Curly Coated Retriever Club General Code Of Ethics
All members of the Curly Coated Retriever club undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.
Club members:
- Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
- Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.
- Members will, when breeding dogs, adopt a minimum standard the principles, requirements and recommendations as embodied in the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme. It is strongly recommended that members who breed should apply to join the Scheme.
- Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
- Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
- Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
- Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
- Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
- Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
- Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
- 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.
- Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Before breeding a litter, serious and equal consideration should be given to construction, temperament, health and soundness. All breeding should be aimed at its improvement of the breed. A Curly Coated Retriever should only be bred from if it is believed to be clear of known serious hereditary defects including permanent bare patches, or serious medical problem. It is recommended that all breeding stock be X-rayed and eye tested preferably under the BVA/KC Scheme. DNA profiling is also recommended.
- No members should breed a litter unless he/she is reasonably sure of finding good homes for the puppies.
- It is recommended that bitches should not be bred from until they are two years, that they should not be bred from on consecutive seasons, that a bitch should have no more than four litters and that no bitch should have a litter after the age of eight years. Whelping must be complete by the age of 8.
- Prospective buyers of puppies and/or adults should be carefully screened for suitability and should be fully advised of the characteristics of the Curly Coated Retriever.
- Stud dog owners must satisfy themselves as to the suitability of the bitch’s breeding. They must make it clear to pet bitch owners the commitment and facilities necessary to rear a litter. It is hoped that the stud dog owner will take further interest in the outcome of any matings. Any breeder and stud dog owner commits to help with the rehoming of any puppy they produce throughout the dog’s life for whatever reason.
- When exporting overseas all sellers should ensure the suitability of the owners and the environment for a curly. The ethics of the country with regard to dogs should also be taken into account.
- Breeders and Stud dog owners are encouraged to make use of DNA testing available for PRA, EIC, and GSDiiia for their breeding stock.
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.
2022