding, full ownership of the dog will be officially transferred to the foster family, and the breeding agreement will no longer apply.
For a female dog purchased by the breeder from another breeder, different terms may apply. These terms will be agreed upon in consultation with the foster family.
Stud Dog
When a male dog from a litter bred by us is placed with a foster family, the family purchases the dog for a price of 25,000 SEK. The breeding rights to the dog are retained by the breeder.
Once the dog has successfully passed all required health and temperament tests, the foster family agrees to make him available for mating as requested by the breeder.
The foster family will receive a fee of 1,500 SEK per mating.
If the dog mates more than once with the same female during the same heat cycle, this will count as one mating for compensation purposes.
Since the number of matings a male dog may perform is not regulated by law, the breeder and the foster family will jointly decide what is appropriate for the individual dog’s well-being.
In general, the breeder will pick up the dog, and he will stay with the breeder for a short period during the mating process.
Any travel expenses incurred by the foster family in connection with mating will be reimbursed by the breeder.
Alternatively, the breeder and the foster family may agree that the mating can take place in the foster family’s garden or at their home.
It is important that the foster family is flexible and maintains good communication so that the collaboration runs smoothly for everyone involved. The stud dog continues to live with his family and only stays temporarily with the breeder in connection with matings, usually for a short time.
For a stud dog purchased by the breeder from another breeder, different terms may apply. These terms will be agreed upon in consultation with the foster family.
