The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Seattle Code of Conduct |
The membership of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Seattle (BMDCGS) is dedicated to: Promoting the standard of the breed Supporting the integrity and purpose of the club Protecting the interests of the breed and individual dogs Promoting quality and integrity in breeding programs BMDCGS members recognize that as individuals our practices of sportsmanship, husbandry, and ethics directly affect the welfare of the breed. We realize that no code we sign can cover all instances of members’ required conscientiousness in protecting our breed. Therefore, we acknowledge that our actions are the truest reflection of our personal integrity and ethics, commitment to the enhancement of our breed community, and true concern for the welfare of the breed. | 1. Promoting the standard of the breed BMDCGS members agree to: 4) Promoting quality and integrity in breeding programs Members who intend to breed Bernese Mountain Dogs should do so with full understanding of the responsibility they bear for the future of the breed. Breeders should understand the breed standard, evaluate individual mature dogs’ traits, evaluate traits present in a breeding dog’s extended pedigree, and apply the principles of genetics. Breeders should have a practical knowledge of mating, care of a bitch in whelp, and raising a litter, as well as the time, effort, and resources required to engage in this activity. Experienced member breeders should make themselves available as a resource to novice breeders when requested. Conversely, novice breeders should actively recruit the assistance of experienced breeders when engaging in this activity.
Members who breed agree to: A) adhere to AKC rules applying to litter and individual registrations, ensuring that any litter they produce is eligible for AKC registration. B) refrain from breeding females prior to eighteen months and males before twelve months of age. C) ensure a female bears puppies no more than two out of three seasons. A period of a one-year rest between litters is desirable. D) use for breeding only animals which exhibit good type, are in good health, and are physically and temperamentally sound. Shy and aggressive dogs will be eliminated from breeding. E) obtain an evaluation for hip and elbow dysplasia from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or other BMDCA recognized orthopedic registry prior to using a BMD for breeding. Regardless of any prior evaluations, all dogs over 24 months of age who are to be used for breeding must be evaluated by the OFA or other BMDCA recognized orthopedic registry for hip and elbow dysplasia after 24 months of age and prior to being bred. F) provide new owners the following documentation: this COC, an AKC registration application or registration papers for the individual dog, a health and veterinary care history, evidence of the individual's and/or sire and dam's health certifications or evaluations, a four-generation pedigree and recommendations for general care and training. G) remain available for advice, when sought, for the lifetime of offspring from their dogs. H) ensure to the best of their ability that puppies produced from any of their BMDs will be raised and sold in a manner in accordance with this COC. I) exhibit at dog shows and matches where feasible. J) Submit and update data to the Berner-Garde database.
The BMDCGS recommends that members: K) assess whether prospective breeding candidates and their immediate relatives are affected with or carriers of hereditary disease for which there is diagnostic testing. Such hereditary diseases include, but may not be limited to, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease, degenerative myelopathy, histiocytic sarcoma, thyroid disease, heart disease, and von Willebrand disease.
L) use dogs for breeding which are at least two years old, have sound temperament, structure, conformation, and type, and who have been evaluated and are known to be not affected with a crippling nor disabling defect nor affected with a known hereditary disease for which there is diagnostic testing.
M) refrain from using dogs for breeding which, although unaffected with a specific physical or temperament defect, consistently produce afflicted offspring with different mates.
N) transfer puppies to new owners in accordance with the laws of their state and meet, at least, the minimum federal standard for transporting puppies (8 weeks of age).
O) obtain an AKC DNA profile on all dogs used for breeding.
Revised Nov 10, 2020 |