Puppy Purchase Contract

5.1 — Veterinary Examination

Buyer agrees to have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of pickup. Failure to do so constitutes acceptance of the puppy's health at the time of purchase and voids this health guarantee.

5.2 — Congenital Defect Guarantee

River Dachs guarantees this puppy against life-threatening congenital or hereditary defects for a period of one (1) year from the date of birth. A "life-threatening congenital defect" is defined as a condition present at birth that substantially reduces the puppy's quality of life or expected lifespan, as confirmed in writing by a licensed veterinarian.

5.3 — Remedy Under Guarantee

If a qualifying defect is diagnosed within the guarantee period, Buyer may elect one of the following remedies:

• A replacement puppy from the next available River Dachs litter of comparable value, once the diagnosed dog is returned to Breeder; or
• A 50% refund of the purchase price, provided that veterinary documentation of the condition is submitted within 30 days of diagnosis.

Breeder is not responsible for veterinary expenses incurred in diagnosing or treating the condition.

5.4 — Exclusions from Guarantee

The health guarantee does not cover: injuries caused after leaving Breeder's care; communicable diseases contracted after pickup; conditions related to improper nutrition, trauma, or neglect; IVDD (disc disease) resulting from jumping, obesity, or activity not in compliance with IVDD-safe care guidelines; parasites; or conditions that arise from Buyer's failure to follow veterinary recommendations.

5.5 — Second Opinion Required

Breeder reserves the right to request a second veterinary opinion from a veterinarian of Breeder's choosing before any remedy under this guarantee is provided. Buyer agrees to cooperate with this process.

6.1 — Registration Type

This puppy is sold with full AKC registration. AKC registration papers will be provided at pickup or mailed to Buyer within 30 days of the litter being registered with AKC (whichever comes first).

6.2 — Spay / Neuter

Buyer agrees to spay or neuter this puppy by 12 months of age unless a separate written Breeding Rights Agreement has been executed between Buyer and Breeder. Providing proof of sterilization is not required unless Buyer requests a breeding rights upgrade in the future.

6.3 — Breeding Rights

This puppy is sold without breeding rights unless a Breeding Rights Addendum is attached to and signed as part of this contract. Breeding this dog without a signed Breeding Rights Agreement is a material breach of this contract.

7.1 — Proper Care

Buyer agrees to provide adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, exercise, and companionship appropriate for a miniature dachshund. This includes annual veterinary wellness exams, timely vaccinations, and heartworm/flea/tick prevention.

7.2 — IVDD Prevention

Buyer acknowledges that miniature dachshunds are predisposed to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Buyer agrees to take reasonable precautions including: using ramps or steps instead of allowing the dog to jump from furniture or stairs; maintaining a healthy body weight; avoiding high-impact activity; and consulting a veterinarian at the first sign of back pain, lameness, or neurological symptoms.

7.3 — No Resale or Abandonment

Buyer agrees not to sell, give, surrender, or transfer ownership of this dog to any pet store, puppy broker, research facility, animal shelter, or rescue organization without first notifying River Dachs and offering to return the dog to Breeder. Breeder will accept the dog back at any point in its life at no penalty to Buyer.

7.4 — Right of First Refusal

Should Buyer be unable to keep the dog for any reason, Buyer must first offer to return the dog to River Dachs. Breeder has 7 days to respond to this offer. If Breeder declines or does not respond within 7 days, Buyer may rehome the dog privately to a pre-approved home — not to a shelter or rescue.

7.5 — No Declawing or Ear Cropping

Buyer agrees not to have this dog declawed, ear-cropped, or subjected to any cosmetic surgical procedure not medically necessary.

8.1 — Return Within 72 Hours

If a veterinarian identifies a pre-existing condition within 72 hours of pickup that materially affects the puppy's health, Buyer may return the puppy for a full refund of the purchase price (excluding the deposit). The puppy must be returned within 5 calendar days of that veterinary finding.

8.2 — Voluntary Return

Buyer may return the dog to River Dachs at any time without penalty. The purchase price is non-refundable for voluntary returns. Breeder will rehome the returned dog. Breeder is not obligated to provide a replacement or refund for voluntary returns.

8.3 — Return Condition

Dogs returned to River Dachs must be current on vaccinations, in good health, and free of communicable disease at the time of return. Buyer is responsible for any veterinary costs required to restore the dog to good health before Breeder accepts the return.

Breeder's total liability under this Contract shall not exceed the purchase price paid for the dog. Breeder is not liable for any consequential, incidental, or special damages including but not limited to veterinary expenses, emotional distress, lost income, or property damage arising from ownership of this dog.

Buyer acknowledges that dogs are living animals and that no breeder can guarantee a specific outcome for lifespan, temperament, size, or health beyond what is stated in this contract.

10.1 — Governing Law

This Contract shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Georgia. Any disputes arising from this Contract shall be resolved in the county courts of Georgia.

10.2 — Entire Agreement

This Contract, together with any signed addenda, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior communications, whether oral or written, regarding the purchase of this puppy.

10.3 — Severability

If any provision of this Contract is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

10.4 — Amendments

No amendment to this Contract is valid unless made in writing and signed by both parties.