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CODE OF ETHICS
All of the breeders listed on this site have signed the following
Code of Ethics.
As a Golden Retriever Breeder, I (we) promise the following:
1. To maintain the purpose of the breed;
2. To demonstrate honesty and fairness in dealing with other
owners and breeders, purchasers of dogs, and the general public.
3. To not sell or place a dog or puppy with undisclosed health
issues and to try to work with the new owners to resolve any existing or
potential health issues.
4. To provide information to new owners concerning appropriate
care, maintenance, advice on feeding, vaccinations, and potential health
issues within the breed.
5. To provide appropriate documentation to all concerned
regarding the health of dogs involved in a breeding or sale, including
reports of examinations such as those applying to hips, elbows, heart,
and eyes. If any such examinations have not been performed on a dog,
this should be stated.
6. Animals selected for breeding will:
(i)
Be of temperament typical of the Golden Retriever breed; stable,
friendly, trainable, and willing to work. Temperament is of utmost
importance to the breed and must never be neglected;
(ii)
Be in good health, including freedom from communicable disease;
(iii)
Possess the following examination reports in order to verify
status concerning possible hip dysplasia, hereditary eye or
cardiovascular disease, and elbow dysplasia:
a.
Hips — appropriate report from Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals; PennHip; Ontario Veterinary College; BVA/KC Hip Score (Great
Britain) or at least a written report from a board-certified veterinary
radiologist (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary
Radiologists).
b.
Eyes — appropriate report from a Diplomate of the American
College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO) or from a BVA/KCapproved
ophthalmologist (Great Britain). A certificate and number from the
Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) evidences a clear eye
examination.
c.
Hearts — appropriate report from a Diplomate of the American
College of Veterinary Medicine, Cardiology Specialty. A certificate
with a finding of “Normal” from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
evidences a clear heart examination.
d.
Elbows — appropriate report from Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals; Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals; or at minimum
a written report from a board-certified veterinary radiologist (Diplomate
of the American College of Veterinary Radiologists).
Consideration will also be given also to other disorders that may
have a genetic component, including, but not limited to, epilepsy,
hypothyroidism, skin disorders (allergies), and orthopedic disorders
such as osteochondritis.
(iv) Assuming all health and examination reports are favorable,
the age of the breeding pair also is of consideration. Generally, a
Golden Retriever is not physically and mentally mature until the age of
2 years; an individual dog’s suitability as a breeding animal is
difficult to assess until that time.
(Dogs
must be at least 2 years of age to get final hip clearance.)
7. I (we) understand and acknowledge that I (we) may need to
take back, or assist in finding a new home for, any dog I (we) produce
at any time in its life, if requested to do so.
8. To only breed, sell puppies, permit stud service, and/or
lease any stud dogs or brood bitches only to individuals who give
satisfactory evidence that they will give proper care and attention to
the animals concerned, and who may be expected generally to act within
the intent of the statements of this Code of Ethics.
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