Preamble
It is EFSPC recommendation for all breeders to abide by the present Code of Ethics and thus promote the highest standards among breeders owners as well as sportsmanship and cooperation in enhancing and developing registered breeds.
The present Code of Ethics is intended as an expression of objectives for breeders, exhibitors and enthusiasts. It should not be understood as a set of rules or regulations enforced by punishment.
Breeders are expected to control themselves in a civic and responsible manner.
Breeders are expected to control themselves in a civic and responsible manner.
EFSPC supports and creates activities focused on raising awareness of the hereditability, health and diseases of dogs.
Every breeder should do their best to meet the goals and follow the mission of the breeders´ club stipulated in the club’s Articles of Incorporation. Every breeder should accept the mission and the goals of the club or of the umbrella organization and pursue them to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Breeding shall be carried out in accordance with the orders and regulations of FCI and of the breeders´ club. It shall be compliant with the Animal Protection Act, Veterinary Care Act and other related acts and regulations.
It is in the interest of every responsible breeder to follow the Articles of Incorporation and the orders of FCI and of the breeders´ club and thus to differ from commercial reproducers.
Breeders should promote the image of the club and duly represent the particular breed under any circumstances.
Dog Keeping
Breeders and/or owners shall make sure that the dogs in their ownership have such conditions that none of them suffers. They shall take due care of their home, fodder, water and appropriate room for all their dogs and ensure proper veterinary care. They shall bear in mind all aspects of good living conditions for animals in accordance with the legislation. No breeder/owner should have more dogs than he/she can ensure sufficient care and a high-quality environment for.
Responsible breeders/owners shall try to find new proper homes for any dog/lady dog which they cannot take care of for any significant reasons, be it alone or with the help of a breeders´ club.
Breeders´ clubs shall be supported to create a “Dog Rescue” network, i.e. rescue dog breeds which they cover.
Breeders´ clubs shall be supported to create a “Dog Rescue” network, i.e. rescue dog breeds which they cover.
The health and welfare of every dog shall be in the primary interest of every breeder.
It is necessary to promote responsible breeding based on the principles of genetics, prevention of hereditary diseases and having a loving environment.
Responsible owners/breeders must not allow their dogs to ramble freely or cause trouble in the vicinity of their homes. They shall make sure that their dogs are always identifiable and that they are on dog-leads or under effective control if running freely. They shall clean after their dogs in public places or anywhere where their dogs have been moving.
Breeding
Owners of males or females shall not knowingly produce puppies without a certificate of origin or provide their dogs or lady dogs for breeding without a certificate of origin.
Responsible breeders shall prevent any defects and diseases which have a major impact on the good living conditions of dogs from spreading, i.e. diseases which cause pain and inconvenience or otherwise restrict the ability of dogs to live a common life typical for such animal species.
Owners shall not knowingly breed any male or female dog with obvious exterior or genetic defects or defects in their nature, which could affect the offspring or the breed as such.
Breeders shall not knowingly produce sick puppies. Breeding offspring using individuals with inborn defects, individuals with genetic disorders or individuals with deadly diseases is in contradiction to breeding ethics.
Every mating shall be planned with the primary intention of enhancement of the breed. Selection of a suitable parent pair shall be preceded by detailed examination of the family trees, anatomy and work/usable potential of both planned parents with regard to the breed´s ideal. Breeders shall be obliged to refuse a mating in any case when they believe it is not in the best interest of the breed.
Bred individuals should be extraordinary in the required characteristics of the particular breed in order to achieve genetic enhancement.
Breeders shall selected purebreds with regard to their anatomy, temperament and work instincts and abilities, while carefully studying the breed standard and principles of genetics.
Responsible breeders shall not breed individuals which are not appropriately physically or mentally mature.
The aim of any match of two bred individuals should be to enhance or maintain the breeding level in accordance with the standard.
Breeders shall not breed any individuals if it posed a threat to their health or lives or if it harmed breeding as such.
Dogs from blood lines with maximum longevity shall be used for breeding. The length of life of any dog shall not be inappropriately prolonged to the detriment of its health and good living conditions.
Only animals without any major or excluding defects shall be bred. Monorchid or cryptorchid individuals, individuals with an aggressive or shy nature, or individuals with major defects or excluding defects described in breed standards shall not be bred.
Responsible breeders shall not breed any dog which – although it has no major or excluding defects itself – continues producing disabled puppies.
It is recommended to all owners of females and purebreds to confirm the agreed conditions prior to every planned mating, particularly the issue of financial obligations, in a written contract.
Sales of Puppies
It is unacceptable to sell or donate dogs to commercial stores, dealers or laboratories. Breeders shall refuse to sell dogs to non-ethical breeders or persons whose intentions with the dog/puppy are not known or are suspicious. Similarly, it is unacceptable to donate a dog/puppy as a reward to a competition or tombola.
When selling their dogs, responsible breeders shall distinguish potential purchasers and consider the conditions which their puppy will face as a result of the sale.
It is unacceptable to sell puppies in a bad health condition. If breeders are selling puppies with any defect or deficiency, they should inform the new owner thereof.
Responsible breeders shall maintain high standards of dog health and care and guarantee the health of their puppies at the time of the sale.
Breeders shall not sell any puppies not corresponding to the standard of that particular breed for breeding purposes. They shall support all new owners of pets in the pet quality in their intention to have them spayed or neutered so that individuals without certificates of origin or individuals with a higher likelihood of occurrence of diseases or defects are not intentionally or accidentally reproduced in the future.
Breeders shall not sell puppies before they are at least seven or eight weeks old, if the puppies are transported by air in a cargo hold.
When selling their dogs/puppies, breeders shall provide purchasers with a duly issued certificate of origin, feeding manual, deworming and vaccination records and a health certificate.
If breeders have discovered that any of their puppies are suffering or are in difficulty, they shall do their best to help such individuals and find a new valuable home for them.
Conclusion
Responsible breeders shall take it both for granted and as a matter of breeders´ ethics that they will help educate the general public as well as help new breeders.