CODE OF ETHICS •
SAN DIEGO LABRADOR RETRIEVER CLUB,
INC.
BREEDERS CODE OF ETHICS
It is the desire
of the SDLRC to support and promote breeding programs that continue to
protect and advance the breeding of purebred Labrador Retrievers. To maintain
or improve the quality of the progeny of stud dogs and brood bitches,
it is important that they demonstrate basic characteristics of soundness
and natural ability. In order to meet these goals, the following guidelines
have been established.
A) Stud dogs and brood bitches should be Labrador Retrievers registered
with the AKC.
B) Stud dogs and brood bitches should be certified radiographically free
of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and/or the Wind-Morgan
program. This certification may include Wind-Morgan numbers, OFA numbers
or OFA evaluation up to the age of two. Elbow evaluation is not required,
but is strongly encouraged.
C) Stud dogs and brood bitches should be examined annually and certified
free of eye diseases currently recognized as having a genetic basis by
a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
D) Additional important tests are: OPTIGEN, EIC (excercise induced collapse),
and heart color doplar.
E) A breeder should evaluate the temperament of a prospective stud dog
and brood bitch before breeding. Shyness, over-aggressiveness, etc., are
NOT desirable Labrador Retriever characteristics.
F) A breeder should guarantee the general health of a sire and dam at
the time of mating.
HEALTH AND TEMPERAMENT
Members of the SDLRC must agree to maintain good health standard and care
for their dogs, including proper veterinary care. A good stable temperament
is extremely important to the breed, so the club encourages tests such
as the Canine Good Citizen Test and the American Temperament Test.
SALES
1. A breeder should not supply puppies for resale through pet stores or other wholesale outlets.
2. A breeder should guarantee the general health of the puppies at the time of sale.
3. Puppy purchasers should be urged to provide obedience training at the proper age.
4. A breeder should refuse to sell a puppy to any home where they believe
a Labrador will not be cared for properly.
5.
A breeder should not release a puppy before they are seven weeks of age,
and then only with the full knowledge they are healthy and have had the
required inoculations and care.
SPORTSMANSHIP
Members of the SDLRC shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner
which will reflect credit upon themselves and the breed, regardless of
the location or the circumstances, but especially while attending a dog
show, whether as an exhibitor or as a spectator. It is also recommended
that this conduct follow through at club functions.
ENFORCEMENT
Club members should understand and agree that should they, through no
fault of their own, be in violation of any of the aforementioned provisions,
they shall have recourse to the Grievance Committee appointed by the Board
of Directors.