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Responsible Breeding Steps
Breeding dogs has been a passion for many people through the centuries, it is part art, part science and total devotion, it is also exciting and challenging.
Breeding dogs is also time consuming, expensive and occasionally heartbreaking. If you decide to breed your underlying purpose should be to improve the breed - not just increase its numbers and you must be prepared to accept full responsibility for the puppies you have bred from the moment they are born until the day they die.
Breeding a litter should begin with knowledge. Responsible breeders devote themselves to learning as much as they can about their breed. How can you become an expert? Study the Breed Standard, this is the official version of the "perfect" Scottish Terrier and should be the starting place for any breeder. Attend dog shows, watch the dogs in action and learn the pedigrees of those you like. Ask questions of exhibitors. Join your local breed club - all Scottish Terrier breed clubs sponsor educational programmes and events designed to help you increase your knowledge.
Read, read, read! There are many books on the breed which are invaluable sources of information about the health, care and breeding of Scottish Terriers. One of the best books to buy on this subject is Betty Penn-Bull’s ‘The Kennelgarth Scottish Terrier’ which can be purchased from the Scottish Terrier Emergency Care Scheme, price £40. Their website is www.stecs.net .
North of England Scottish Terrier Club - General Code of Ethics
All members of the North of England Scottish Terrier Club undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.
Club Members
1. Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
2. 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.
3. Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
4. Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
5. Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
6. Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
7. Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
8. Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
9. Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
10.Will only 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.
11. Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
12. Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
13. 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. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).
14. Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.
Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate. |
