2-Year Health Guarantee

At Cheryl Hughes Dachshunds, we stand behind every puppy we place. Our 2-Year Written Health Guarantee is provided to every family at the time of purchase and covers specific congenital and hereditary conditions that may affect your Dachshund’s quality of life.

This guarantee is not a marketing promise — it is a legally binding document that outlines exactly what is covered, what your responsibilities are as an owner, and how we will work with you if a covered condition arises.

The guarantee period begins on the date your puppy goes home with you, typically at 8 weeks of age, and remains in effect for 24 months from that date.

The 2-Year Health Guarantee covers the following congenital and hereditary conditions, provided they are diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian within the coverage period:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) — including spinal conditions requiring surgical intervention or significantly impairing mobility, where genetic predisposition is identified as a contributing factor
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) — confirmed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
• Patellar luxation — grade 3 or higher, confirmed by orthopedic examination
• Congenital heart defects — including conditions identified through echocardiogram that were present at birth
• Hip dysplasia — severe cases confirmed by radiographic evaluation
• Other hereditary conditions detectable through the genetic and health screening we perform on parent dogs

If a covered condition is diagnosed, we will work directly with you to determine the appropriate resolution — which may include financial reimbursement toward veterinary expenses, a replacement puppy from a future litter, or another mutually agreed-upon remedy. The specific remedy is outlined in your written guarantee document.

To keep the guarantee in full effect, we ask that you meet a few reasonable care requirements. These are standard practices that any responsible Dachshund owner should follow:

• Have your puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of arrival (or the next available business day)
• Keep your Dachshund at a healthy weight throughout the coverage period — obesity is a major contributor to spinal issues and can void IVDD-related coverage
• Provide appropriate preventative care including vaccinations, parasite control, and annual wellness examinations as recommended by your veterinarian
• Use a harness rather than a collar for walks to reduce neck and spinal strain
• Avoid allowing your Dachshund to jump from furniture or heights — use ramps or steps where possible
• Notify Cheryl Hughes promptly if a potential covered condition is suspected, before undertaking major treatment where feasible

These requirements are not designed to be burdensome. They reflect the standard of care that gives your Dachshund the best chance at a long, healthy life — and they ensure that the guarantee remains a fair agreement for both sides.

If you believe your Dachshund may have a condition covered by the guarantee, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Contact Cheryl Hughes immediately at +1 (213) 595-7723 or [email protected] to discuss the situation.
• Step 2: Obtain a thorough examination and written diagnosis from your licensed veterinarian. For eye conditions, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist’s report is required.
• Step 3: Provide Cheryl with a copy of the veterinary report, diagnostic test results, and any recommended treatment plan.
• Step 4: We will review the documentation promptly and discuss the appropriate remedy with you directly — typically within 10 business days of receiving all required information.

We do not use claim forms designed to frustrate you. This process is built on direct, personal communication between you and Cheryl. No third-party administrators. No call centers. Just the breeder who raised your puppy, working with you to make things right.

To be transparent, the following are not covered by the 2-Year Health Guarantee:

• Conditions resulting from accident, injury, or trauma after the puppy leaves our care
• Conditions caused by owner neglect, including failure to provide appropriate veterinary care
• Obesity-related conditions where the dog’s weight exceeds veterinary guidelines for the breed
• Conditions arising from failure to follow the spinal care recommendations (excessive jumping, lack of ramp use)
• Elective or cosmetic procedures not medically necessary
• Routine veterinary care including vaccinations, spay/neuter, dental cleaning, and preventative treatments
• Conditions that are pre-existing and disclosed at the time of purchase (if any — these would be clearly documented)
• Behavioral issues not directly linked to a diagnosed congenital neurological condition

The full list of exclusions is provided in your written guarantee document. If you have questions about whether a specific situation would be covered, we encourage you to ask before it becomes an issue.

Many breeders offer a “health guarantee” that lasts 72 hours, 7 days, or at most 30 days — barely enough time for a serious congenital condition to become apparent. Others offer longer guarantees that are so filled with loopholes and exclusions that they are essentially unenforceable.

Our guarantee is different for several reasons:

• Two full years of coverage — long enough for hereditary conditions like IVDD and PRA to manifest and be diagnosed
• Backed by documented health testing — we test parent dogs before breeding, so the guarantee sits on a foundation of preventive screening, not just paperwork
• Direct breeder involvement — you deal with Cheryl personally, not a third-party warranty company that profits by denying claims
• Reasonable owner requirements — the conditions are practices any good Dachshund owner should follow anyway

We want you to feel confident bringing one of our puppies into your family. This guarantee is part of that confidence.

Is the guarantee transferable if I rehome my Dachshund?
The guarantee applies to the original purchaser named in the agreement. If you must rehome your dog, please contact Cheryl first — we always want to be involved in ensuring the dog goes to a good home, and we may extend coverage at our discretion.

What happens if my puppy is diagnosed with a covered condition after the 2-year period?
The written guarantee covers the 24-month period from the go-home date. However, Cheryl remains available for advice and support for the life of your dog — and we take every situation seriously, even outside the formal guarantee window. We encourage you to reach out regardless.

Does the guarantee mean my puppy will never have health issues?
No breeder can guarantee that a living animal will never develop a health problem. What we can guarantee is that we have done everything in our power — through health testing, careful breeding selections, and early socialization — to give your puppy the strongest possible start. If a covered condition arises despite those efforts, this guarantee ensures you are not left to deal with it alone.

Where can I see the full guarantee document?
The complete written guarantee is provided to every buyer at the time of purchase. If you would like to review it before making a deposit, contact Cheryl at [email protected] and she will be happy to share a copy.