Hip Dysplasia: If your German Shepherd puppy is found to have "life threatening" hip/elbow Dysplasia, the puppy will be replaced according to the following terms: the puppy must be x-rayed 12 to 13 months from birth by a licensed veterinarian If "life threatening" hip/elbow Dysplasia is found, a copy of the original x-rays must be sent to the Seller along with a letter from the veterinarian who performed the examination. The letter should state the findings along with his/her opinion regarding the severity of the hips. Depending on severity puppy may be returned to the seller or euthanized at the seller's option. Buyer has the option of keeping the original puppy and receiving a replacement. The AKC papers must be returned to the seller, along with certificate of euthanization, or a certificate of spaying or neutering, whichever is applicable. Seller reserves the right to request hips/elbows be evaluated by Penn Hip at owners expense.

Hip/elbow dysplasia is only partially genetic. It is the Buyers responsibility to provide premium dog food such as Science Diet, Eukanuba, Iams, Nutro, etc.. No generic or store name brand dog foods are to be fed to this puppy. Please keep your puppies lean! The bones, joints and tendons/ligaments are still very soft! Until 6 months, feed a high quality Puppy Food, consisting of not higher than 28% protein, but no supplements, unless recommended by your vet. Excessive protein, vitamins and minerals can also be harmful. A German Shepherd Dog grows very fast in a relatively short time. Large breed puppies should be switched to adult food by six months of age. The Buyer agrees to keep the puppy in top physical condition and not allow him/her to become overweight. Puppy should not be allowed to lie on hard surfaces for extended periods of time, avoid stairs, do not jog with puppy until 12 months and use caution when allowing the puppy to jump from high places.

Breeding: At Camelot Shepherds we prefer to place our puppies in "companion" homes. However, before the puppy turns 2 years old and if hip/elbows have been certified with a Penn hip score of .42 or below,  the restriction can be removed for an additional $250.  Buyer must provide the Seller a copy of the hip/elbow certification, original registration papers, plus a picture of the puppy at 16 months of age or older (head & side view). If buyer has achieved a working title (herding, Schutzhund, agility, search & rescue, etc.) on the puppy plus hip/elbows certified the $250 fee will be waived.

Note: An obedience title or CGC is not equivalent to a working title.

Temperament: Buyer agrees to socialize the puppy/dog and complete at least a novice obedience class with a reputable trainer between the age of 4 and 7 months. Buyer agrees this puppy/dog is NOT to be LEFT IN A BACKYARD KENNEL ONLY. The raising of a puppy requires specific care. The best genetic predispositions are useless, if the pups are not sufficiently socialized. Constant contact with various people, animals and environmental situations are an absolute necessity. This puppy/dog is sold with the understanding that it was to go to carefully selected parties and that Buyer AVOWED the puppy/dog would become a member of the family and steps will be taken to ensure proper development. The Seller must be notified of any temperament problems by the time the puppy reaches the age of 8 months. A certificate from the trainer must be provided to the Seller stating the puppy is overly shy or fearful due to temperament, not lack of socialization. Seller reserves the right to have puppy examined by a secondary source

Ears: Replacement is available on a puppy with hanging ears that are not permanently standing by 12 month. Buyer has the option of keeping the original puppy and receiving a replacement at a discounted price. The AKC papers must be returned to the Seller. A veterinarian's certification will be required. The veterinarian must also certify that there are no scars or tears to the ears. Buyer agrees not to rub ears during development as this may damage them.  Ears can be affected by poor nutrition, it is the buyers responsibility to provide a quality dog food. (Brands listed above). If the pups ears have not stood by 4 months no later than 5 months the Buyer agrees to contact the seller for information on posting the ears.