My friend bought a dog but the kc papers weren’t available due to Covid delays at the kennel club.  When he collected the pup the breeder pulled out a contract saying he couldn’t share pictures of his pup on social media or the breeder would “seek legal advice”.  Is this normal to not allow an owner to share pictures of his dog?  He told the breeder later on that it was unreasonable and set up a page for his pup.  The breeder now says he can’t have the papers because of this.  I have checked the kc site and the dog is registered.  Is this allowed?  Just seems mad to tell someone they can’t share photos of a dog they bought?

What contract did the buyer sign? The kc take a very dim view of breeders withholding paperwork especially if they are assured breeders.

I don't know about these days but long in the past, breeders who didn't want the puppies they sold as pets only bred from so they kept the paperwork.   Maybe today, breeders rely more on endorsements?   Even if that doesn't stop a puppy from being bred from.  KC reg. or not doesn't seem to affect puppies/adults commanding a high price.

Why would a breeder not want a new owner to publish photos of their new puppy?  If it's good enough to be sold, surely it's good enough to be photographed.   I suppose it depends on the signed contract, and the reason why the owner wants to put photos on social media?  Stud advertising comes to mind.

I've seen and heard this a lot from commercial breeders in I think it was a doodle of sorts, not the kc part obviously but the social media part.

> he couldn’t share pictures of his pup on social media or the breeder would “seek legal advice”.  Is this normal to not allow an owner to share pictures of his dog?

Not normal at all.
Does the puppy have anything up with it? Wonder if this is a large breeder who doesn't want this pup connected to them for some reason.
But no I cant see a breeder being able to prohibit the owner putting up pics of their own dog contract or no, as a contract terms have to be reasonable I believe. Once you sell an item you can't say how it must be used (say I sell you a toaster I can't say you can only use white bread in it or I'll sue u).

>The breeder now says he can’t have the papers because of this.  I have checked the kc site and the dog is registered.  Is this allowed? 

If the puppy was advertised as kc reg and it said the pup would come with it they must provide it. Otherwise the item was not as described (in law dogs are items like a toaster)
I'd tell your firend to speak to certizan advice on where they stand on both issues and if it's as I think send them a recorded letter requesting the kc papers with in a set time fraim or they will seek legal recourse. They can either provide the papers, offer a refund for return or go to small clames court.

I think I would seek legal advice from Trevor Cooper at DogLaw - pay the £60 consult fee or whatever it is and get top notch legal advice: https://doglaw.co.uk

The dog was bought as advertised and your friend hasn't been sold what he paid for. (Ie he paid for a KC registered puppy.) So the 'goods' are not as described/advertised. (Dogs sadly are property in the eyes of the law.)

Contact your local Trading Standards/Citizens Advice office. They will advise you of your rights. Was the dog purchased via a breeder listed on Champdogs?

Thank you, he is going to.  No, the breeder was on pets4homes, not champdogs

oh dear well that says it all then