Preston,
we bred Juneau -- she's out of our Cassidy and Ch Ivoss Touch The Sun -- and we co-own her. One of the conditions of co-ownership what that we could breed her to continue the line and her owners are very good friends who own an Annie son (Annie was our first Rottie) and co-owned Rowdy with us. They don't have the experience or the inclination to do the actual breeding/whelping themselves so they asked if we would be willing to do it. Since Juneau was born right here in the same room and the same whelping box we will use for her litter, it seemed both appropriate and should be comfortable for Juneau.

Our agreement is that the owners get their pick puppy (either male or female) to work in Agility. That's really their first love. We'd like a girl to show in Conformation and to put some working titles on. And to ultimately breed down the line. The owner of the stud dog would also like a girl from her stud dog and that would pay for the stud service. Beyond that, we have 8 potential buyer homes and whatever the number of puppies left after the 3 that we all want. We split the revenue from those sales with Juneau's owners. We do the marketing and the determination of appropriate owners.

I have no problem explaining our situation but no two breeding situations are identical. We happen to have very good friends who we trust completely and they trust us the same. That seldom happens in dogs . Because of the way we bring up our puppies, Juneau is as comfortable in our home as she is in her own. Her mom (Cassidy) is very supportive (thank goodness) and her brother, Sundance, adores her. Auntie Marion Louise will help any way she can and Uncle Harry Potter is her best friend. It's an incredibly sweet family of Rotties.

I'm delighted that you are willing to ask those questions. Lots of people think there is some kind of "silent code" that breeders follow but that's not true with us. I'm completely willing to share the details of our relationships and the products of our efforts -- the puppies!! I am so ready for puppies. You have no idea how much joy they bring into our home.

Jim