GVKC Breeders code of ethics

Code of Ethics
  1. Each breeder in the Genesee Valley Kennel Club Breeders Guide has an obligation to protect the interest of his breed by conducting himself in a manner designed to reflect credit on himself, on the Genesee Valley Kennel Club and on the sport of raising AKC purebred dogs.
  2. Each breeder who contemplates breeding a litter, or who allows the use of his stud dog to the same end shall direct his efforts towards producing dogs of exceptional quality, temperament and condition.
  3. No breeder shall malign his competition by making false or misleading statements regarding his competitor's dogs, breeding practice or person.
  4. No breeder shall breed solely of money or income.
  5. No breeder shall engage in false or misleading advertising or misrepresentation of his breed. All breeding stock shall be AKC registered.
  6. It is considered unethical for any breeder to sell dogs to any pet shop, or any wholesale dealer in dogs, or to knowingly sell to any breeder who sells to pet shops or in any way aid or abet the sale of any dog through a pet shop or lottery.
  7. A reputable breeder will maintain the best possible standards of health and care of his kennels.
  8. A responsible breeder makes oneself available to buyers to educate, encourage and help with ongoing needs.
  9. A responsible breeder maintains contact with buyers over the life of the dog to ensure its placement, well-being and health.

Responsibilities of the Breeder
  1. Is familiar with his breed standard and breeds only those specimens which conform to it.
  2. Is familiar with AKC rules concerning record keeping, registration and sale and transfer of dogs and abides by these rules.
  3. Uses for breeding only dogs which are of sound temperament, healthy and free from serious congenital defects, such as dysplasia, cataracts, blood diseases, etc.
  4. Does not breed solely for money or income and breeds only when he has the time to find suitable permanent homes so as not to contribute to pet over-population.
  5. Shall not breed bitches prior to physical maturity nor as a general rule any more often than two out of three heats.
  6. Agrees to take back the dog or otherwise place it when the owner can no longer keep it, for whatever reason.
  7. Works closely with one's specific breed rescue to provide support, foster care and/or volunteer time.

Responsibilities of the Seller
  1. Carefully interviews and apprises the buyer of the growth potential and breed peculiarities to insure that placement of the dog is mutually satisfactory.
  2. Places all puppies fully protected (age appropriate) will shots, wormed, dewclaws removed, tails docked, ears cropped, etc. as necessary to the specific breed, unless otherwise agreed upon.
  3. Is willing to cover all sales by a written contract listing conditions of sale, description of quality of dog, health, and full description including a three-generation pedigree.
  4. Requests that a newly purchased dog be examined by buyer's veterinarian (at buyer's expense) within 48 hours of sale. If the dog is to be returned to seller, a written health record with reasons for return must be furnished by examining veterinarian within 48 hour period.
  5. Provides registration papers with each dog unless reasons for not providing papers (such as spay/neuter) are clearly stated in sales contract.
  6. Responsibilities of the Stud Owner
  7. Shall make every effort to apprise owner of the bitch of the responsibilities involved in raising and proper care and placement of puppies resulting from this breeding.
  8. Shall not offer at stud a dog showing a serious inherited defect which is characteristic in the breed, structure, or temperament. Likewise, owners of stud dogs shall not accept for breeding a bitch, the reproduction of which is likely to be detrimental to the breed.
  9. Shall not breed to a bitch that is not physically mature nor, as a general rule, has been bred more often than two out of three heats.