Purpose

This Code of Practice shall apply to all breeders who are members of The Canadian Kennel Club. Its purpose shall be to provide breeders with a set of mandatory standards and requirements relating to the proper maintenance, breeding, selling and overall protection of their chosen breed(s).

It shall be the aim of every breeder to breed dogs that are healthy and sound in both mind and body, to ensure that the dogs are true to their heritage and that they meet the requirements of the CKC Breed Standards.

It shall also be the responsibility of every breeder to adhere at all times to proper and ethical business practices when buying, breeding, selling and placing their dogs.

II. Breeding Principles

The breeding of dogs is a serious responsibility; therefore, the decision to breed should never be taken lightly. To this end, every breeder, or prospective breeder, must be willing to embrace the following general principles:

• Be prepared to make a serious commitment of both time and financial resources in order to ensure that a proper breeding program can be carried out.

• Be prepared to provide for the well being of the dogs, both while in your care as well as in the ultimate placement of the dogs.

• Be prepared to work hard to preserve and maintain the breed for future generations through the judicious selection of breeding stock.

• Be prepared to share knowledge that is gained through experience with fellow breeders, particularly those who are novices.

III. General Responsibilities

The following are a set of general responsibilities that shall be understood and accepted by all CKC member breeders:

• Every breeder shall be conversant with and fully adhere to the By-laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures of CKC, as well as the requirements of the Animal Pedigree Act (APA).

• All litters and all dogs in each litter shall be registered with the CKC. Litter registrations shall be forwarded to CKC as soon as is reasonably possible after the birth of the dogs.

• Upon the sale of each dog from any litter, breeders shall transfer ownership and register each dog in the name of the purchaser in accordance with stated requirements.

• At all times the dogs shall be provided with proper housing, nutrition, health care and necessary exercise.

• Every breeder shall make a conscientious effort to learn about structure, movement and behaviour, understand and stay current with inherited traits, congenital and hereditary health problems related to their breed, and to have a basic knowledge of health care and first aid.
  
• Breeders are encouragedto regularly test for health and genetic problems and are encouraged to openly share the results of all such testing that are undertaken. They should also follow recommended protocols for the control of genetic disease.

• Every breeder shall maintain current and accurate records pertaining to their breeding program, the particulars of all dog registrations and all sales transactions.

• No breeder shall sell or donate dogs for the purpose of their being auctioned, raffled, or to pet stores.

IV. Breeding Practices

• In order to attain the goal of producing quality dogs that are healthy and sound in both mind and body, a breeder must give priority to the following:
• Select breeding stock that conforms to the approved CKC Breed Standard to the highest possible degree.
• Use dogs that are known to be of sound health and stable temperament.
• Choose both a sire and dam that have reached such maturity that they can produce and raise a healthy litter.
• Assure that all breeding documents and registrations are available for inspection and completely in order.
• As the owner of a stud dog, ensure that the owner of the dam has the ability and the necessary facilities to successfully whelp, raise and assure the future well being of any resulting litter.
• As the owner of the dam, ensure that the owner of the sire has the knowledge and experience to provide a safe and proper mating, including the diligent care of the dam.

Selling Practices

All breeders have a serious responsibility when selling dogs to purchasers, whether they are fellow breeders or members of the general public. In order to fulfill this responsibility and without limiting the specifics of the CKC By-laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures and the Animal Pedigree Act, all CKC breeders shall adhere to the following general sales practices:

• Dogs must never be sold on a "with or without papers" basis. As noted in Section III. (b) above, all dogs must be registered with CKC.
• In accordance with the By-laws, the breeder is responsible for the submission of and payment for all registration applications. Such costs may be included in the price of the dog. Under no circumstances shall the buyer be asked to submit or pay for any applications to register or transfer the ownership of a dog.
• All dogs must be uniquely and permanently identified with an approved Canadian Standard microchip transponder or a tattoo, prior to leaving the breeder's premises.
• Potential purchasers of dogs shall be reasonably screened for their suitability and capability to own and meet the needs of the particular breed. The concept of a dog being a lifetime commitment should always be reinforced with the purchaser.
• Breeders shall represent their dogs to prospective purchasers with honestly and integrity.
• Breeders shall commit themselves to assisting novice dog owners in understanding the breed. They shall also encourage new dog owners to become involved in the activities of the sport of purebred dogs and inform them about the values in becoming a member of CKC.
• Breeders shall provide a written sales agreement containing the name of the purchaser, the date of sale, a statement confirming that the dog is purebred, the name of the breed and the dog?s unique identification number. In addition, all terms and conditions of the sale, including a return or replacement policy, shall be clearly defined. The agreement shall be properly dated and signed by all parties.
• Breeders shall provide the purchaser with a reasonable written guarantee that protects the dog, the purchaser and the seller.
• Regardless of age, spaying or neutering of all dogs sold as companions should be actively encouraged.
• Purchasers should be provided with copies of all relevant documentation, including such things as CKC registration documentation, copies of non-breeding agreements, completed sales agreements, guarantees, health and vaccination records, and a set of instructions on the care, training and diet for the dog.