All members and applicants to PVGRC must agree with the Constitution and By-Laws of PVGRC.

We present the following Code of Ethics as an encouragement to members whose goal should be the welfare and improvement of the Golden Retriever.

Anyone acting detrimental to the sport of dogs and the PVGRC will be subject to the AKC Rules of Misconduct and the PVGRC By-Laws.

Ethical breeding is the backbone of the future of the Golden Retriever breed. Each litter should be appropriately planned with parents of quality as described by the AKC official breed standard.

Potential breeders must ask themselves if they have the knowledge, time, and resources to be a breeder. This issue affects the quality, health, and future of the animals themselves, as well as the breed. Breeders have a responsibility to research and understand genetics, common breed problems, and the particular line they plan to perpetuate.

This code applies to both the owners of the brood bitch and the stud dog.

1. All breeding stock should be of sound temperament and free of any serious inheritable defects.

2. Both parents should have at a minimum:

a. A Fair or Better hip rating by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or be rated in the 50th percentile or better by PennHIP.

b. A passing elbow rating of normal by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for those dogs born after January 1, 2000.

c. An annual eye check and be certified normal by the Canine Eye Registry (CERF) or an annual eye examination or report from an AVCO Board-certified ophthalmologist marked “normal” for both eyes.

d. A heart certification by a Board-certified cardiologist, showing no significant inheritable heart disease.

3. Dogs with other serious inheritable diseases such as epilepsy, severe allergies, or auto immune disorders should be excluded from a breeding program. Any unprovoked aggression is contrary to the Golden Retriever breed, and a dog with these tendencies should not be
bred.

4. A bitch should not be allowed to produce an excessive number of litters. Sufficient time should be allowed between litters for the bitch to recuperate. Routine veterinary care prior to each breeding is essential to evaluate the condition of the dog or bitch. Care should be taken not to breed any dog or bitch that is not in top condition, and up to date on inoculations.

If you have decided to breed, these suggestions are offered:

1. All puppy buyers should be carefully screened to ensure their ability to care humanely and responsibly for the dog. Puppies will not be sold to puppy mills, laboratories, or pet shops.

2. Breeders are responsible for their puppies FOR LIFE and must be willing to:

a. offer consultation to resolve problems.

b. assist in finding another home, if necessary.

c. take the dog back at any time.

3. AKC limited registration for “pet” puppies.

4. Spay/neuter contracts.

5. Education of the puppy buyer. The breeder should provide the following information:

a. proper socialization of the puppy.

b. crate training.

c. list of local obedience trainers.

d. health record of puppy (past and future inoculation schedule).

6. Abide by applicable state regulations concerning the sale, placement and care of puppies (including inoculations).

7. ABOVE ALL, BREEDERS SHOULD BE HONEST when dealing with puppy purchaser in all matters:

a. Pedigrees should be provided.

b. Clearances should be provided on the parents.

c. Inherited attributes should be discussed.

Conduct of individual members:

1. Good sportsmanship should be shown at all dog-related activities.

2. Members should make themselves available to assist novices and the general public with information concerning the Golden Retriever.

3. Only humane methods should be used when showing or training dogs. Under no circumstances will mistreatment or brutality be tolerated.

4. When confronted by a situation not covered in this Code of Ethics, the member will conduct themselves as they would like to be treated.

5. In general all members should provide:

a. adequate food, water, and shelter from the elements.

b. routine medical care.

c. kind and responsible ownership