Lukehaven Puppy Application

At Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs we breed for four pillars: health, sound structure, stable temperament, and genetic diversity. Yet our responsibility does not end with DNA and vet checks. We view every placement as the start of a lifelong partnership—one grounded in a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and evidence-based care.

Our Commitment

Breeding exceptional puppies means more than producing beautiful dogs; it means building a community that honors the rare, heritage status of the Icelandic Sheepdog. We promise to remain a mentor and resource to each owner for the dog’s entire life, celebrating triumphs and providing support whenever challenges arise.

Because that ongoing relationship is so important, we place puppies only with homes whose core values complement our own:

• Respect & Inclusivity – treating every person and animal with dignity.
• Environmental Stewardship – making choices that preserve the planet our herding breed depends on.
• Evidence-Based Responsibility – trusting science, veterinary best practice, breeder expertise and ethical training methods.
• Social Responsibility – contributing positively to local and global communities.

Values-Alignment Policy

We recognize that loving dog owners come from many walks of life, but homes advocating policies or behaviors that undermine compassion, justice, or environmental care fall outside our placement criteria. This standard is value-based rather than partisan: applicants of any political persuasion are welcome so long as their actions and attitudes reflect empathy, unity, diversity, inclusion and respect for expert guidance.

If these principles resonate with you, we invite you to complete the application below and begin a conversation. If they do not, we appreciate your interest and encourage you to explore other responsible breeders better aligned with your goals.

Application Process - What to Expect

Comprehensive Application
In addition to lifestyle and care questions, you will be asked to affirm that no one in your household has a history of animal cruelty, interpersonal violence, or values fundamentally at odds with those listed above.

Two-Way Interview
We welcome your questions as much as we ask ours; a successful placement is built on mutual trust, honesty and understanding.

Ongoing Partnership Approved families receive education resources, training guidance, and lifetime breeder support. In return, we ask for periodic updates so we can track health trends and celebrate achievements together.

Next Breeding Timing
Our next breeding took place in May 2025. Elsa's litter was born on June 29, 2025 and she had 5 healthy puppies.

In‑Person Pickup Only
We do not offer shipping. If your application is approved, you must travel to Connecticut to collect your puppy.

Health & Temperament First
All dams and sires undergo comprehensive health testing. We breed for sound structure, stable temperament, and genetic diversity.

Matching Puppies to Families
Once you’re approved and have placed a deposit, we’ll do our best to pair you with the pup that fits your home and lifestyle. Choice of puppy may be possible based on litter size, gender availability, and deposit order—but is not guaranteed.

First Veterinary Visit
At 8–10 weeks, each puppy receives a full physical exam, first vaccinations, microchip implantation, and parasite screening.

Release Age
Puppies leave for their new homes between 10–12 weeks of age.

Health & Safety Protocol
To protect immature immune systems, we do not permit in‑person visits until puppies have completed their initial veterinary care.  We will provide videos and pictures as they develop if you are approved for a puppy.

AKC Registration & Microchip
At pickup, we will transfer ownership and register your puppy with the AKC (registration fee applies which you will pay for), and register the microchip with AKC Reunite. Unless otherwise agreed, registration is “limited” (all performance events permitted, conformation excluded).

Preferred Activities
We prioritize individuals and families committed to active involvement—agility, rally, dock diving, obedience, scent work, herding, tracking, or conformation are just some of the sports we encourage owners to do with their puppies. If you’re a breeder, trainer or experienced handler, let’s discuss your goals.

Breeding Restrictions
By default, our puppies are placed as family companions and are not to be bred. Exceptions may be made for approved ethical breeders,  trainers, and experienced handlers with demonstrated experience.

Return‑to‑Kennel Clause
Our sales contract includes a clause that requires any puppy or adult dog no longer able to stay in its home to be returned to our care. This agreement is signed at the time of ownership transfer.

Critical Growth and Development Time
The first 16 weeks of a puppy's life—and the subsequent months leading up to the first year—are profoundly influential periods that shape their health, behavior, and social skills, laying the foundation for their entire lives. If you are approved, you must agree to not travel or be away from your new puppy for any significant amount of time. If you have travel/vacation planned, consider not getting a puppy at this time.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to guiding you through each step of bringing home a Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdog!

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Financial Considerations

Pet insurance is an essential component of responsible pet ownership, offering financial protection and peace of mind throughout your pet's life. Unless you possess substantial wealth and can comfortably afford unexpected veterinary costs, pet insurance can mean the difference between providing comprehensive care and facing challenging financial decisions during emergencies or illnesses. Pets can encounter unforeseen health issues or accidents at any age, and veterinary expenses can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars, putting tremendous financial strain on owners who lack adequate preparation.

By having pet insurance, owners ensure access to high-quality medical treatments and advanced care without hesitating due to cost concerns, ultimately enhancing the pet’s longevity, quality of life, and overall well-being. Additionally, consistent preventive care, sometimes an option and covered or subsidized by insurance, promotes early detection and treatment of conditions, further safeguarding the pet’s health.

Therefore, unless you have the means to comfortably self-insure, pet insurance is a prudent investment that benefits both pet and owner, safeguarding against financial hardship and facilitating compassionate, timely veterinary care throughout the pet's life.

The First 16 Weeks of Your Puppy's Life

The first 16 weeks of a puppy's life—and the subsequent months leading up to the first year—are profoundly influential periods that shape their health, behavior, and social skills, laying the foundation for their entire lives. During these initial critical weeks, puppies undergo crucial vaccinations to build immunity against potentially life-threatening diseases, requiring regular veterinary visits to ensure they stay healthy and protected. Equally important is proper socialization; this early developmental phase is when puppies form essential social bonds, learn appropriate behavior, and become comfortable with various environments, sounds, people, and animals.

Early and consistent training during this stage establishes boundaries, fosters trust, and encourages positive behaviors, significantly reducing the likelihood of future behavioral issues. Consequently, it is vital for new owners to anticipate this demanding but rewarding commitment by planning to spend substantial, uninterrupted time at home with their puppy. Scheduling frequent travel or prolonged absences within the puppy's first year can disrupt their routine, hinder proper training and socialization efforts, and increase anxiety or behavioral problems, potentially impacting their overall development.

Thoughtful planning and dedicated attention during this foundational year will result in a well-adjusted, healthy, and confident adult dog, ensuring a harmonious and fulfilling companionship for years to come.

Applicant Acknowledgement — Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs

By signing and submitting this application, I certify that all answers are truthful and that I understand and agree to every obligation below. I further acknowledge that these same obligations will appear, in consistent language, in the Sales Contract I will be asked to sign if I am approved for a puppy.

1. Screening & Approval – I understand that completing this application does not guarantee placement; Lukehaven retains sole discretion to approve or deny any applicant and to match each puppy with the most suitable home.
2. Shared Core Values – My personal beliefs align with Lukehaven’s values of inclusivity, diversity, environmental stewardship, evidence-based decision-making, and respect for all people; homes actively supporting policies contrary to these values will not be considered.
3. Breed Preservation Commitment – I understand the Icelandic Sheepdog is a rare, heritage herding breed whose future depends on responsible ownership and active cooperation with the breeder community.
4. No Animal-Cruelty History – I affirm that neither I nor any member of my household (spouse/partner, children, adult children, housemates, or frequent visitors) has ever been investigated, charged, or convicted for neglect or cruelty to animals, and that no such investigation is pending.
5. No History of Violence Toward People – I affirm that neither I nor any member of my household (spouse/partner, children, adult children, housemates, or frequent visitors) has ever been investigated, charged, or convicted for domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, or any other violent or coercive offense against a person, and that no such investigation is pending.
6. Age & Residency – I (and any co-applicant) am at least 25 years old and reside at the address provided; I will notify Lukehaven of any address change before puppy pickup.
7. In-Person Pickup – If approved, I will travel to Connecticut to collect my puppy; Lukehaven does not ship puppies under any circumstances.
8. Deposit & Puppy Matching – I understand a deposit secures my place in the selection order but does not guarantee a specific puppy. Final placement is based on breeder assessment of temperament and lifestyle fit.
9. Lifetime Partnership – I welcome ongoing contact with Lukehaven, will provide annual updates—including titles earned, major health changes, and notice of the dog’s passing—and will respond promptly to reasonable breeder inquiries for the life of the dog.
10. Return, Transfer & Use Restrictions –If I am ever unable to keep this dog for any reason, I will immediately offer it back to Lukehaven or, with Lukehaven’s prior written consent, may place it directly with a pre-existing family member or trusted friend. I will never under any circumstances allow this dog—or any of its progeny—to be:
    • surrendered to an animal shelter, governmental impound facility, or any rescue organization other than the National Icelandic Sheepdog Rescue Alliance (NISRA);
    • sold, gifted, leased, traded, auctioned, or otherwise transferred to any third party, broker, pet store, commercial breeder, or “puppy mill”;
    • used for research, experimentation, testing, vivisection, guard-dog or fight training, or any activity that endangers welfare;
    • placed in any form of commercial resale or rental program (including breeding-rights leases or stud services);
    • exported or transported outside North America;
    • transferred to any individual or entity not expressly permitted above.

    I understand that any attempt to rehome, sell, or use the dog in violation of these restrictions constitutes a material breach that authorizes Lukehaven to reclaim the dog without refund and to pursue all remedies available under the Sales Contract and Connecticut law.

11. No Breeding Without Written Approval – The dog will be sold on AKC Limited Registration and may not be bred unless Lukehaven issues a separate, signed breeding addendum after all required health tests.
12. Delayed Spay/Neuter – Unless a licensed veterinarian and Lukehaven jointly deem earlier alteration medically necessary, I will postpone spay/neuter as follows: males until 18–24 months of age; females until at least 12 months of age and after a minimum of two heats.
13. First-Year Commitment – I will be home for the critical first 16 weeks—and preferably most of the first year—to ensure proper socialization, training, and bonding; I will avoid extended travel during this period.
14. Health Care & Insurance – I will (a) secure a veterinary exam within 72 hours of pickup, (b) follow the vaccination and parasite schedule provided, (c) maintain routine preventive care for life, and (d) keep continuous pet-insurance coverage unless I am financially able to self-insure significant veterinary costs.
15. Exercise & Mental Stimulation – I will provide daily physical and mental enrichment appropriate to an active herding breed and intend to pursue at least one structured or unstructured activity (e.g., agility, rally, scent work, herding, hiking, walking, swimming, tricks, etc.).
16. Training Methods – I will use positive-reinforcement techniques and enroll in puppy socialization and basic-obedience classes as recommended.
17. Safe Housing & Containment – The dog will live inside my home, never be left tethered unsupervised or transported uncrated in an open pickup truck, and will avoid forced exercise (jogging, high-impact jumping) until at least 18 months; I will maintain a healthy body weight for the dog.
18. Behavior Management – I acknowledge Icelandic Sheepdogs bark and herd by nature; I will manage these behaviours responsibly and comply with local ordinances or community rules.
19. Financial Responsibility – I have budgeted for all routine and emergency costs—food, supplies, grooming, training, and veterinary care—for the expected 12–16-year lifespan of an Icelandic Sheepdog.
20. AKC & Microchip Fees – At pickup I will provide a valid credit card so Lukehaven can process payment for the AKC registration and the AKC Reunite microchip transfer.
21. Joint AKC Registration & Microchip Workflow – I will complete AKC registration and microchip registration together with the breeder at the time of ownership transfer, using “Lukehaven” plus the assigned litter theme as the prefix of the dog’s registered name, and will supply Lukehaven with a copy of the final AKC certificate.
22. Values Section of Application: I attest that the responses in the ‘Values’ section are complete and accurate, and I understand that any material misrepresentation voids placement.
23. Data Privacy – I consent to Lukehaven retaining my application data for placement decisions and lifetime follow-up, as detailed in its Privacy Policy.
24. Governing Law – I agree that any contract arising from this application shall be governed by, and construed under, the laws of the State of Connecticut and any dispute arising from this application or the sale of a puppy shall be covered by Connecticut law and litigated exclusively in Connecticut courts.

By typing my full legal name, signing my name and today’s date below, I affirm that I have read, understood, and agree to all statements above.