STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of this Breeders’ Code shall be to serve as a guideline for a
minimum standard of excellence in the ownership, breeding and sales of the
German Shepherd Dog. To that end, I hereby pledge to:
HEALTH
I. Maintain the highest possible standards of health, cleanliness and care
in my kennel. This includes, but is not limited to proper veterinary care,
regular contact with people and exposure to the outside world for proper
socialization of all my dogs.
II. Urge all buyers to have a puppy or adult dog sold by me, examined by a
licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of receipt. The buyer will pay for
the examination.
III. Deliver or ship only puppies or adult dogs of sound health and
temperament.
Where the buyer or his authorized representative did not personally see
and choose said dog, a period of 48 hours is granted to advise of the
final decision and an additional 48 hours is provided if the dog is to be
returned.
GSDCA Breeder's Code
BREEDING
I. Encourage bitch owners to breed only if they have facilities, time and
resources to adequately care for a litter and upon strong evidence of the
possibility of finding suitable homes for the resultant litter.
II. Refuse stud service to any bitch I consider in poor health, physically
or mentally unsound, or lacking the necessary breed characteristics as set
forth in the German Shepherd Dog standard. Before or at the time of
breeding, an exchange of pedigrees and hip and elbow X-ray information
must be made.
III. Allow one repeat service where a bitch has failed to conceive after
being bred to one of my studs, if the stud is still in good health and
available, and at such time and place as
mutually agreed upon by the owner of the bitch and myself.
IV. Breed my own bitches only when I have a definite goal for improvement
of the breed in mind, never permitting them to produce three consecutive
litters unless breeding
consecutive litters is recommended by a veterinarian. I fully understand
that I am responsible for keeping and/or finding suitable homes for the
resultant puppies.
SALES
I. Use a sales contract or written agreement in any sale or purchase
involving a dog. The sales contract offered by the German Shepherd Dog
Club of America, or one similar to it,
which covers guarantees and agreements must be used with a signed copy to
each party involved.
II. Refuse to sell or recommend breeders who do not conform to the ideals
and obligations expressed in this Code and refuse all sales to dog
wholesalers and retailers.
III. Provide buyers of my German Shepherd Dogs with a four-generation
pedigree, complete health records, accurate breeding, OFA and registration
records, except that
registration papers my be withheld or limited in the case of a dog who the
parties have agreed in writing will not be bred, until it has been
spayed/neutered as
evidenced by veterinary confirmation.
IV. Provide a copy of the German Shepherd Dog Standard to accompany any
puppy or adult dog sold by me.
V. To encourage and invite the new owners of any dog sold by me to attend
some type of training class and to join in becoming guardians of the Breed
by participating in local dog club activities, educational programs, a
regional German Shepherd Dog club and/or the German Shepherd Dog Club of
America.
VI. assure puppy buyers that if at any time the buyer has to place the
dog, the breeder must be notified and
given the opportunity to assist the buyer in placing the dog.
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