FAQ — Alvis Great Danes

Question 1

What does your health guarantee cover?

Accepted Answer

Every puppy from Alvis Great Danes is guaranteed against life-limiting genetic conditions for two years from the date of birth. If a puppy is diagnosed with a covered hereditary condition within the guarantee period, we will work with you on a resolution — which may include a replacement puppy from a future litter or a partial refund at our discretion. The guarantee does not cover conditions resulting from injury, environmental factors, neglect, or improper care.

Question 2

How long does the health guarantee last?

Accepted Answer

Our health guarantee covers hereditary and congenital conditions for two years. This is above the industry standard for most breeders. We stand behind our dogs because we health test every breeding animal before any pairing is made.

Question 3

What is required to keep the guarantee valid?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the health guarantee, the puppy must receive a veterinary examination within 72 hours of going home, be kept current on vaccinations and preventative care, and be maintained at a healthy weight. We also ask that you notify us promptly if a health concern arises — early communication gives us the best opportunity to help.

Question 4

Are hip and cardiac conditions covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because both parents are OFA evaluated for hips and cardiac health prior to breeding, we stand behind the structural soundness of our puppies. If a puppy develops a hereditary orthopedic or cardiac condition within the guarantee period, contact us immediately and we will review the case together.

Question 5

Does the guarantee transfer if I rehome the dog?

Accepted Answer

No. The health guarantee is between Alvis Great Danes and the original purchasing family only. It does not transfer to a new owner in the event of rehoming.

Question 6

How does the deposit work?

Accepted Answer

A deposit is required to secure your place on the wait list once a litter is confirmed. It is applied in full toward the purchase price of your puppy — it is not an additional fee. Deposit details are discussed directly during the inquiry process.

Question 7

How is pricing determined?

Accepted Answer

Pricing reflects the investment we make in health testing, veterinary care, quality nutrition, early socialization, and AKC registration for every litter we produce. Every puppy goes home with full health records, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and a puppy packet. Pricing is shared directly with approved families during the application process — we do not publish figures publicly.

Question 8

Is the deposit refundable?

Accepted Answer

Deposits are non-refundable if you withdraw from the wait list. The sole exception is if we are unable to produce a suitable litter within a reasonable timeframe — in that case, your deposit is returned in full. If a litter does not produce a suitable match for your household, your deposit rolls to the next planned litter automatically at no additional cost.

Question 9

When is the remaining balance due?

Accepted Answer

The remaining balance is due before go-home day. Payment details are discussed with each family individually during the placement process.

Question 10

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer payment plans. The full balance must be settled before a puppy goes home. We would rather wait for the right family at the right time than rush a placement for any reason — financial or otherwise.

Question 11

Do you ship puppies?

Accepted Answer

We strongly prefer in-person pickup. Meeting every family before a puppy goes home is important to us — it gives us a chance to see the puppy with you, answer last-minute questions, and ensure the transition goes smoothly. For families outside of Louisiana, we will discuss options on a case-by-case basis.

Question 12

Do you use third-party transport or puppy nanny services?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not use third-party ground transport services or unvetted puppy nanny arrangements. If a puppy must travel, we handle the logistics directly or work with the family to arrange a safe, supervised option we are comfortable with.

Question 13

Can I fly in to pick up my puppy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and many out-of-state families do exactly that. We are happy to coordinate pickup timing around your travel schedule. Puppies may also be able to travel in-cabin on certain airlines — we can advise on airline policies and crate requirements once you are an approved family.

Question 14

What if I cannot travel to Louisiana?

Accepted Answer

If in-person pickup is genuinely not possible, contact us and we will discuss what options exist. We will not ship a puppy through cargo under any circumstances. Any alternative arrangement must be one we are fully comfortable with before we agree to it.

Question 15

What is your rehoming policy?

Accepted Answer

Every puppy contract includes a lifetime return clause. If at any point — for any reason — you are unable to keep your dog, you are required to contact us before rehoming, surrendering to a rescue, or transferring ownership to another party. We will always take our dogs back. No Alvis Great Dane will ever end up in a shelter if we can prevent it.

Question 16

Do I have to return the dog to you specifically?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our contract requires that you contact us first. We will either take the dog back directly or, in some cases, assist in finding a vetted home ourselves. We do not permit our dogs to be rehomed through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or similar platforms.

Question 17

Will I receive a refund if I return the dog?

Accepted Answer

No. Purchase price is non-refundable in the event of a return. We take dogs back because we are responsible for every life we produce — not as a financial arrangement. Returned dogs are evaluated, given any needed veterinary care, and placed in a carefully selected home.

Question 18

What if my life circumstances change unexpectedly?

Accepted Answer

We understand that life happens — illness, relocation, family changes. We are not here to judge. We are here to make sure the dog is taken care of. If your situation changes, reach out to us as early as possible. The sooner we know, the more options we have to help find the best outcome for the dog.

Question 19

What happens to a returned dog?

Accepted Answer

Returned dogs come back to our home first. They are evaluated by our veterinarian, given time to decompress, and assessed for temperament and health. We then work to place them in a home that is the right fit — which may take time. We do not rush placements for returned dogs any more than we rush placements for puppies.

Question 20

Do you breed year-round?

Accepted Answer

No. We breed intentionally and infrequently. We do not breed to meet demand. Each litter is planned well in advance based on the health, age, and readiness of the parents — not on wait list size or external pressure.

Question 21

Can I visit before committing?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer open-door visits to the general public. Once a family has been approved and a litter is confirmed, we welcome a visit before go-home day. This protects the health of our puppies and the privacy of our home.

Question 22

Do you breed for specific colors on request?

Accepted Answer

No. Color is never a primary consideration in our pairings. We breed for health, structure, and temperament. You may state a color preference and we will do our best to accommodate it, but we will not make a pairing — or hold a puppy back from a better-matched home — based on color alone.

Question 23

Are your dogs AKC registered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All breeding dogs and litters are fully registered with the American Kennel Club. Every puppy goes home with AKC registration paperwork. Pedigrees are transparent and available to every family.

Question 24

Do you place puppies in homes with young children?

Accepted Answer

We evaluate each family individually. Great Danes can be wonderful with children when properly socialized and supervised, but their size requires realistic expectations. We will discuss your household honestly during the application process and make a placement recommendation based on the specific puppy and your specific family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Health Guarantee

Still Have Questions?