Code of Ethics

Records.
1. I am familiar with and follow the "national registry's" kennel and record keeping requirements
2. I will keep accurate records and retain those records for a minimum of 5 years. These records will include stud service contracts, pedigrees, all litters produced, and all dogs/puppies sold.
3. I will report to the registration office of the national registry and any person who falsifies a registration or knowingly misrepresents a pedigree.
Breeding.
1. I shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of improving the Drentsche Patrijshond breed.
2. I will select the stud dog and brood bitch with an eye to conformation, temperament, and working instinct and ability, with a careful study of the breed standard, and the principles of genetics.
3. I will not breed any male or female until they have received an OFA certificate stating that hips are graded passing (Excellent, Good, Fair); and that they are both physically and mentally mature.
4. I will not breed my females on consecutive heat cycles that fall within a 12 month period, nor will I initiate breeding a female that is 8 years or older.
5. Before entering into any breeding arrangement, I will scrutinize the pedigree, conformation, and working potential of both the sire and dam, keeping in mind the ideal of the breed.
6. I have an obligation to refuse the breeding if, in my opinion, it is not in the best interest of the breed. As a responsible stud dog owner, I understand that should I refuse a breeding, I will fully explain my reasons to the owner of the bitch.
7. I believe that only those dogs known to be free of serious, disqualifying, or genetic health defects should be used for breeding. I will not breed monorchids, cryptorchids, dogs with vicious or shy temperaments, or dogs with serious defects or disqualifications as addressed in the Drentsche Patrijshond breed standard.
8. I understand that there are many different genetic screening tests that may be used to verify health soundness in my breeding stock such as: CERF eye exams, Patellar Exam, Elbow Exam, Cardiac Profiles, and Thyroid Profiles. While there are no specific tests available for epilepsy, I will not use affected dogs or close relatives of affected dogs should the problem arise.
9. As a responsible breeder, I will refrain from using a dog that, although free from serious or disqualifying defects, consistently produces seriously health afflicted puppies; And, I will take the necessary safeguards in preventing breeding of any of my dogs that would result in un-registerable puppies.
10. I will encourage/require the buyers of pet quality puppies to spay or neuter them.
11. I will report all genetic screening information to the club for inclusion in the Open Genetic Disease Registry.
Health.
1. I will maintain high standards of health and care for my dogs and guarantee the health of my puppies at the time of sale in writing.
2. And at the very minimum the guidelines as set forth by the "national registry" in housing and care.
Sales.
1. I will show discrimination in the sale of my puppies and be concerned with the type of homes in which they are placed.
2. My dogs/puppies will not be sold to dog wholesalers, retailers, or individuals for the expressed purpose of resale. I will transfer all applicable registration papers at the time the purchase agreement is completed and is agreeable to both parties.
3. I will sell my puppies with both a DPCNA registration and an AKC Limited Registration. When the pup becomes of age, I will review his/her situation and consider the appropriateness of removing the Limited Registration. I will not intentionally breed un-registerable puppies for market demand. Upon the sale of a dog/puppy, I will provide the buyer with a properly executed Registration Certificate, diet record, an inoculation and parasite control record, and a health guarantee.
4. It is recommended that a written sales contract be executed between the parties. I will refrain from releasing any puppy until it is at least seven (7) weeks old, or eight (8) weeks old if the puppy is to be shipped.
5. I will require all puppy buyers to register their pups with my registered kennel prefix, or I will register all pups first with my prefix before sale to new owners; I will encourage others to also adhere to these procedures.
6. I will encourage all buyers to do health testing on their pups according to the guidelines herein or to spay and not breed their dogs if they cannot do the basic OFA health testing. As a responsible breeder I will keep in contact with my puppy buyers to keep abreast of any health or other problems that may arise.
Advertising.
1. My advertising of dogs/puppies will be factual and honest, both in substance and implication.
2. I will avoid encouraging buyers regarding the breeding potential of a dog/puppy as a business.
3. I believe breeding purebred dogs involves certain responsibilities and I will not take it lightly.
4. All advertising will include OFA and/or other health information accurately.
Exhibitor/Breeder Relations.
1. I understand that exhibiting dogs is a sport and that I am expected to express good sportsmanship in all activities.
2. I understand that Hunt Tests, Field Trials, and Dog Shows are a sport, and can be useful tools to compare prospective breeding stock.
3. I will not change or surgically alter a dog in order to hide faults for competition, or breeding.
4. As an exhibitor I will refrain from unnecessary criticism of other people's dogs.
5. As a matter of ethics, I pledge to help educate the general public as well as to assist the novice breeder.
6. While we may speak openly about health issues in our breed, I will not intentionally defame any breeder or exhibitor.

Implementation. This Code of Ethics is intended as an expression of goals for breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts. It is not to be construed as a rule or regulation to be enforced by punishment. Breeders are expected to police themselves in a civil and responsible manner. However, the club allows that individuals may sign a contract with the club as "official" signers of the Code of Ethics and agree to be reprimanded by the club for infraction if reported. Those who become "official" signers of the Code of Ethics will be permitted to state so in any advertising that they do, and appear on the club's "Official Signers" list.

Updated: 2 Feb 2019