Code of Ethics

The following Code of Ethics (COE) outlines the ethical breeding practices expected from all Canine Registry registered breeders. All breeders are required to confirm compliance with the COE when registering as breeder and with each litter registration application submitted.   All breeders who are signatory to the COE may be subject to a kennel inspection (with notice) at any time deemed necessary by the Canine Registry and may be subject to penalties and or dismissal,  should substantiated violations or transgressions to the COE be proven.

 

Breeding Practices

All canines used for breeding must be registered with the Canine Registry. Both parents used for breeding should be transferred into the breeder's name. Stud dog services and artificial insemination are allowed (see applicable section below).

  • Plan each litter conscientiously. The Sire and the Dam to be mated should be selected by the breeder based on pedigrees, the parents' conformation and temperament. Breeding between brother and sister and between mother and father with their own offspring should only be conducted under the supervision of a registered veterinarian.
  • Breed only to/from adults that are free from any inheritable defects and avoid the introduction of any known detrimental genetic factors. Do not breed any adults with known genetic defects. Always breed to improve the general canine characteristics according to the breed standard.
  • Breed only healthy, mature bitches, preferably not before the second heat, allowing proper spacing between litters. At all times evaluate the condition of the bitch before mating is allowed. It is recommended that bitches over the age of eight years should not be bred without prior examination, consultation and approval by a registered veterinarian.
  • Do not breed any bitch to more than one stud dog during a single heat period.
  • In cases of superfecundation (a litter with more than one sire) each puppy in the subsequent litter must undergo DNA parentage testing to ensure correct entering of the sire for registration purposes. Each puppy will be registered individually according to the results of the DNA parentage testing.
  • Breeders are not allowed to dock tails, crop ears or perform any procedure on any puppy for cosmetic purposes. 

 

Stud Services

All studs must be registered with the Canine Registry.

  • Studs should only be bred with registered adult bitches that are free of genetic defects and any other visible defect. If bred with a bitch that is not registered, the offspring cannot be registered.
  • A stud’s owner must certify the use of the specific stud during breeding, by signing the particular section on the Litter Registration Application and noting the date of breeding and whether the mating was supervised or not.
  • If a litter is bred by means of artificial insemination the properly authenticated documentary evidence shall be submitted in order to register the litter. 

 

Health and General Responsibilities

All breeders should register with their local municipality where required. 

  • All canines must be kept under clean and sanitary conditions. A sufficient diet should be fed and clean water should always be available.
  • Provide adequate kennels and exercise areas as per the requirements of each specific canine breed. Do not kennel canines on wire flooring. Provide adequate dry conditions and shelter against extreme heat and cold. Health protection should be provided through regular inoculations, de-worming and pro-active veterinarian examinations. General sanitary conditions would also improve the health condition of the canines. Canines in kennels should not be in direct contact with each other as it could provoke fighting that could cause injury or death.
  • All breeders are subject to external scrutiny and should be prepared to address concerns and improve breeding practices where necessary.
  • Ensure constant human contact and exercise on a regular basis. Supervised interaction between canines and socializing should be encouraged. 

 

Sale Responsibilities

The use of a sales contract is recommended when selling a puppy or an adult canine. Please find a free pro-forma sales agreement for use on our website. Breeders should apply for Litter Registration Certificates directly after birth of the litter. All buyers should be issued with a Registration Certificate for each puppy, at date of sale. Buyers should be informed on the procedure to obtain transfer of registration.

  • Puppies must not be younger than six (6) weeks, but preferably eight (8)to ten (10) weeks old, prior to leaving the breeders possession. If couriered, shipped or any other type of delivery is requested, the puppy must be older than eight (8) weeks.
  • Breeders should only sell a puppy or adult canine to a buyer when they are confident that the buyer will care for and look after the canine.
  • Sell only to proper homes where the buyers indicate that they have a fair knowledge of canines and will give the canine the proper care, attention and exercise required. Inform the buyer on the qualities and weak points of your canines and do not knowingly use misleading or untruthful statements in selling or advertising. A buyer should be fully aware of any genetic defect or illness that the canine might have before he/she buys the canine.
  • All buyers must be provided with the following information: Dietary requirements, general health information and inoculation and de-worming records. It is further recommended that a veterinarian provides a general health certificate.
  • All breeders should be responsible for canines sold for their life time. If a purchaser cannot keep a canine a breeder has sold to him, the breeder should make every effort to assist the buyer in finding an appropriate home. If a new home cannot be found, the breeder should be prepared to take the canine back and be responsible for placing it in an appropriate home or give it up for rescue.
  • Breeders should not knowingly sell or consign puppies or adults to pet shops, puppy brokers or puppy mills, nor supply canines for raffles, prizes or similar projects.

I have reviewed and fully understand the contents of the Canine Registry’s Code of Ethics, and hereby acknowledge and agree to comply with the above as a canine breeder.