All of the breeders listed on this site have signed and adhere to the following Code of Ethics.
As a Golden Retriever Breeder, I (we) promise the following:
- To maintain the purpose of the breed;
- To demonstrate honesty and fairness in dealing with other owners and breeders, purchasers of dogs, and the general public.
- 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.
- To provide information to new owners concerning appropriate care, maintenance, advice on feeding, vaccinations, and potential health issues within the breed.
- 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.
- Animals selected for breeding will:
(a) 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;
(b) Be in good health, including freedom from communicable disease; (c) Possess the following examination reports in order to verify status concerning possible hip dysplasia, hereditary eye or cardiovascular disease, and elbow dysplasia: |
(i) 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).
(ii) Eyes — appropriate report from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO) or from a BVA/KC approved ophthalmologist (Great Britain). A certificate and number from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) evidences a clear eye examination. (iii) 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. (iv) 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.
(d) 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.)
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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.
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.
9. To use clear, concise written contracts to document the sale of animals, use of stud dogs, and lease arrangements, including the use, when appropriate, of non-breeding agreements and/or Limited Registration.
10. I (we) will not sell dogs at auction, or to brokers or commercial dealers. 11. To select breeding stock recognizing that the Golden Retriever breed was developed as a useful gun dog. We promise to select Golden Retrievers that possess the appearance, structure, soundness, temperament, natural ability and personality that are characterized in the standard of the breed, and to do all possible to advance and promote the perfection of these qualities. (Paraphrased from Article I, Section 2, of the GRCA By-Laws, as amended in 1995.) 12. I (we) will follow AKC requirements for record keeping, identification of animals, and registration procedures. |