DPCNA Code of Ethics

As of: August 1st, 2023
Members of the Drentsche Patrijshond Club of North America (DPCNA) will abide by this Code of Ethics. Members will respect the history and tradition of the Drentsche Patrijshond and work to protect, promote and safeguard the breed. Breeders must know the Breed Standard and abide by the Best Breeding Practices established by the DPCNA.
 
Conduct 
  1. Members shall subscribe to the purpose of the Drentsche Patrijshond Club of North America as set forth in the Bylaws and will abide by the rules established by the Club.
  2. Members will exhibit sportsmanlike and ethical conduct that will reflect on themselves and on the breed at all competitions and will encourage others to do so. Members will refrain from public and social media criticism and malicious degrading of others and their dogs.
  3. Members pledge to help educate other club members and the general public and to assist the novice Drent owner.
  4. Members will not change or surgically alter a dog in order to hide faults for competition or breeding.
  5. Members will ensure humane treatment, including proper feeding, maintenance, veterinary care, and training for all their dogs and will encourage others to do the same.
  6. Members will commit themselves to continuing education in matters pertaining to the care and training of the Drent.
Breeding Practices
  1. Breeders shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of improving the Drentsche Patrijshond breed. Breeders will conscientiously plan each breeding, choosing only parents of appropriate health, temperament, appearance, working instinct and ability and other desirable qualities.
  2. Breeders shall become aware of genetic defects that can be harmful to the breed. When breeding, Breeders shall endeavor to select animals that will reduce the incidence of genetic problems while enhancing the positive attributes and abilities of the breed. Members shall be open with all persons interested in the welfare of the Drent and will discuss possible physical or temperament defects in their own stock.
  3. Except as noted, Breeders will not breed any male or female unless it has received a Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) number reflecting completion of all health screening tests as reported to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Breeding animals must have acceptable temperament.
  4. Before breeding, Breeders will ensure that their dog and its prospective mate meet the following health and temperament standards:
    1. Required health screening tests
      1. Certification within one year of the planned breeding that the dog is free of heritable eye disease
      2. OFA Hip certification (excellent, good or fair)
      3. OFA Elbow certification of “normal”
      4. von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD) (clear or carrier)
    2. Temperament – A Drent should neither be shy and fearful of persons and other dogs nor aggressive. Breeders shall establish acceptable temperament through attaining a Canine Good Citizen title from the American Kennel Club or other equivalent examination as shall be established by the Board of Directors.
    3. Exceptions
      1. After a dog’s sixth birthday an eye certification is still required, however a passing result is considered indefinite.
      2. A foreign sire need not have CHIC or OFA records or certifications, but must have the equivalent foreign certifications of eye, orthopedic and genetic health that shall be displayed on the Breeder’s website.
      3. An equivalent PennHip score may be substituted for an OFA Hip certification.
      4. A dog affected with vWD may be bred to a clear dog but that combination is highly disfavored.
  5. Breeders will not make a breeding decision that may result in dogs affected with vWD or other genetic disease for which a screening test is available.
  6. Breeders will not breed any male or female before two years of age or initiate breeding a female eight years of age or older.
  7. Breeders will take the necessary safeguards to prevent the breeding of any of my dogs that would result in un-registered or crossbred puppies.
  8. Breeders will use restraint and judgment in the repeated use of a female or stud dog in consideration of the small gene pool. Care must be used to maintain genetic diversity and breeders should limit the number of puppies produced. Ordinarily, a female should not be used for more than three litters. Stud dog use should be limited in order to avoid the “popular sire” syndrome. Repeat breedings of the same two parents are discouraged.
  9. Breeders have an obligation to refuse a breeding request if, in their informed opinion, it is not in the best interest of the breed. Breeders understand that should they refuse a breeding, they will fully explain their reasons to the owner of the female.
  10. Breeders will not breed monorchids, cryptorchids, dogs with vicious or shy temperaments, or dogs with serious defects or faults as addressed in the Breed Standard. Breeders will not use dogs affected with epilepsy or close relatives of dogs affected with epilepsy. Breeders will refrain from using a dog that, although free from serious or disqualifying defects, consistently produces seriously health afflicted puppies.
  11. A Breeder’s advertising will be factual, accurate and honest, both in substance and implication. All advertising for dogs and litters will fully disclose health testing results in plain language. Breeders will not make unverifiable claims regarding the health or genetic status of their dogs, and always include OFA or CHIC numbers in all advertising.
  12. Breeders will sell their puppies with a DPCNA registration, an AKC Registration, a microchip, and a written contract incorporating a health guarantee at time of sale. Breeders will provide the buyer with an inoculation and parasite control record.
  13. Breeders will encourage all buyers to do health testing on their pups according to the guidelines herein or to spay or neuter and not breed their dogs. Breeders will keep in contact with their puppy buyers to keep abreast of any health or other problems that may arise.
  14. Breeders will never knowingly sell to or place a Drent with unethical persons or those who would not provide proper and humane care to the dog. Breeders will refuse to sell any Drent to any pet shop or to any wholesale dealer in dogs.
  15. Should a Member become aware of mistreatment, abuse, or need for relocation of any Drent, the Member will make every effort to be of assistance by notifying the breeder of the dog involved and the appropriate local authorities and assist in any other manner which they are able.