Breeder Code of Ethics

 

This code is established in accordance with the objectives of the Weimaraner Club of America and is set forth as a guideline to protect and advance the interests of the Weimaraner by maintaining high breeding standards and by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, field trials, agility trials, obedience trials and tracking tests.  Adherence to the code is strongly recommended.

BREEDING

The breeder will:

1.Breed only with the intention of improving the breed, and of finding suitable homes for the puppies.

2. Choose only healthy parents of good temperament and qualities in relation to the Weimaraner’s AKC approved standard whose hips have been found free of hip dysplasia by a recognized hip registry such as Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or Penn-Hip. Animals under the age of two should have a preliminary hip X-ray or Penn–Hip to evaluate hip status before breeding.

3. Avoid repeatedly using dogs which on multiple occasions and with different mates have produced progeny with life impacting defects or extreme disqualifying faults.

4. Breed only mature bitches with excellent pre-natal and post-natal care for the dam and puppies.

5. Refuse to breed a stud to any female which is markedly inferior physically, mentally or temperamentally. The stud dog owner should be prepared to share the responsibility for placement of the puppies by referring purchasers to the bitch owner and helping with screening homes if necessary.

6. It is the breeder’s responsibility to take back or handle the proper placement of any dog they have produced.

HEALTH

The owner shall maintain the best possible standards of canine health, cleanliness and veterinary care, including mental health such as contact with people and exposure to the outside world.

REGISTRATION

The owner shall breed only AKC registered or AKC recognized foreign registered Weimaraners with other AKC registered or AKC recognized foreign registered Weimaraners, and keep accurate records of matings and pedigrees. Use an AKC Limited Registration on all puppies of questionable quality of structure or health, or which should not otherwise be used for breeding.

SALES

The owner/breeder shall:

1. Not breed, sell or consign puppies or adults to pet shops or other commercial dealers.

2. Screen all prospective new owners to assure that puppies will have a safe and loving home.

3. Urge the new puppy owners to spay or neuter all pets which for any reason will not be used for breeding. Breeders should also provide information on the potential negative impacts of premature sterilization on the late maturing Weimaraner, especially those destined for competitive careers.

4. Use a written contract to clearly explain all expectations for both the breeder and new owner.

5. Honestly evaluate the quality of the Weimaraner sold/placed and fairly represent that evaluation. Not release puppies before they are seven weeks of age and furnish details on feeding, general care, medical inoculations and care, pedigrees, etc.

6. Readily take back or re-home puppies that do not work out for one reason or another. Make every effort in finding a new forever home, even with dogs placed in Rescue programs.

7. Follow up on puppies after placement to insure their continuing care and to encourage the owners to become involved in Weimaraner activities in show, obedience, agility, field and tracking.

SPORTSMANSHIP

The owner shall always conduct himself in a manner which will reflect credit upon himself, his Weimaraner and the Sport of purebred dogs, regardless of the location or circumstance.