Covered conditions: Hereditary or congenital defects that are life-threatening or severely debilitating, as diagnosed in writing by a licensed veterinarian. This includes but is not limited to serious heart defects, severe hip dysplasia, and other documented genetic disorders.

Claim process: Buyer must provide a written diagnosis from a licensed veterinarian within the guarantee period. The seller reserves the right to a second veterinary opinion at the seller's expense.

Remedy: At the seller's discretion, the buyer will receive either (a) a replacement puppy of equal value from a future litter, or (b) a refund of the purchase price, minus the deposit. The puppy does not need to be returned unless the seller requests it.

Undescended testicle — breeding (full rights): If a male puppy sold on full breeding registration is found to have one or both undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), the buyer is entitled to either a replacement puppy of equal value from a future litter or a full refund of the purchase price minus the deposit. A written diagnosis from a licensed veterinarian is required.

Undescended testicle — pet registration: If a male puppy sold on pet registration has one or both testicles that remain undescended at the time of neutering (performed at or after 12 months of age), the seller agrees to reimburse the buyer for the cost difference between a standard neuter and the additional surgical cost required to remove the undescended testicle(s). A veterinary invoice must be submitted to the seller within 30 days of the procedure.

Not covered: Injuries, illnesses caused by accidents, parasites, viruses, bacteria, or conditions resulting from neglect or improper care. IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) caused by obesity or injury from jumping/accidents is not covered under this guarantee; however, IVDD with a confirmed genetic basis is covered under the 1-year genetic health guarantee. We breed for health and temperament to minimize risk.

Vet check required: Buyer must have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 2 weeks of taking possession. Failure to do so voids this health guarantee.

Veterinary care: Buyer agrees to maintain all age-appropriate vaccinations, annual wellness exams, heartworm prevention, and flea/tick prevention. The puppy's vaccination series must be completed on schedule.

Spay / Neuter (Pet registration): Puppies sold on pet registration should be spayed or neutered between 12–18 months of age unless a medical exemption is provided in writing by a licensed veterinarian.

Safe environment: Buyer agrees to provide a safe, loving, and appropriate home environment. Dachshunds must not be allowed to jump from heights that could injure their backs. Ramps or steps are strongly recommended for furniture access.

Nutrition: Buyer agrees to feed the puppy a high-quality diet appropriate for a miniature Dachshund. The seller will provide feeding recommendations at pickup.

Weight management: Obesity is a leading cause of IVDD in Dachshunds. Buyer agrees to maintain the puppy at a healthy weight as directed by their veterinarian.

Socialization & training: Buyer agrees to properly socialize and train the puppy using positive reinforcement methods.

Lifetime return: Dachs on the Lake will always take back a puppy we have bred if the buyer can no longer care for it, for any reason, at any age. We will never allow one of our puppies to end up in a shelter.

No resale: Buyer agrees NOT to sell, rehome, give away, or transfer ownership of this puppy to any third party without first contacting Dachs on the Lake and giving the seller the right of first refusal to take the puppy back.

Deposit policy: The $300 deposit paid to reserve this puppy is non-refundable if the buyer cancels the purchase. If the seller is unable to fulfill the sale, the deposit will be refunded in full.

No shelter surrender: Under no circumstances may this puppy be surrendered to a shelter, rescue, or humane society. Buyer must contact the seller first. Violation of this clause voids all guarantees and may result in legal action to reclaim the puppy.

Pet registration: Puppies sold on pet (limited) registration are not to be bred. Any litter produced from a pet-registered puppy will not be recognized by the seller, and this contract will be considered breached.

Breeding registration: Puppies sold on full (breeding) registration may be bred responsibly. The buyer agrees to breed only to dogs of equal or superior quality, with health testing appropriate for the breed, and to uphold the welfare of the breed.

Rehoming of retired breeding dogs: The buyer has the freedom to rehome a dog once it has reached retirement from breeding (per AKC guidelines on age and maximum number of litters allowed). Upon rehoming, the buyer agrees that the dog will be spayed or neutered by the buyer or the new owner prior to or shortly after placement, and that no further breeding will occur. The new owner must be made aware of and agree to these terms.

Seller photos & updates: Buyer agrees to share occasional photos and updates with the seller. We love hearing from our puppy families!

Misrepresentation: If the buyer has provided false information to obtain this puppy, this contract is void and the seller reserves the right to reclaim the puppy.