Health & Temperament Guarantee

Last updated: August 17, 2025

This page summarizes our written guarantee. If there is any conflict, your signed sales contract controls. This page is informational and not legal advice.

At Gunbil German Shepherds, we work tirelessly to breed the very best German Shepherd puppies possible. Our goal is not only to provide you with a loyal, healthy companion, but also to preserve and improve this magnificent breed for generations to come.

We carefully select only the healthiest parents with excellent temperaments, strong genetics, and proven working abilities. Despite all our efforts and the highest breeding standards, nature sometimes has its own course. Even with the best pairings, unexpected issues can occasionally arise.

Please understand—this is never intentional. It is not from a lack of care, knowledge, or dedication. We take every measure to reduce risks, but no breeder in the world can guarantee absolute perfection in life, health, or temperament.

What we can guarantee is our honesty, our commitment, and our passion. We stand firmly behind our puppies and our program, which is why we proudly offer a ✨ Five-Year Health & Temperament Guarantee ✨. If something ever does go wrong, know that it was never out of neglect, but simply life’s unpredictability.

Our promise is to always strive for excellence, to continue improving, and to remain transparent with you—because our responsibility is not only to you, but to the breed we love.

1) Initial Wellness Exam (72 Hours)

Please have your puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours (3 business days) of pickup or delivery (Sundays and federal holidays excluded). If a life-threatening illness clearly present prior to transfer is found, notify us in writing within 24 hours and provide the veterinarian’s report. We may request a second opinion from a mutually agreed, independent veterinarian.

Remedies (see Section 6 – No-Refund Policy; per your sales contract): either (i) a replacement puppy of comparable quality from the next suitable litter, or (ii) a veterinary expense credit if you choose to keep the dog.

Transportation costs are the buyer’s responsibility unless required by law.

2) Genetic Health Guarantee (Up to 5 Years)

We guarantee your dog to be free from serious, disabling genetic or congenital defects that materially impair quality of life through the dog’s 5th birthday. Covered conditions must be diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian and, where appropriate, a relevant board-certified specialist.

Remedies (see Section 6 – No-Refund Policy; at our option):

• Keep the dog and receive a veterinary expense credit (see your sales contract for amount/terms); or
• Return the dog and receive a replacement puppy of comparable quality from the next suitable litter.

Exclusions: routine care, cosmetic faults, or conditions caused by injury, accident, poisoning, neglect, infectious disease post-transfer, or failure to follow Buyer Responsibilities.

3) Hips & Elbows (Up to 5 Years)

If your dog receives an official diagnosis of bilateral hip dysplasia (OFA Moderate/Severe) or elbow dysplasia (OFA Grade 2 or 3) by the 5th birthday, confirmed by OFA (or FCI equivalent), we will provide one of the remedies described in Section 6.

Exclusions include unilateral findings, mild grades, or orthopedic changes caused by trauma, over-exercise, obesity, inappropriate nutrition, or premature spay/neuter contrary to veterinary guidance; working/sport overuse; or failure to follow reasonable growth and conditioning practices.

4) Temperament Guarantee (Up to 5 Years)

We guarantee dogs to be free of inherent, extreme temperament faults through the 5th birthday — specifically persistent, unmanageable pathological fear or unprovoked human-directed aggression not attributable to environment, improper handling, lack of socialization, neglect, or abuse. Evaluation by a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviorist may be required.

Remedies (see Section 6 – No-Refund Policy): behavior support plan; and in severe cases, a replacement puppy upon return of the dog, per your sales contract.

5) Buyer Responsibilities

• Complete the 72-hour wellness exam and retain records.
• Maintain regular veterinary care, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.
• Feed a balanced, large-breed appropriate diet; avoid obesity and excessive forced exercise during growth.
• Provide age-appropriate socialization and humane training; avoid harsh handling.
• Follow your veterinarian’s guidance on spay/neuter timing. Early procedures against veterinary advice may void orthopedic coverage.
• No breeding unless sold with breeding rights and a written agreement.

6) Claims Process & No-Refund Policy

1. Call us at (719) 220-2222 or contact us within 10 days of any 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.
4. If replacement is selected, return registration papers and the dog in good condition (normal wear and tear excepted).

No refunds: once the puppy or dog is in the possession of the new owner or their designated representative (including any transport agent), we do not provide monetary refunds. Remedies are limited to the options stated above and in your sales contract.

7) Limits

This guarantee is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser. We are not responsible for incidental or consequential damages, training costs, or non-medical expenses. Where local law provides additional consumer rights, we will comply with applicable law.