What pick of the litter means in a stud agreement
Some stud owners would rather have a puppy than a payment. It sounds simple, yet it causes more arguments than any other stud arrangement. This VerifiedStuds guide explains how the deal works, when it suits each side, and how to put it in writing.
Pick of the litter is a stud arrangement where the owner of the sire takes a puppy in place of a cash fee. He usually gets first choice, which is where the name comes from. So the owner of the dam pays nothing up front, and the stud owner gets a puppy from a pairing he believes in.
Variations are common. "Second pick" means the dam's owner chooses first. "Pick of males" or "pick of females" limits the choice to one sex. In addition, some deals combine a reduced fee with a later pick.
Cash stud fee
Pick of the litter
Cost to dam owner
Known in advance
One puppy, often the best one
Risk if the litter is small
Dam owner still pays
Stud owner may take a large share
Paperwork
Simple
Needs careful wording
Best for
Most pet and first-time breeders
Breeders who share goals for the line
A rule of thumb says a stud fee is roughly the price of one puppy. On paper, then, the two deals look equal. In practice they are not. The pick is usually the most promising puppy, which may be worth far more to a breeder than the average price.
The arrangement works well when both owners are breeders with the same aims. For example, the stud owner may want a daughter to continue his line, and the dam's owner may be short of cash but have an excellent female. Then each side gets what it values most.
It also suits a young, unproven stud. His owner gains a puppy to show what the dog can produce, while the dam's owner avoids paying for an untested male.
Small litters. If she has two puppies and one goes to the stud owner, half the litter is gone. Toy breeds often have small litters. See how many puppies a dog can have.
You wanted the best puppy yourself. If you are breeding to keep a show or working prospect, first pick is exactly what you cannot give away.
Different ideas of "best". Without a written rule, both owners may want the same puppy.
Unclear timing. Puppies change week by week, so the day of choosing matters.
Put every point in the contract before the breeding. At the least, cover these:
Which pick, and whether it is limited to one sex or color.
When the choice is made, usually at seven or eight weeks, and who may examine the puppies first.
What happens with a small litter. Many contracts switch to a cash fee if fewer than three puppies survive.
What happens if there is only one puppy, or none of the sex the stud owner wanted.
Who pays for the puppy's care until collection, including vaccines and microchip.
Registration. Whether the pick puppy has full registration, and who signs what.
Our stud dog contract guide covers the other clauses. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Many owners settle on a plain cash fee with a return service, because it is easier to understand. Others agree a cash fee and give the stud owner the option to buy a puppy at a set price. The stud fee guide shows typical prices by breed.
Ready to compare sires? Then find a health-tested stud, or read the questions to ask a stud dog owner. Stud owners can list their stud free.
What does pick of the litter mean?
It means the stud's owner chooses a puppy from the litter in place of a cash stud fee, usually with first choice.
Is pick of the litter better than paying a stud fee?
It depends. It saves cash up front, but it can cost you the best puppy, and it is risky with small litters.
What happens if there is only one puppy?
Whatever the contract says. Good agreements switch to a cash fee or a repeat breeding when the litter is very small.
At what age is the pick puppy chosen?
Usually at seven or eight weeks, when structure and temperament are easier to judge. The contract should name the date.
Who gets first pick, the breeder or the stud owner?
With "pick of the litter", the stud owner does. With "second pick", the dam's owner chooses first.
Sources: American Kennel Club, guide to responsible dog breeding, American Kennel Club, average litter sizes. Fee comparisons are general market observations.
Every stud profile on VerifiedStuds shows the fee and what it includes.