Breeders of Pedigree Dogs
You will want to be sure that the puppy you are buying:
A) was bred by the person selling it (not bought in from a puppy farm).
B) has parents with all appropriate health certificates for the breed.
C) is registered with the Kennel Club.
D) if the breeder has more than 5 litters a year is bred by a licensed breeder.
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What is a Licensed Breeder?
A) A breeding licence is required for anyone breeding five or more litters a year for sale.
B) Before a breeding licence is granted, the premises must be inspected by a veterinary surgeon and a local authority officer.
C) Anyone found breeding more than four litters a year without a licence may be fined or face a prison sentence of up to three months.
D) It is an offence for a bitch to be mated if she is less than one year old.
E) Breeding is restricted to a maximum limit of 6 litters per bitch, with at least 12 months between each litter.
F) Accurate breeding records must be kept and puppies must wear a visible means of identity.
G) Puppies cannot be sold by a licensed breeder to their final home until they are at least eight weeks old.
H) A licensed breeder cannot sell puppies to an unlicensed dealer or retailer, or sell puppies acquired from an unlicensed breeder.
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Hobby Breeders
This is the description given to those people who only breed occasional litters, and then usually with the intention of keeping a puppy for themselves for showing or working. Amongst these Breeders are some of the most successful in their particular breed, and they will be very particular about their puppies new homes. They will also offer endless support to you.
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Pet Breeders
These are dogs who are basically housepets who are bred from because the owner would like to have a litter. Some of these dogs will be good representatives of their breed and the owner well-informed, who will have screened the bitch for hereditary abnormalities and chosen the stud dog carefully. However, some may be quite poorly informed and unable to offer you any support when you need it.
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The Kennel Club Code of Ethics
A) Owners will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
B) Owners will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
C) Owners will ensure that their dogs will wear properly tagged collars and shall be kept fully leashed or under effective control when away from home.
D) Owners will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere where they compete with their dogs.
E) Owners will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.
F) Owners agree not to breed from a bitch in any way which is deleterious to the bitch or breed.
G) Owners agree only to sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change.
H) Owners will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
I) Owners will not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind.
J) Owners will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs or mislead any person regarding the quality of a dog.
K) Owners will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog. The owner will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
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Kennel Club Accredited Breeder
A) Ensure that all breeding stock is Kennel Club registered.
B) Hand over the dog's registration certificate at time of sale if available, or forward it to the new owner as soon as possible. Explain any endorsements that might pertain and obtain written and signed confirmation from the new owner, at or before the date on which the dog is physically transferred, that the new owner is aware of the endorsement(s), regardless of whether or not the endorsed registration certificate is available.
C) Follow Kennel Club policy regarding maximum age and number/frequency of litters.
D) Permanently identify breeding stock by DNA profile, microchip, or tattoo. (N.B. After the first year of the Scheme’s operation, all breeding stock will be required to be DNA profiled.)
E) Make use of health screening schemes, relevant to their breed, on all breeding stock. These schemes include DNA testing, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and inherited eye conditions.
F) Socialise the puppies and provide written advice, in the Puppy Sales Wallet, on continuation of socialisation, exercise and future training.
Provide written advice, in the Puppy Sales Wallet, on feeding and worming programmes.
G) Provide a written record, in the Puppy Sales Wallet, on the immunisation measures taken.
H) Provide reasonable post-sales telephone advice.
I) Inform buyers of the requirements and the recommendations that apply to Kennel Club Accredited Breeders as well as the existence of the complaints procedure.
J) Draw up a contract of sale for each puppy and provide a copy in the Puppy Sales Wallet.
