Ireland Farms

Our Health, Hip, and Eye Guarantee

OUR INITIAL HEALTH GUARANTEE

We give an initial 72 hour health guarantee on our puppies. This guarantee begins on the day and time in which the puppy is in the hands of the new owners.

Your new puppy is guaranteed to be in good health at the time you receive it. With first shots and wormings given. During the 72 hour period, the buyer should have the puppy examined by a qualified veterinarian and is HIGHLY encouraged to do so, at the buyers expense. The buyer should request a complete physical of the puppy and take a stool sample with you, to be checked for worms, etc. Since they are very common in young puppies.

If the examining veterinarian finds anything SERIOUSLY wrong with the puppy, such as parvo, corona, or distemper, (we do not consider internal or external parasites as serious illness), It will be exchanged for an equivalent puppy, same sex, same color, at once or when available, PROVIDING a written and signed statement from the examining veterinarian is submitted to the breeder, of the puppy‘s illness.. This letter MUST be signed and dated during the 72 hour period. The time will only be extended if a puppy is picked up on a Friday or Saturday and the next Monday is a holiday. No exchange will be made after this time period and no refunds will be made under any circumstances.

THIS GUARANTEE DOES NOT COVER MISTREATMENT OF PUPPY, TRAUMA, INJURY, ACCIDENTS, POISONING, ETC. DURING THE PERIOD OF GUARANTEE.

If a replacement puppy is from a different litter, with a price difference, buyer understands he/she must pay the difference in price before replacement takes place. Also, if puppy is being shipped, buyer is responsible for ALL shipping charges that may apply.

The breeder assumes no responsibility after leaving the breeder, other than specified above. Such as: disagreement of family or landlord, allergies, medical expenses, future illness, diseases, death or for any other reason not stated above.

We take whatever means necessary here at Ireland Farms, to produce healthy Labradors. Please be assured, your breeder would NEVER intentionally sell you an unhealthy puppy.

Let it be clearly understood that no warranty of representation has been made with respect to your puppy, except than is set forth in the agreement above.

THIS IS OUR GUARANTEE, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2007.

Posted on our website on FEBRUARY 2, 2007.

EFFECTIVE 1/1/07 AND POSTED ON OUR SITE ON 2/15/07..

HIP GUARANTEE FOR IRELAND FARMS LABRADORS

Although performance, health and soundness of the sire and dam of a litter does not guarantee the offspring, there is a great chance of improving/keeping positive results through a very selective breeding program. We research bloodlines, and health of Labradors in our pedigrees before purchasing. We do everything possible here at Ireland Farms to produce a good, sound Labrador, free of genetic diseases.

With great confidence in the puppies we produce, We give a 26 month guarantee on the hips of the puppies bred by us here at Ireland Farms.

Our guarantee is for a puppy replacement, or at our decision, your money back, if the OFA finds the puppy having moderate to severe hip dysplasia. The following terms and conditions must be met to make this guarantee valid!

1) The puppy MUST be micro chipped before 16 weeks of age by a licensed veterinarian, A signed statement from the vet MUST be sent to us, with the microchip number included on the statement, within 2 weeks of the implant of chip. (see note at the bottom of page for the importance of the microchip).

2) The puppy MUST be fed a quality “puppy” food until it reaches one year of age. Good quality puppy food has the necessary nutrients needed for a growing puppy. Also, after 12 months of age, purchaser must continue a good quality food. Also purchaser must have wellness exams done by their veterinarian every 6 months and provide those documents to us.

3) The puppy MUST not be allowed to become obese.

4) The puppy MUST be given exercise, yet, not excessively.

5) The puppy has not suffered abuse,trauma, injury or neglect,that would affect development, this voids all guarantees.

6) The puppy must have a preliminary exam on the hips, before 15 months of age, sent to the ofa, and the results sent to us before 18 months of age.

7) The purchaser shall immediately notify the breeder of the condition and diagnosis of the hips.

8) The puppy's microchip number MUST be included on the paperwork by the examining veterinarian, which must scan the chip. Also the chip number MUST be included on OFA results.

9) The breeder, at our expense may require a second exam of the dog by a licensed veterinarian of OUR choice.

10) In the event both veterinarians arrive to the same diagnosis, the puppy/dog will be replaced at the next available litter with same sex/same color. Puppies will not be shipped. Pick up only.

11) In the event of a differing diagnosis, Buyer may request a third exam by a licensed veterinarian agreeable to the breeder. ALL expenses, associated with a third diagnosis, if necessary, be at the responsibility and expense of the purchaser. The diagnosis of a third exam will be binding.

12) Expenses for initial diagnosis, shipping of records, x-rays, and other info is the responsibility of the purchaser.

13) The dog must be registered to the original purchaser at the time of diagnosis.

14) The dog must not have sired/whelped a litter prior to the testing of hips, and/or before 2 years of age.

15) We do not require the dog be returned to us, but purchaser MUST provide proof to us, that the dog has been spayed./neutered within 45 days of diagnosis, whether purchaser is keeping or placing the dog.

16) Purchaser will return all AKC registration/ paperwork to Ireland Farms.

17) The Breeders monetary liability is expressly limited to the original purchase price under ALL circumstances, the purchaser agrees to liquidate all damages in/over the amount of the purchase price.

18) Must keep the name "Ireland Farms" in the registered name of dog.

IMPORTANCE OF THE MICROCHIP- We will only replace a puppy/dog that has been bred by us here at Ireland Farms. Not everyone is as honest as others, so we require the chip to be inserted.

We guaratee your dogs eyes for the first year. An eye check must be done by a licensed animal eye doctor. This must then be turned into the Canine Eye Registration Foundation. Once the final results are returned and if your dog does not pass due to a non-injury issue, you will be given a puppy replacement, or a refund, at our discretion. The following criteria must be done for this guarantee to be valid:

See above #1-6, and #12-18. If these are not followed, the eye guaratee is void.

Buyers/Sellers Bill of Sale and Health Agreement
The Seller guarantees this puppy/dog to be in good health, to the best of her/his knowledge at the time of sale. Within 72 hours of sale purchaser must have puppy/dog checked by a licensed Veterinarian to validate this agreement. If the Veterinarian finds anything wrong with the puppy/dog, the puppy/dog will be exchanged for another puppy of equal value at once or as soon as one becomes available. A letter from the examining Veterinarian must be provided to validate the exchange and the puppy/dog must be returned within 48 hours of examination. Ireland Farms assumes no responsibility with medical bills incurred once puppy/dog leave premises. The puppy will be provided with AKC papers when the puppy/dog leaves with its new owner. All sales are FINAL and there are absolutely NO CASH REFUNDS made. DEPOSITS are NON REFUNDABLE. I have read the Bill of Sale & Health Agreement and understand and adhere to the conditions of sale.
Signature of Purchaser:	__________________________________
Date of Sale:	__________________________________
Purchasers Name:	__________________________________
Address:	__________________________________
Phone:	__________________________________

Sellers Information:
Breed: __________________	Color: ___________________________
Whelped: ______________________
Sire: _______________________	AKC#: ___________________________
Dam: _______________________	AKC#: ___________________________
Litter #: _______________________

Labrador Retriever Breed Standard
Sporting Group

General Appearance
The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion. Physical features and mental characteristics should denote a dog bred to perform as an efficient Retriever of game with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of pursuits beyond the hunting environmentThe most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an "otter" tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament.

Above all, a Labrador Retriever must be well balanced, enabling it to move in the show ring or work in the field with little or no effort. The typical Labrador possesses style and quality without over refinement, and substance without lumber or cloddiness. The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance.
Size, Proportion and Substance
Size--The height at the withers for a dog is 22½ to 24½ inches; for a bitch is 21½ to 23½ inches. Any variance greater than ½ inch above or below these heights is a disqualification. Approximate weight of dogs and bitches in working condition: dogs 65 to 80 pounds; bitches 55 to 70 pounds.

The minimum height ranges set forth in the paragraph above shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age.

Proportion--Short-coupled; length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump is equal to or slightly longer than the distance from the withers to the ground. Distance from the elbow to the ground should be equal to one half of the height at the withers. The brisket should extend to theelbows, but not perceptibly deeper. The body must be of sufficient length to permit a straight, free and efficient stride; but the dog should never appear low and long or tall and leggy in outline. Substance--Substance and bone proportionate to the overall dog. Light, "weedy" individuals are definitely incorrect; equally objectionable are cloddy lumbering specimens. Labrador Retrievers shall be shown in working condition well-muscled and without excess fat.

Head
Skull--The skull should be wide; well developed but without exaggeration. The skull and foreface should be on parallel planes and of approximately equal length. There should be a moderate stop--the brow slightly pronounced so that the skull is not absolutely in a straight line with the nose. The brow ridges aid in defining the stop. The head should be clean-cut and free from fleshy cheeks; the bony structure of the skull chiseled beneath the eye with no prominence in the cheek. The skull may show some median line; the occipital bone is not conspicuous in mature dogs. Lips should not be squared off or pendulous, but fall away in a curve toward the throat. A wedge-shape head, or a head long and narrow in muzzle and back skull is incorrect as are massive, cheeky heads. The jaws are powerful and free from snippiness-- the muzzle neither long and narrow nor short and stubby. Nose-- The nose should be wide and the nostrils well-developed. The nose should be black on black or yellow dogs, and brown on chocolates. Nose color fading to a lighter shade is not a fault. A thoroughly pink nose or one lacking in any pigment is a disqualification. Teeth--The teeth should be strong and regular with a scissors bite; the lower teeth just behind, but touching the inner side of the upper incisors. A level bite is acceptable, but not desirable. Undershot, overshot, or misaligned teeth are serious faults. Full dentition is preferred. Missing molars or pre-molars are serious faults. Ears--The ears should hang moderately close to the head, set rather far back, and somewhat low on the skull; slightly above eye level. Ears should not be large and heavy, but in proportion with the skull and reach to the inside of the eye when pulled forward. Eyes--Kind, friendly eyes imparting good temperament, intelligence and alertness are a hallmark of the breed. They should be of medium size, set well apart, and neither protruding nor deep set. Eye color should be brown in black and yellow Labradors, and brown or hazel in chocolates. Black, or yellow eyes give a harsh expression and are undesirable. Small eyes, set close together or round prominent eyes are not typical of the breed. Eye rims are black in black and yellow Labradors; and brown in chocolates. Eye rims without pigmentation is a disqualification.

Neck, Topline and Body
Neck--The neck should be of proper length to allow the dog to retrieve game easily. It should be muscular and free from throatiness. The neck should rise strongly from the shoulders with a moderate arch. A short, thick neck or a "ewe" neck is incorrect. Topline--The back is strong and the topline is level from the withers to the croup when standing or moving. However, the loin should show evidence of flexibility for athletic endeavor. Body--The Labrador should be short-coupled, with good spring of ribs tapering to a moderately wide chest. The Labrador should not be narrow chested; giving the appearance of hollowness between the front legs, nor should it have a wide spreading, bulldog-like front. Correct chest conformation will result in tapering between the front legs that allows unrestricted forelimb movement. Chest breadth that is either too wide or too narrow for efficient movement and stamina is incorrect. Slab-sided individuals are not typical of the breed; equally objectionable are rotund or barrel chested specimens. The underline is almost straight, with little or no tuck-up in mature animals. Loins should be short, wide and strong; extending to well developed, powerful hindquarters. When viewed from the side, the Labrador Retriever shows a well-developed, but not exaggerated forechest. Tail--The tail is a distinguishing feature of the breed. It should be very thick at the base, gradually tapering toward the tip, of medium length, and extending no longer than to the hock. The tail should be free from feathering and clothed thickly all around with the Labrador's short, dense coat, thus having that peculiar rounded appearance that has been described as the "otter" tail. The tail should follow the topline in repose or when in motion. It may be carried gaily, but should not curl over the back. Extremely short tails or long thin tails are serious faults. The tail completes the balance of the Labrador by giving it a flowing line from the top of the head to the tip of the tail. Docking or otherwise altering the length or natural carriage of the tail is a disqualification.

Forequarters
Forequarters should be muscular, well coordinated and balanced with the hindquarters. Shoulders--The shoulders are well laid-back, long and sloping, forming an angle with the upper arm of approximately 90 degrees that permits the dog to move his forelegs in an easy manner with strong forward reach. Ideally, the length of the shoulder blade should equal the length of the upper arm. Straight shoulder blades, short upper arms or heavily muscled or loaded shoulders, all restricting free movement, are incorrect. Front Legs--When viewed from the front, the legs should be straight with good strong bone. Too much bone is as undesirable as too little bone, and short legged, heavy boned individuals are not typical of the breed. Viewed from the side, the elbows should be directly under the withers, and the front legs should be perpendicular to the ground and well under the body. The elbows should be close to the ribs without looseness. Tied-in elbows or being "out at the elbows" interfere with free movement and are serious faults. Pasterns should be strong and short and should slope slightly from the perpendicular line of the leg. Feet are strong and compact, with well-arched toes and well-developed pads. Dew claws may be removed. Splayed feet, hare feet, knuckling over, or feet turning in or out are serious faults.

Hindquarters
The Labrador's hindquarters are broad, muscular and well-developed from the hip to the hock with well-turned stifles and strong short hocks. Viewed from the rear, the hind legs are straight and parallel. Viewed from the side, the angulation of the rear legs is in balance with the front. The hind legs are strongly boned, muscled with moderate angulation at the stifle, and powerful, clearly defined thighs. The stifle is strong and there is no slippage of the patellae while in motion or when standing. The hock joints are strong, well let down and do not slip or hyper-extend while in motion or when standing. Angulation of both stifle and hock joint is such as to achieve the optimal balance of drive and traction. When standing the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of the rump. Over angulation produces a sloping topline not typical of the breed. Feet are strong and compact, with well-arched toes and well-developed pads. Cow-hocks, spread hocks, sickle hocks and over-angulation are serious structural defects and are to be faulted.

Coat
The coat is a distinctive feature of the Labrador Retriever. It should be short, straight and very dense, giving a fairly hard feeling to the hand. The Labrador should have a soft, weather-resistant undercoat that provides protection from water, cold and all types of ground cover. A slight wave down the back is permissible. Woolly coats, soft silky coats, and sparse slick coats are not typical of the breed, and should be severely penalized.

Color
The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black--Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification. Yellow--Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate--Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification.

Movement
Movement of the Labrador Retriever should be free and effortless. When watching a dog move toward oneself, there should be no sign of elbows out. Rather, the elbows should be held neatly to the body with the legs not too close together. Moving straight forward without pacing or weaving, the legs should form straight lines, with all parts moving in the same plane. Upon viewing the dog from the rear, one should have the impression that the hind legs move as nearly as possible in a parallel line with the front legs. The hocks should do their full share of the work, flexing well, giving the appearance of power and strength. When viewed from the side, the shoulders should move freely and effortlessly, and the foreleg should reach forward close to the ground with extension. A short, choppy movement or high knee action indicates a straight shoulder; paddling indicates long, weak pasterns; and a short, stilted rear gait indicates a straight rear assembly; all are serious faults. Movement faults interfering with performance including weaving; side-winding; crossing over; high knee action; paddling; and short, choppy movement, should be severely penalized.

Temperament
True Labrador Retriever temperament is as much a hallmark of the breed as the "otter" tail. The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non-aggressive towards man or animal. The Labrador has much that appeals to people; his gentle ways, intelligence and adaptability make him an ideal dog. Aggressiveness towards humans or other animals, or any evidence of shyness in an adult should be severely penalized.

Disqualifications
1. Any deviation from the height prescribed in the Standard.
2. A thoroughly pink nose or one lacking in any pigment.
3. Eye rims without pigment.
4. Docking or otherwise altering the length or natural carriage of the tail.
5. Any other color or a combination of colors other than black, yellow or chocolate as described in the Standard.

Approved February 12, 1994
Effective March 31, 1994