Breeders Code of Conduct

At all times I will have a goal of breeding to improve, restore or develop our breeds via a process of selection over successive generations and, before breeding a litter, I will give serious and equal consideration to construction, temperament, health and soundness, in the choice of breeding stock. I will always bear in mind that aggression and nervousness form no part in temperament and character of any dog. I shall aim all breeding to the improvement of my breed(s)

No bitch shall be mated without due consideration as to the well being of the bitch and her offspring.

I agree that I will not deliberately in-breed with mother to son, father to daughter or brother to sister unless I have clear & substantive reasons, and approval from the board of the MDBA to conduct the mating. (15/9/09)

I agree that I will never provide false information regarding the parentage of my litter. (15/9/09)

I shall not breed a litter unless I am certain of finding good homes for the puppies. As the owner of stud dog(s) I will make it very clear to the bitch owners of the commitment and facilities necessary to rear a litter.
I shall never allow any puppy to leave my premises to go to a new home before the age of 8 weeks. No puppy shall be sold without having had its first vaccination and regular-worming treatments and I will provide documented evidence of such to the purchaser.

I will never supply a puppy without a diet sheet. A full and accurate puppy care sheet(s) shall be supplied to the purchaser, outlining health care information, heartworm control, flea control, reasons for desexing, microchip information, etc.

I will provide a full and detailed health record of any puppy I sell to the purchaser showing a complete history of that pup from the date of whelping to the date of delivery. And I will keep breeding and health records for all dogs in my care.

I will provide a written health guarantee for every pup I breed and sell. I will provide on going support and advice for the life of the pup.

I will never knowingly sell any puppy/adult dog to laboratories, pet shops or dealers in dogs or to person's known to sell stock to any of the above. I shall not provide any stud services to such persons (a dealer is defined as any person who regularly buys stock for sale at a profit).

I will screen prospective buyers for suitability and shall fully advise them of the characteristics of the dog as a breed stressing the necessity for care, grooming and ample exercise. I will register all pups with the breed's registering body unless they are disqualified from registration due to a non recognized colour. I will supply the buyer with the dog's registration papers from my breeds' registrar unless this is not practicable in which case I will provide an endorsed copy to the buyer . I will also clearly state whether the puppy is on limited register or full register (where applicable) and explain the benefits and restrictions of that register.

I will never allow a puppy or adult which has any apparent physical defects or which shows definite departure from the Breed Standard to be knowingly sold without the buyer being made aware of such defects and its possible consequences. I will only sell puppies and adults, which, to the best of my knowledge and belief are in good health at the time of sale.

I will impress on the buyer that they should contact me in the event of any problem arising with the puppy or adult and that I will make every effort to be of assistance in these circumstances. In the case of a dog needing to be re-homed I will take full responsibility to assist as much as possible in achieving this end and will accept the return of that dog at any age if this in any way possible.

My advertising will be strictly factual. I will not use misleading exaggeration or unfounded implications of superiority. I will not promote my dogs as something they are not.

I shall refrain from making negative or malicious statements about other breeder's, their dogs or practices.

I will be co-operative in any measures aimed at eradicating hereditary diseases or genetic defects. I will seek information and understanding of genetic diseases and defects and use this understanding in my breeding program. I commit myself to a positive breeding program aimed at eradicating such hereditary diseases or defects known or suspected within my breed.

I will be honest and forthright in notifying any genetic or heritable diseases found to be in any dogs I have bred and pass on any information required to help breeders make necessary choices in their breeding program.

I shall not breed a litter unless I have the time and facilities to devote proper care and attention to the rearing of the puppies and to the well being of the dam.

Any dog/puppy in my care shall receive immediate professional attention should it become ill.

I will continue to offer helpful assistance to any puppy/adult dog buyer as long as such assistance is required.

I will allow representatives of the MDBA to inspect my property or my dogs if requested.

All dogs in my care will be adequately housed in clean, comfortable and weatherproof accommodation with a minimum of 2 hours off lead and exercise with appropriate stimulation and companionship per day.

All dogs in my care will be under control at all times, housing and exercise areas kept clean and all care taken to limit possible disturbance to neighbours.

I will microchip all animals as prescribed by law. All follow up paper work will be fulfilled and sent to the appropriate canine authority.

I will exhibit and promote excellence in the discipline and practice of dog breeding.

I will encourage the exchange of knowledge, of technical, practical and ethical matters between members.

I will uphold the dignity of dog breeding and the status of members of the Master Dog Breeders Academy. This will be reflected by the knowledge and understanding, skills and positive attitude toward the members of the Master Dog Breeders Academy.

I will uphold and maintain the integrity of the Master Breeders Academy through impartiality and confidentiality.