Co-Ownership

At Stardust, all of our dogs are cherished members of our family and live in our homes with us.

To ensure every dog receives the love, attention, and training they deserve, we sometimes co-own select high-quality puppies with families who can provide them with their own loving homes. All co-ownership agreements are established through private arrangements.

Approximately 50% of dogs identified as show or breeding prospects are eventually bred. If a dog doesn’t mature as expected or if any health testing yields unsatisfactory results, the decision will be made to spay or neuter the dog. In such cases, the co-owner would cover the cost of the procedure, and full ownership would be transferred to them.

Co-owners are also responsible for completing any required health clearances, such as eye and hip evaluations, to assess breeding eligibility.

For male dogs, co-owners agree to keep the dog intact for at least five years and make him available for breeding as needed. When the time comes, we will either pick up the dog or arrange for the co-owner to take him to the vet for semen collection and shipping. All costs related to breeding are covered by Stardust Miniature American Shepherds.

Additional terms, including the percentage of the stud fee shared with co-owners, are outlined in the co-ownership contract.

For female dogs, co-owners agree to two litters, which can either be raised by the co-owner family or at Stardust. An optional third litter may be considered, depending on the co-owner’s preferences. After her second or third litter, the female will be spayed, and full ownership will be transferred to the co-owner.

Based on guidance from leading veterinarians specializing in canine breeding, it is recommended that females be bred at two years old and again at around two and a half years old. Limiting the number of heat cycles reduces scar tissue formation in the uterus, contributing to the dog’s overall reproductive health. This approach allows the female to be retired from breeding by age three.

The co-ownership contract for females is more detailed and includes specifics about the percentage of proceeds shared with the co-owner for each litter.

When a dog is retired from the breeding program, whether male or female, they are spayed or neutered, and full ownership is granted to the co-owner.

Currently, all of our dogs are registered as Miniature American Shepherds.

We hold ourselves to the highest standards. Every breeding dog undergoes rigorous health evaluations, including OFA certifications for hips, eye clearances, and checks for proper scissor bites.

In addition, many of our dogs are screened with comprehensive DNA testing to further ensure their health and the integrity of our breeding program.