Deposit
There are two options for deposits: $300 for waitlist pairing/pick at 8 weeks old/refundable or $500 for specific dog/non-refundable. Ideally deposits are placed on a waitlist to hold your spot in line for picking your pup. I always get first and maybe second pick. It's to your advantage if we choose matches based on your lifestyle and temperament as colors can change or fade significantly within the first year for shih tzu and dalmatians spots continue to define and fill in as they mature. You may express preference for size, sex, and color and when it's your turn you pick your favorite. Shih tzu litters are very small, we can't always guarantee a quick option especially if you have very specific preferences. Waitlist deposits are refundable since you aren't holding up one dog but a spot in line. If you really have your heart set on reserving a specific puppy or adult dog then the deposit is non-refundable. We have contracts for both options.
Colors can change considerably in shih tzu from deep reds or browns to creams or some blacks to grey and brown all within the first year. While I do DNA test for color genetics there aren't yet tests for certain genes that interplay with others to create the adult coat in all its variety of fading or greying or ticking, etc. You will take them to the groomer and all that color may be shaved off. It's better to match your life to a pet that will make life a joy for you. Sometimes litters and selections are so small in shih tzu that there may be only one choice so you will be given your option to select if it's your turn in the wait line. The wait line is determined by first come first serve providing you are a good match and meet criteria to be accepted. To receive a refund on waitlist deposit (in order to discourage bad actors who put multiple deposits out to multiple breeders only to get refunded on the 5 they didn't use) I have a 90 day wait period after a request is made in writing either on the Good Dog chat platform or my email or certified letter, no apps that delete messages as I need records with timestamps and detailed proof. I always have the opportunity to discontinue a client if I have a bad feeling about the situation or pairing and in that case your deposit will be refunded within 30 days. The deposit price does go towards the final purchase price.
This is a sample of my most used contract for most buyers.
Shih Tzu Puppy/Dog Purchase Agreement & Guarantee
(Limited Registration)
This agreement (“Agreement”), dated as of __________________, 20____ (the “Effective Date”), is between _Shannon Taylor Wood______________ (“Breeder”), and __________________________________ (“Buyer”). The subject of this Agreement is the below-described puppy/dog (“puppy/dog”).
● REGISTRY: _American Kennel Club (AKC)__
● SEX: ______________________
● DATE OF BIRTH: ______________________
● MICROCHIP #: _________________________
● SIRE: ___________________________
● DAM: ___________________________
The Breeder and Buyer agree as follows:
1. Deposit. A refundable wait list deposit of $_300___ OR Non-refundable specific dog deposit of $500
shall be due and paid to Breeder upon execution of this Agreement if not already paid. The Deposit shall be applied to the final Purchase Price (defined below). Buyer acknowledges that Breeder cannot control litter sizes and that the wait time for puppies can be longer than expected. Buyer acknowledges that the waitlist deposit is refundable with a wait period of 90 days after a written request is made on the Good Dog platform chat or by certified letter Or if the buyer chose a specific dog deposit then it is non-refundable. Waitlist deposit only: if a puppy/dog that meets Buyer’s identified preferences is not available when it becomes Buyer’s turn to pick a puppy/dog from the selected litter, Buyer may elect to have the Deposit transferred to the next litter or have the Deposit refunded.
2. Purchase Price. The full purchase price of $___________ is agreed with the balance due in full at least ______1_________ weeks before the puppy/dog is picked up or delivered to Buyer. Any shipping and handling expenses are the responsibility of and shall be paid by Buyer. All payments due under this Agreement shall be made in US Dollars and paid to Breeder via Payments through Good Dog
https://pay.gooddog.com/mountain-pass-barn-virginia
Or Cashier's Check if not on the gooddog platform as any other option can be cancelled by the buyer after delivery.
3. Limited Registration. The puppy/dog is a purebred shih tzu registrable with the American Kennel Club and is being sold with limited registration. Breeder agrees to provide Buyer with all registration papers after proof of spay or neuter unless we decide the dog is show worthy in conformation class dog shows. As such, the puppy/dog is not eligible for exhibiting in Conformation (but may compete in other performance events, such as Agility, Obedience, and Rally). The puppy/dog shall not be bred at any time and if pups are produced, such offspring will not be eligible for registration. If you want to show conformation and breed please tell me and we will pick a prospect and do a different contract.
4. Buyer will not change the puppy/dog’s registration name without Breeder’s prior written consent and will never remove the kennel prefix from the puppy/dog’s registration name.
5. Unauthorized Breeding. The puppy/dog is being sold solely as a companion and breeding of the puppy/dog is expressly prohibited. If at any time the puppy/dog has produced any offspring, all of Breeder’s warranties set forth in this Agreement will become null and void. Having said that I am not mad at you so please ask for my advice and assistance if such a situation does occur either by mistake or intention. I care about the welfare of the animals and want the best experience for them even if they are a teen pregnancy.
6. Breeder’s Obligations. Breeder represents and warrants the following:
a. Ownership. Breeder is the lawful owner of the puppy/dog and has the right to transfer ownership of the puppy/dog to Buyer. Ownership of the puppy/dog will be transferred to Buyer upon Buyer’s payment of the full Purchase Price and fulfillment of contractual obligations such as proof of spay and neuter.
b. State of Health; Short-Term Health Warranty. The puppy/dog (i) was previously examined by a licensed veterinarian and was found to be in good health at that time and (ii) has had the immunizations enumerated in the health records provided to Buyer. Buyer, at its own expense, must have the puppy/dog examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of receiving the puppy/dog and get the next vaccine if it’s been 3 weeks from last vaccine and not place the puppy on the ground frequented by other animals until this is done to prevent disease (the “Examination Period”) for the guarantee in this section to be valid. If, within the Examination Period, a licensed veterinarian finds the puppy/dog to be unhealthy or unfit for sale, the puppy/dog may be returned to Breeder for a full refund of the Purchase Price. The veterinarian must provide a written statement deeming the puppy/dog “unfit for purchase”, which must be sent to Breeder within 48 hours of the veterinary examination. The foregoing guarantee expressly excludes (x) any health issues caused by Buyer’s ill-treatment, abuse or neglect, (y) any health issues that result from the puppy/dog’s transportation from Breeder to Buyer and (z) all minor illnesses and health issues, including upper respiratory infections, allergic reactions, stress colitis/diarrhea, internal or external parasites or contagious viruses (including canine parvovirus), UTIs, vaginitis or umbilical hernias.
c. Long-Term Health Warranty. Breeder provides a ___1__-year warranty from the puppy/dog’s date of birth against any debilitating congenital conditions. For purposes of this section, “debilitating congenital conditions” (i) include___Congenital Hypothyroidism, severe heart defects or murmurs etc class 2 or above although I would have disclosed any murmur heard at my vet exam, Intervertebral disc disease type 1, Prekallikrein deficiency and (ii) expressly do not include those: _ allergies, umbilical hernias are cosmetic only 95% of the time and are now thought to be genetic in most situations (It is not the mother being overly rough as I am assisting delivery and I feed an expensive all ages / puppy diet to ensure adequate nutrition ) and will be present in at least 35% of AKC shih’s as a conservative estimate, retained/missing/maloccluded teeth are common in the breed due to size of face although I do strive for a mouth that looks like and orthodontist’s masterpiece, snorting is common during teething, or undescended testicle which probably is just shy and was present at my vet exam unless disclosed______ (for reference only, Good Dog's health testing levels by breed are available here: https://www.gooddog.com/guide-to-good-dogs-health-testing-levels). In the event the puppy/dog exhibits symptoms of a suspected debilitating congenital condition, Buyer must immediately inform Breeder and supply any requested veterinary records to Breeder. Breeder will be given the opportunity to take the puppy/dog to a licensed veterinarian of Breeder’s choice for examination.
7. Returns/Refunds. If it is determined by a licensed veterinarian that the puppy/dog (i) was “unfit for purchase” or (ii) has a genetic disorder that is identified within the warranty periods described above, the Buyer may keep the puppy/dog and should have utilized insurance and maintained a minimum catastrophic type policy to cover large vet bills. Or return the dog to my doorstep and receive a refund of purchase price. Do not allow extensive treatment until you have the insurance as you will not be reimbursed by me, nothing is so dire as to need treatment now unless you have allowed accident or injury. If the dog is dying due to congenital disorder in the next few days it was not meant to live and you should not do treatment and you should return the dog to me. I will get a necropsy ( doggy autopsy ) before issuing a refund as poisoning and trauma are very possible or I need to know what disease process I need to address in my program. Put the dead pup in the refrigerator not freezer and have it overnighted in a chilled container, I will cover cost of delivery. Your vet may be able to help with packaging supplies and I will cover the cost within reasonable market value.
a. No Other Warranties. No other warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied, are made by Breeder, and the puppy/dog is sold and delivered in an “as is” condition, except as expressly and specifically set forth herein. Hair color changes as they age in many dogs, no refunds will be given over reds turning to creams or blacks turning shades of grey or brown, etc.
8. Buyer’s Obligations. Buyer agrees to the following:
a. Proper Care. Buyer will provide good and proper care of the puppy/dog. Such care includes providing adequate housing and protection from the elements, a safe (preferably fenced) exercise area, and proper and sufficient nutrition. Shih tzu are small house dogs and can be managed indoors only if you prefer. No temperatures below 45*F or above 85*F for more than 30 minutes with no coat and booties if cold or shade and A/C or fan if hot. Fresh clean water available at all times. Buyer will provide proper veterinary care throughout the puppy/dog’s lifetime, including but not limited to, routine vaccinations and/or titers to maintain the puppy/dog’s immunity to common canine diseases. Special management: allergies – red bronzing of coat is most likely allergies, if the toes are reddish bronze then licking is occuring because the red is spit / tear/ pee stain (but if just on the chin and you live in a hard water area use distilled water for drinking) so check for flea management and food allergy – FIPRONIL ( brand names: frontline, sentry, pet armour, etc.) and Hartz etc. don’t work on the east coast and most cheap over the counter meds won’t as the bugs have built up an immunity
b. Veterinary Care. Buyer will also provide the following veterinary care: (i) routine vaccinations and/or titers to prevent common infectious diseases; (ii) routine treatment for internal and external parasites; and (iii) annual examination by a licensed veterinarian.
c. Care to Prevent Orthopedic Conditions. Buyer will also provide the following care:
i. Proper nutrition to support ideal growth and maintain optimum body condition. Buyer will not overfeed the puppy/dog nor allow it to become overweight;
ii. Proper daily exercise to maintain the puppy/dog in good condition but quite frankly these are shih tzu so a little fetch or tug goes a long way and you don’t have to leave the house for proper care, but no forced exercise (such as jogging) until the puppy/dog is full grown or the activity is approved by a licensed veterinarian; and
iii. Avoidance of stress injuries, such as not allowing the puppy/dog to jump from or over heights taller than itself at the shoulder until the puppy/dog is full grown or the activity is approved by a licensed veterinarian.
d. Sale Prohibition. Buyer is not acting as an agent in the purchase of the puppy/dog. Buyer agrees neither the puppy/dog, nor any offspring of the puppy/dog, shall be used for purposes of vivisection or research. Buyer also agrees neither the puppy/dog, nor any progeny of the puppy/dog, shall be sold by or through any commercial broker or wholesale establishment, any chain store, catalog sales house or pet store.
e. Restrictions on Transfer. If, at any time, Buyer is unable to keep or care for the puppy/dog (including upon Buyer’s death or incapacity), at Breeder’s sole election, the puppy shall be (a) returned to Breeder together with duly executed documentation transferring Buyer’s ownership interest in the puppy/dog to Breeder or with explicit written permission I may allow rehoming by Buyer to a fit home residence with Breeder’s prior written approval, without any refunds or payments due to Buyer. If, following receipt of the puppy, Breeder is able to rehome the puppy/dog, providing no abuse or neglect the Breeder may elect to refund Buyer a portion of the original Purchase Price after deducting applicable maintenance, training, veterinary and other costs. Such refund amount shall be determined by Breeder in its sole discretion but in an effort to ensure the puppy/dog’s best interests I will give you some financial reimbursement if possible given the dogs condition. Buyer acknowledges that the refund amount may be significantly less than the puppy/dog’s original Purchase Price depending upon the age, training, and condition of the puppy/dog.
f. Spay/Neuter Provision. The right to ownership of the puppy/dog is conditioned upon Buyer paying all costs and expenses to spay/neuter the puppy/dog no later than the age of _____1_____ . 2 years is a rule for large breed dogs as shih tzu bones are fully developed by 8 months old and it’s probably more of a risk with pregnancy if statistics is your reasoning. They go into heat at 6 months of age. It will prevent / stop marking and even girls mark.
g. Breach by Buyer. Buyer’s breach of any of the foregoing obligations shall result in Breeder’s warranties set forth in this Agreement being null and void.
9. Ongoing Communications. Both parties agree to promptly notify the other of any change of address, email or phone number. Buyer agrees to (a) maintain contact with Breeder regarding the puppy/dog at least once each calendar year, and to reply as promptly as possible to inquiries about the puppy/dog from Breeder; (b) inform Breeder of any titles completed by the puppy/dog and (c) inform Breeder of any major change in the health of the puppy/dog throughout the puppy/dog’s life, including, but not limited to, cancer, epilepsy, heart, eye or hearing conditions, allergies, bleeding disorders or autoimmune disease, and behavior problems particularly fear, anxiety or aggression. Buyer will, upon the natural or accidental death of the puppy/dog, promptly notify Breeder of the particulars of the animal’s death. This is because I need to know if there is a condition in my dogs that I need to address in breeding practices.
10. Remedy for Mistreatment. If the Breeder feels the puppy/dog is not getting proper care and treatment, Breeder has the right to have the puppy/dog examined by a licensed veterinarian. If such veterinarian finds the puppy/dog to be a victim of ill-treatment, abuse or neglect, (a) Breeder has the right to take full possession of the puppy/dog [and its duly signed Kennel Club transfer papers/registration] and (b) all Breeder warranties herein shall become null and void. For the avoidance of doubt, if Breeder takes possession of the puppy/dog in accordance with this section, Buyer shall not be entitled to any refunds of any payments made to Breeder.
11. Agreement to Mediate. If a dispute arises out of or relates to this Agreement, or the alleged breach thereof, and if the dispute is not settled through negotiation, the parties agree first to try in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation before resorting to arbitration, litigation, or some other dispute resolution procedure. The process shall be confidential based on terms acceptable to the mediator and/or mediation service provider
- Non‑Disparagement. “The Buyer agrees that they will not, under any circumstances, make or publish any statements—whether written, verbal, online, or otherwise—that defame, slander, disparage, or cast the Breeder in a negative or harmful light. This includes both public communications (such as social media posts, reviews, forums, or third‑party discussions) and private communications (including messages, emails, or conversations) intended to damage the Breeder’s reputation. The Buyer acknowledges that violation of this clause may result in legal action and any remedies available under applicable law.”
- NDA . This Non‑Disclosure Agreement requires the Buyer to keep all confidential information shared by the Breeder strictly private. This includes breeding practices, health records, business operations, client information, and any other proprietary or sensitive material. The Buyer agrees not to disclose, share, or misuse this information in any form—whether verbal, written, digital, public, or private—and understands that the Breeder retains full ownership of all materials provided. Any breach of confidentiality may result in legal action and remedies available under applicable law.”
12. Governing Law. This Agreement, and all matters arising out of or relating to this Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Virginia without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
13. Miscellaneous. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, negotiations, discussions and understandings, written or oral, between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Neither party may assign, transfer, or subcontract any obligations (or rights) under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party. No changes, modifications or waivers to this Agreement will be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be illegal or unenforceable, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect and enforceable. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and such counterparts together shall constitute the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed by electronic signature, which shall be considered as an original signature for all purposes and shall have the same force and effect as an original signature.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Breeder and Buyer have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date.