AMERICAN BRITTANY CLUB CODE OF
ETHICS
Adopted November
30, 1996
The following principles are to
be used as an educational guide and a tool for Brittany breeders for the purpose
to develop more genetic and disease free dogs, while being ethical in all
matters with the public and with our peers.
Objective and
Purpose
To promote cooperation and
friendship among the breeders and owners of Brittanys and to encourage higher
standards in breeding, training and showing of Brittanys in the field and in the
show ring; to discourage the breed from becoming split into groups of "field
dogs" and "show dogs" and to strive to keep it forever a "dual dog".
Ethical breeders should:
1. Comply with all ABC and AKC
rules and regulations.
2. Maintain a high standard of
health, care, and cleanliness for dogs under one's care.
3. Truthfully and realistically
represent the Brittany being bred and/or sold in terms of quality, health, and
genetic history. Refrain from breeding a bitch or using a stud until they are
two (2) years old.
4. Consult with your breeder and
with knowledgeable, experienced members of the ABC, regional clubs, or local
kennel clubs to broaden your understanding and knowledge of the history of the
breed BEFORE breeding your Brittany.
5. Breed only stock which are
physically and temperamentally sound and in good health. No dog or bitch should
be bred that is known to have serious inheritable defects or genetic diseases,
such as:
- canine hip/elbow dysplasia,
primary epilepsy, a seizure disorder,
- eye disorders - retinal
atrophy, undescended testicles,
- heart defects, extreme
shyness, viciousness, other inheritable diseases or defects
6. Not attempt breeding without
the ability to distinguish between correct and incorrect physical attributes.
This ability requires a careful study of the breed standard, principles of
genetics, and a study of both the sire and the dam's pedigrees. Breeders should
study and learn the good points within our dogs, looking to both field ability
and conformation.
7. Have their breeding stock OFA
(Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), GDC (Genetic Disease Control) or PennHip
certification numbers for hips on, at least, both the sire and the dam;
preferably for three (3) generations on both sides of the pedigree. In addition,
other tests (brucellosis, eyes, elbows, and other unspecified tests) should be
declared in agreement between owners of the sire and the dam prior to breeding.
8. Refuse to sell to commercial
wholesalers, retail brokers, or research laboratories.
9. Have tails docked and dew
claws removed soon after birth. Prior to the sale of the puppies, initial shots
for known infectious diseases should be given and worming administered. A buyer
should be supplied with a four- (4) generation pedigree, registration
certificate, information on all veterinary care, and instructions for the care,
feeding, and training of the Brittany.
10. Remember your responsibility,
as a breeder does not end with the sale of the puppy. A breeder should have
contact with the buyer of a pup throughout the life of the dog. This information
will enhance breeding knowledge and improve the foundation for a good long-term
breeding program. This will also help your regional club to grow with new
members and possible participants and workers.
11. Use spay/neuter agreements
and/or consider limited registration if it is known or believed to manifest
hereditary defects detrimental to the breed. THE LONG TERM INTEREST OF THE
BRITTANY SHOULD BE THE GOAL OF EVERY BREEDER.
12. Consider DNA finger printing
for all dogs in your breeding programs.
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