The Flatcoated Retriever Club of Scotland

 

Code of Ethics

THE FLATCOATED RETRIEVER CLUB OF SCOTLAND'S ADOPTED CODE OF ETHICS FOR ALL OWNERS/BREEDERS OF FLATCOATED RETRIEVERS.

Amended 5th February 2009

All members of the Flatcoated Retriever Club of Scotland undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics:

  1. Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.

 

  1. Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.

 

  1. Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes. 

 

  1. Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.

 

  1. Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.

 

  1. Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.

 

  1. Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.

 

  1. Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.

 

  1. Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.

 

  1. Will only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change.

 

  1. Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.

 

  1. Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.

 

  1. Will not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind.  Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).

 

  1. Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.

 

  1. A breeder shall only breed from those Flatcoated Retrievers believed to be clear from known serious hereditary defects and which are not suffering from any acute problems. To this effect it is recommended that all breeding stock be x-rayed for hip dysplasia and in addition to the annual general examination of the eyes, undergo a gonioscopy examination for goniodysgenesis/primary glaucoma under the BVA/KC eye scheme. Gonioscopy is a once only examination. At all times the improvement of breeding stock must be the primary consideration.

 

  1. Stud dog owners must satisfy themselves as to the suitability of the bitch's breeding and the conditions under which the litter would be reared.A stud dog owner must be satisfied that both bitch and stud dog have undergone the necessary health screening.

 

  1. It is recommended that bitches should not be bred from until at least 2 1/2 years old. Normally no bitch would be expected to produce more than 3 litters or a total of 30 puppies, whichever is lesser. No bitch over 8 years old should be bred from. The Kennel Club will not register the progeny of such bitches unless prior permission has been given.

 

  1. All puppies sold over 12 weeks of age should be inoculated and no puppy should normally change homes under 7 weeks of age.

 

  1. The breeder of the puppies shall provide a copy of the pedigree, proof of registration, a satisfactory diet sheet, complete health record and details of worming at the time of sale and advise on appropriate dates for inoculations. Hip and eye certificates for the parents should be available for inspection by prospective owners. Any KC restrictions on the puppy’s registrations should be fully explained and recorded in writing.

 

  1. Breeders shall at all times be extremely careful when advertising or selling puppies.

 

  1. Members shall not knowingly sell Flatcoated Retrievers to commercial dealers, retailers or laboratories. When exporting overseas, all buyers should be investigated to ensure the suitability of the puppy’s future homes. The ethics of the country with regard to dogs should also be taken into account.

 

  1. If puppies are sold on breeding terms, a breeding terms contract must be endorsed by the Kennel Club.

Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.