Read before you reserve
Purchase agreement.
The whole document, published here so you can read it before anybody asks you for money. Nothing in it changes between the website and the signature.
The terms
1. The puppy
The Seller warrants that the puppy named in this agreement was bred by the Seller, is in good health at the time of transfer, is at least nine weeks old, is microchipped, and has received age-appropriate vaccinations and worming, all documented in the health record supplied to the Buyer.
2. Veterinary examination within 7 days
The Buyer agrees to have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within seven (7) calendar days of collection, at the Buyer's expense. This examination activates the health guarantee. If no examination takes place within that window, the health guarantee is void.
3. Two-year health guarantee
The Seller guarantees the puppy against life-limiting congenital and hereditary defects for two (2) years from date of birth, including hip and elbow dysplasia (moderate or severe), dilated cardiomyopathy and congenital heart defects, wobbler syndrome, congenital deafness, inherited coagulopathies, congenital eye defects and hereditary hypothyroidism. A written diagnosis from a licensed veterinarian is required, together with a second opinion from a board-certified specialist for orthopaedic and cardiac claims, arranged and paid for by the Seller. The Buyer may elect a full refund of the purchase price or a replacement puppy of equivalent value from a future litter. The Buyer retains the dog in either case.
4. Communicable illness within 14 days
If the puppy is diagnosed with parvovirus, distemper, coronavirus or canine infectious hepatitis within fourteen (14) days of collection, the Seller will reimburse reasonable documented veterinary costs up to the purchase price. Parasites, giardia, coccidia and kennel cough are excluded as routine puppy conditions.
5. Buyer responsibilities
The Buyer agrees to: feed a large-breed puppy formula containing no more than 1.2% calcium on a dry-matter basis until 18 months of age; avoid forced or repetitive exercise until the growth plates close at 18–24 months; maintain vaccinations, worming and parasite prevention on a licensed veterinarian's schedule; keep the dog as a family companion in the home, never primarily outdoors, chained or kennelled; and provide prompt veterinary care when needed. Failure to meet these conditions voids the health guarantee.
6. Exclusions
The guarantee does not cover: gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat); injury, accident, neglect or improper diet; cosmetic or non-life-limiting faults including markings, bite, undescended testicles or adult size; temperament; parasites and routine puppy illness beyond the stated windows; or mild (Grade 1) orthopaedic findings that do not affect the dog's quality of life.
7. Registration and breeding
The puppy is sold on AKC limited registration as a companion animal and is not to be bred. The Buyer agrees to spay or neuter the dog between 18 and 24 months of age, on veterinary advice, and to provide written confirmation. Full registration is available only by separate prior written agreement.
8. Lifetime return clause
The Buyer agrees not to sell, give away, surrender to a shelter or otherwise rehome the dog without first offering it back to the Seller in writing. The Seller will take the dog back at any point in its life, for any reason, at no fee. This clause has no expiry.
9. Deposit, balance and travel
A deposit of $500 reserves the named puppy and is applied against the purchase price. The balance, including any travel fee, is due in cleared funds before the puppy travels. The deposit is refunded in full if the Seller cancels, and transfers without time limit to a future litter if the Buyer's circumstances change. Full terms are on the Return & Refund Policy page.
10. Governing terms
This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior verbal representation. If any dispute arises, both parties agree to attempt good-faith resolution directly, and then mediation, before any other step. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Michigan.
A note on payment methods
We accept bank transfer, certified cheque, and major credit cards through a card processor that gives you buyer protection. We will never ask you to pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire to a personal account, or a peer-to-peer app with no recourse. If anyone claiming to be us asks for that, it is not us — call +1 (619) 781-6400 and check.
Plain-English summary
- Get your puppy to a vet within 7 days, or the guarantee lapses.
- Feed large-breed puppy food and do not over-exercise him before 18 months.
- Two years of cover on serious hereditary problems — refund or replacement, you keep the dog.
- Neuter at 18–24 months and tell us it is done.
- If you ever cannot keep him, he comes back to us. Free. Forever.
This page reproduces the agreement for reference. The binding version is the one both parties sign. It is not legal advice, and you are welcome to have a lawyer look at it before you sign — several families have.
Reserve your puppy
Only submit this after we have spoken. If we have not, start with the puppy application instead.