Puppy Reservation Terms 

At Grand Smirnof Kennels, every puppy is carefully matched to a suitable home. These terms explain how the reservation fee works, how puppy matching is done, and what both the breeder and buyer can expect during the reservation process.

Please read the full terms carefully before paying the reservation fee.

1. Purpose of the Reservation Fee

The reservation fee is paid to secure a place in a specific litter. It confirms the buyer's serious intention to purchase a puppy and allows the breeder to plan the litter placement accordingly. By paying the reservation fee, the buyer confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Puppy Reservation Terms.

2. Reservation Fee Amount

The reservation fee is €300 for all breeds. This fee is deducted from the final puppy price at the time of collection. The exact puppy price will always be confirmed in writing before the reservation fee is paid.

3. Reservation of a Puppy

The reservation fee reserves a place in the litter, not automatically a specific individual puppy, unless separately agreed in writing between the buyer and the breeder. The breeder reserves the right to retain any puppy for breeding, working or show purposes.

4. Puppy Matching and Selection

Puppy matching usually takes place at around 5–6 weeks of age. The breeder will assess each puppy's temperament, confidence, activity level, trainability, drive, sensitivity and human focus. Matching decisions are made by the breeder based on the puppy's individual character and the buyer's home, lifestyle and experience. Temperament, suitability and the correct match are always prioritised over colour, sex or personal preference.

5. Puppy Price and Balance Payment

The puppy prices are as follows:

• Working-line Labrador Retriever: €2,200 including VAT
• Working Cocker Spaniel: €2,500 including VAT
• Reservation fee: €300 (deducted from the final price)
• Remaining balance for Labrador: €1,900
• Remaining balance for Working Cocker Spaniel: €2,200

The remaining balance is due before or at the time of collection, unless otherwise agreed in writing. The puppy will not be released until full payment has been received.

6. Buyer Cancellation

If the buyer cancels their reservation after the reservation fee has been paid, the reservation fee is non-refundable. This reflects the breeder's time, planning and the potential loss of placing the puppy with another suitable home. The breeder will make reasonable efforts to find an alternative buyer for the puppy.

7. Breeder Cancellation or No Suitable Puppy Available

If the litter does not produce a puppy suitable for the buyer, or if the breeder is unable to fulfil the reservation for any reason within the breeder's control, the reservation fee will be refunded in full or transferred to a future litter by mutual agreement. The breeder will communicate openly and promptly if this situation arises.

8. Health and Veterinary Checks

All puppies are health-checked by a veterinarian before leaving the kennel. Puppies are microchipped, vaccinated and treated for parasites in accordance with current veterinary recommendations. Health documentation will be provided at the time of collection. The buyer is encouraged to arrange an independent veterinary check within 48–72 hours of collection.

9. Buyer Responsibilities

The buyer confirms that they have the appropriate home, time, experience and resources to care for a working-line puppy. The buyer agrees to provide the puppy with appropriate nutrition, veterinary care, socialisation, training and exercise throughout its life. The buyer agrees to contact the breeder in the first instance if they are ever unable to keep the puppy.

10. Limitations of Future Guarantees

The breeder takes all reasonable steps to breed healthy, well-tempered puppies from health-tested parents. However, the breeder cannot guarantee the future health, temperament or working ability of any individual puppy. Health testing of the parents reduces risk but does not eliminate it entirely. The buyer accepts this as part of responsible dog ownership.

11. Change of Circumstances Before Collection

If the buyer's circumstances change significantly between paying the reservation fee and the puppy's collection date, the buyer must inform the breeder as soon as possible. The breeder will consider each situation individually and with care. The reservation fee remains non-refundable in the event of buyer cancellation, but the breeder may, at their discretion, offer a transfer to a future litter.

12. Collection of the Puppy

Puppies are usually ready to leave at around 7–8 weeks of age, depending on development, health and the breeder's assessment. The exact collection date will be agreed in advance. If the buyer is unable to collect on the agreed date, the breeder must be informed promptly. The breeder reserves the right to charge a reasonable boarding fee if collection is significantly delayed without prior agreement.

13. Agreement

By paying the reservation fee, the buyer confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Puppy Reservation Terms in full. These terms form the basis of the agreement between the buyer and Grand Smirnof Kennels. Nothing in these terms removes the buyer's statutory rights under applicable law.