BUCCLEUCH GUNDOGS - CODE OF ETHICS

Buccleuch Gundogs will abide by the following code of ethics:-

• We will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under our care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
• We will not allow any of our dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
• We will ensure that our dogs will be kept fully leashed or under effective control when away from home.
• We will clean up after our dogs in public places or anywhere where we compete with our dogs.
• We will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of our dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, may report such an operation to the Kennel Club.
• We 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.
• We will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
• We 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.
• We undertake to not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of our Gundogs, nor falsely advertise dogs or mislead any person regarding the quality of a dog.

Record Keeping

• We will keep accurate and up to date records of all dogs in our care.
• We will keep accurate and up to date records of all dogs sold.
• We will keep accurate and up to date records of our breeding programs.

Breeding Bitches

• We will ensure that our whelping facilities accord with best practice.
• We will give careful consideration to all health issues, temperament and soundness before breeding from our dogs.
• We will ensure that all breeding stock is Kennel Club registered.
• We will not breed from a bitch in any way which is detrimental to the bitch or breed.
• We will endeavour to find out whether there are any possible inherited conditions that may affect our bitches (e.g. hip dysplasia and eye conditions etc.) and if a bitch is found to be unsuitable we will not breed from said bitch.
• We will not breed or allow more than six litters to be bred from our bitches.
• We will not allow a bitch under 18 months old to be mated.
• We will not breed or allow a bitch to be bred from, if it has already reached the age of eight years at the date of whelping.
• We will only breed from an approved breeding plan and will plan ahead of each mating so as to ensure that each puppy produced will be bred in the best possible environment.
• We will accept responsibility for all puppies which we have bred, and make ourselves available to give advice, help and information to new owners.
• Before breeding from our bitches, we will check with our veterinary surgeon that they are in a fit and healthy condition.
• Details of approximate puppy prices and more detailed information on our dogs will be made available to those who request it.
• Before breeding from our dogs we will acquaint ourselves with the Kennel Club Rules and Regulations on registering litters and the registration system in general.
• A Guide to Litter Registration can be obtained from the Buccleuch Kennels.

Breeding – Stud Dogs

• We will check as far as possible that the pedigrees of potential bitches are correct and are suitable to be bred with our dogs.
• We will only allow our stud dogs to be used if the dam is free from all inherent conditions and is accompanied by the relevant health certificates (e.g. hip dysplasia and eye conditions etc.)
• We will only allow our stud dogs to be used if the dam has been checked by a vet prior to mating.
• All breeding terms or stud fees will be arranged by mutual agreement in writing between Buccleuch Sporting Gundogs and the owner of the bitch before the mating takes place.
• All bitches wherever possible will be brought to the Buccleuch Kennels for mating.
• We will not allow our stud dogs to mate a bitch if we feel that the mating will be detrimental to the breed.
• We will endeavour to help the owner of the dam to place puppies in the correct homes.

Puppy Sales

Buccleuch Gundogs will:-

• When new owners collect their puppy or dog, we will provide a puppy/dog sales wallet.
• 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.  Ensure the new owner is aware of the endorsement(s), regardless of whether or not the endorsed registration certificate is available.
  Permanently identify breeding stock by DNA profile, microchip, or tattoo.
• Make use of health screening schemes, relevant to their breed, on all breeding stock. These schemes include hip dysplasia and inherited eye conditions.
• 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.
• Provide a written record, in the Puppy Sales Wallet, on the immunisation measures taken.
• Provide reasonable post-sales telephone advice.
• Inform buyers of the requirements and the recommendations that apply to Kennel Club Accredited Breeders as well as the existence of the complaints procedure.
• Draw up a contract of sale for each puppy and provide a copy in the Puppy Sales Wallet. The contract of sale will clearly lay out to the buyer the nature and details of any guarantee given (e.g. time limit) and/or any provisions for refund or return and replacement of puppy. If endorsements are being used the contract will also explain why these have been placed and under what circumstances they would be removed (if any). The contract will be signed and dated by both breeder and purchaser, showing that both have agreed to these terms.
• Commit to help, if necessary, with the re-homing of a dog, for whatever reason, throughout the dog's lifetime.

Trained Dog Sales

• We will ensure that all potential owners have the means and ability to provide a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life for the dog.
• All new owners will be given at least 2 hours instruction in the commands and abilities of the trained dog.
• New owners will be given a list of commands relevant to the trained dog.
• We will 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. Ensure the new owner is aware of the endorsement(s), regardless of whether or not the endorsed registration certificate is available.
• Provide written advice, in the trained dog sales wallet, on feeding and worming programmes.
• Provide a written record, in the trained dog sales wallet, on the immunisation measures taken.
• Provide reasonable post-sales telephone advice.
• Inform buyers of the requirements and the recommendations that apply to Kennel Club Accredited Breeders as well as the existence of the complaints procedure.
• Draw up a contract of sale for each trained dog and provide a copy in the trained dog Sales Wallet. The contract of sale will clearly lay out to the buyer the nature and details of any guarantee given (e.g. time limit) and/or any provisions for refund or return and replacement of the dog. If endorsements are being used the contract will also explain why these have been placed and under what circumstances they would be removed (if any). The contract will be signed and dated by both breeder and purchaser, showing that both have agreed to these terms.

Dogs and the Law

• We will ensure anyone who purchases dogs from Buccleuch Gundogs leave with a copy of the relevant dog laws.