Health Guarantee - Crown Catahoulas

1-Year Comprehensive Health Guarantee

Our Uncompromising Commitment to Health

At Crown Catahoulas, we believe that breeding healthy, vibrant Catahoula Leopard Dogs is our highest responsibility. We invest heavily in genetic testing, orthopedic evaluations, and proper early nutrition to give every puppy the best possible start in life.

Because we stand behind the genetic integrity and health of our dogs, every puppy adopted from Crown Catahoulas comes with a 1-Year Genetic Health Guarantee.

1. Breeder Responsibilities & Coverage

Our 1-Year Health Guarantee covers severe, life-threatening genetic or congenital defects that significantly impair the puppy's quality of life or longevity.

What is Covered During the First Year:

  • Severe Congenital Defect: Protection against life-threatening genetic conditions affecting major organs (heart, liver, kidneys, or lungs) identified within 12 months from the date of birth.

  • Severe Genetic Hip Dysplasia: Coverage against severe, crippling hip dysplasia that prevents normal mobility, confirmed by official X-ray evaluation from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP.

  • Hereditary Eye & Hearing Conditions: Guarantee against severe inherited eye defects or bilateral genetic deafness not caused by injury or environmental factors.

Remedy & Claims Process:

In the rare event that a covered genetic condition is diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian within the first year:

  1. The buyer must notify Crown Catahoulas within 48 hours of the diagnosis.

  2. Official veterinary documentation, lab results, and diagnostic imaging (X-rays/DNA tests) must be provided for review by our attending veterinarian.

  3. Upon verification, Crown Catahoulas will offer a replacement puppy of equal value from the next available planned litter.

2. Buyer Responsibilities & Care Standards

To keep this 1-Year Health Guarantee valid, the buyer agrees to fulfill basic preventive health and environmental care requirements:

  • Initial Veterinary Examination: The puppy must be examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 business hours of arriving at its new home to confirm current good health.

  • Routine Vaccinations & Care: The buyer must maintain age-appropriate vaccinations (DHPP, Rabies), routine deworming, and year-round heartworm/flea/tick preventatives.

  • Proper Nutrition & Weight Control: The buyer agrees to feed a premium, balanced large-breed puppy formula and maintain the puppy at a healthy weight to prevent excess stress on developing joints.

  • Safe Physical Activity: Avoiding high-impact physical stress (such as forced long-distance running or high jumping) on hard surfaces before 12 to 18 months of age when growth plates close.

3. Exclusions & Limitations

While we guarantee the genetic health of our bloodlines, certain non-genetic, environmental, and preventable conditions fall outside the scope of this warranty:

  • Preventable Infections & Parasites: Common, treatable conditions acquired after leaving our care, including fleas, ticks, worms, giardia, coccidia, kennel cough, or common stress-related upsets during transit.

  • Environmental Injuries: Injuries, bone fractures, poisoning, ingestion of foreign objects, heatstroke, or joint issues caused by improper exercise or obesity.

  • Cosmetic & Non-Life-Threatening Traits: Slight underbites/overbites, umbilical hernias, eye color variations, coat pattern shifts, or un-descended testicles (cryptorchidism) that do not affect normal lifespan or health.

  • Veterinary Expenses: Crown Catahoulas is not responsible for routine medical bills, emergency care costs, or diagnostic fees incurred by the owner.

4. Lifetime Breeder Support

Our dedication to your puppy does not end after 12 months. When you adopt a Crown Catahoula, you become part of our family.

We are always available to answer questions regarding nutrition, exercise routines, training guidance, or general health concerns throughout your dog’s entire life.