Health & Temperament Guarantee

Last updated: August 17, 2025

This guarantee is part of our commitment to raising confident, healthy German Shepherds. It summarizes the coverage typically included in our sales contract. If there is any conflict, your signed contract controls. This page is informational and not legal advice.

1) Initial Wellness Exam (72 Hours)

You must have your puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours (3 business days) of pickup or delivery, excluding Sundays and federal holidays. If your veterinarian finds a life‑threatening illness present before transfer of custody, notify us in writing within 24 hours and provide the full written report. We may request a second opinion from a mutually agreed, independent veterinarian. If confirmed, you may (at our option):

• return the puppy for a full refund of the purchase price; or
• return the puppy and receive a replacement puppy of comparable quality from the next suitable litter.

Transportation costs are not included in refunds and are the buyer’s responsibility unless required by law.

2) Genetic Health Guarantee (24 Months)

We guarantee the puppy to be free from serious, disabling genetic or congenital defects that materially impair quality of life for 24 months from the date of birth. Covered conditions must be diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian and, where appropriate, a board‑certified specialist. Examples include severe congenital heart disease, severe hereditary neurological disease, and other defects of a genetic nature that significantly impact daily function.

If a covered condition is diagnosed within the coverage period, you may (at our option):

• keep the dog and receive up to 50% of the purchase price as a veterinary expense credit (receipts required); or
• return the dog and receive a replacement puppy of comparable quality from the next suitable litter.

Normal veterinary costs (vaccinations, parasites, routine care), cosmetic faults, or conditions attributable to injury, accident, poisoning, neglect, or infectious disease post‑transfer are excluded.

3) Hips & Elbows (Up to 26 Months)

We use generations of screened dogs and modern selection practices to reduce the risk of orthopedic disease. If your dog receives an official diagnosis of bilateral hip dysplasia (OFA moderate or severe) or elbow dysplasia (OFA Grade 2 or 3) by 26 months of age, confirmed by OFA (or FCI equivalent), we will provide one of the following (at our option):

• a replacement puppy of comparable quality from the next suitable litter; or
• up to 50% of the purchase price as a veterinary expense credit if you choose to keep the dog.

Exclusions: unilateral findings, mild grades, dysplasia resulting from trauma, over‑exercise, obesity, inappropriate nutrition, or premature spay/neuter against veterinary guidance; working/sport overuse; or failure to follow reasonable growth and conditioning practices. Radiographs must be taken under appropriate positioning and sedation per OFA/FCI standards.

4) Temperament Guarantee (to 12 Months)

We guarantee puppies to be free of inherent extreme temperament faults such as persistent, unmanageable pathological fear or unprovoked human‑directed aggression that is not attributable to environment, improper handling, lack of socialization, or neglect. Coverage extends to 12 months of age and requires evaluation by a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviorist.

If confirmed, remedies are (at our option): behavior support plan, replacement puppy upon return of the dog, or a partial credit if you keep the dog.

5) Buyer Responsibilities (Required for Coverage)

• Complete the 72‑hour wellness exam and retain records.
• Maintain regular veterinary care, parasite prevention, and vaccinations appropriate for your region.
• Feed a balanced, large‑breed appropriate diet; avoid obesity and excessive forced exercise during growth.
• Provide age‑appropriate socialization and training using humane methods; avoid harsh handling.
• For pets sold on limited registration, follow any spay/neuter timing recommended by your veterinarian. Early spay/neuter may void orthopedic coverage if your vet advises against it.
• Do not breed the dog unless sold with breeding rights and corresponding written agreement.
• Keep microchip and contact information current.

6) Claims Process

1. Email izzet@gunbil.net within 10 days of a diagnosis you believe is covered.
2. Provide complete medical records, test results, radiographs, and (if requested) a report from a board‑certified specialist.
3. Allow us to obtain a second opinion from a mutually agreed independent specialist. You agree to share records for this purpose.
4. If a remedy involves return/replacement, you must return registration papers and the dog in good condition (normal wear and tear excepted).

This guarantee is non‑transferable and applies only to the original purchaser.

7) Limits

Remedies under this guarantee are limited to the options stated above. We are not responsible for incidental or consequential damages, training costs, or non‑medical expenses. Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations; where prohibited, we will follow applicable law.

Tip: Keep copies of your purchase contract and veterinary records. Contact us if you have any concerns—we’re here to help.