| Code of Ethics |
| Code of Ethics |
| I will provide information on the characteristics and properties of the breed to interested individuals. I will maintain a safe, clean and sanitary facility for all stud dogs, bitches, adult dogs for sale and puppies for sale. I will breed only for the purpose of improving the quality of the breed. I will not engage in cross-breeding. I will conscientiously plan each litter of puppies for sale, selecting a stud dog and bitch to be mated based on their pedigrees, conformation and temperament I will be knowledgeable about inherited health problems in my breed and will do appropriate health clearances on all breeding animals. Copies of these health clearances will be available to buyers of adult dogs for sale and puppies for sale. I will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, nor falsely advertise, or mislead any person regarding the performance of any dogs for sale or puppies for sale. I will not breed any male or female until they are both physically and mentally mature, and I will not continue to breed any male or female beyond an appropriate age for the breed. I will comply with all federal, state or provincial and local government laws and regulations concerning the keeping of dogs. Puppies offered for sale are to be registered only with the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club or other registry with equivalent standards and requirements. If such puppies are not to be registered, I will inform the buyer of that fact in writing. I will refrain from releasing any puppy until it is at least seven (7) weeks old, or eight (8) weeks old if the puppy is to be shipped. I will show discrimination in the sale of my puppies and be concerned with the type of homes in which they are placed. I will make buyers aware of their responsibilities as dog owners. I will not sell or donate dogs to commercial dog wholesalers, dealers, brokers, retailers, pet shops or any other person or organization, for resale or "give-away" to the public. I will not supply dogs or puppies for charity raffles or auctions. I will not supply puppies or dogs to be trained or used for dog fighting. I will keep accurate records and retain those records for a minimum of five years. These records will include: stud service contracts, pedigrees, all litters of puppies for sale, and all dogs/puppies sold. I am not a broker, dealer, puppy mill or wholesaler. I will not offer puppies for sale that I have acquired from others. I will not sell puppies to pet shops or other retailers. At time of sale, I will provide the buyer: a properly executed Registration Certificate together with full written disclosure of the name of the Registry and its standards and requirements (or if puppy is not to be registered, a written statement to that effect). Registration materials may be withheld if a written statement is provided to the new owner of when, and under what conditions, they will be provided (e.g. until the time of spay or neuter by the new owner as verified by a veterinarian, or if a written certification identifying the exact date of birth, and the registration numbers of the Sire and Dam is provided instead). A written, three-generation pedigree health record including a diet, inoculation and parasite control record, and health guarantee, basic diet and care information,the time frame during which the puppy or dog may be examined by a licensed veterinarian, at the buyer's expense, and, upon written recommendation of the veterinarian for specific reasons, the puppy or dog may be returned to the seller for a full refund of all money paid. I will not deliberately degrade any fancier, their dogs, or their kennel. I agree to be a resource for buyers of puppies or older dogs that I have sold for the life of the dog This Code is established in accordance with the objectives of the GDCA to protect and advance the interests of Great Danes and to provide guidelines for responsible ownership and ethical breeding practices. Maintain the best possible standards of health, cleanliness, safety and care of their dogs. Take all appropriate measures to assist a Dane in distress. Breed Great Danes which are temperamentally and structurally sound. Be familiar with the Breed Standard and breed only those dogs and bitches which most closely conform to it. Keep well informed in the field of genetics and work to eliminate hereditary defects from the breed. Refrain from further use of a Great Dane for breeding if the dog or bitch has produced any offspring with serious inherited defects detrimental to an animal's well being (physically or mentally), and has produced like results with a different mating partner. Not breed to an unregistered Great Dane. Not wholesale litters of Great Danes, sell to Brokers or Pet Shops, provide any animal for prize or raffle purposes; nor use a Stud Dog in like manner. Keep all puppies with the litter until at least 7 or 8 weeks of age. Adhere to State and Local laws regarding the sale of puppies. Sell dogs in good condition, health and sound temperament at time of delivery. They shall be free of internal parasites to the best knowledge of the seller; will have received the necessary inoculations to date; a record of dates and types of immunizations will be given; and a health certificate provided if required. Written instructions on the feeding, health care, training and any other information necessary for the dog's well being will be made available after the sale to assist the new owner. Provide a four or more generation color marked pedigree and the AKC registration at the time of sale of each dog. Any dog sold as a pet and not for breeding should be given a limited registration or a written contract specifying conditions of sale (e.g. spay/neuter agreement, show or pet quality, co-ownership, breeding rights, etc). Provide the buyer with copies of all pre-screenings done on both parents to assure the buyer that every possible effort has been made to produce puppies free of hereditary problems. Sell or place each Great Dane with the contemplated final owner, therefore the seller should ascertain that the prospective buyer has the knowledge and facilities to properly care for a growing or grown dog. As a condition of sale or placement, the breeder shall retain the right of first refusal should the purchaser ever decide to transfer ownership or resell the dog, therefore giving the seller every opportunity to help the purchaser find a new home for the dog if necessary. All dogs sold (puppy or adult) shall have a signed agreement between the seller and purchaser that the animal shall be examined by a Veterinarian of the purchaser's choice (and paid for by that party) within 72 hours of purchase or delivery. If the dog is deemed unhealthy or possessing an inherited defect which would impair the use for which it was purchased (pet, show or breeding program) the seller will refund the full purchase price upon the return of the dog with a Veterinarian certified documentation of the condition. The dog will be returned at the purchaser's expense. Use only the agreed upon Stud Dog at a breeding in the absence of the owner of the Bitch. Provide and honor all contracts regarding sales, cop-ownerships, breeding rights, agreements, compensation for future puppies, leasing a bitch, stud service, etc. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT: All dogs and bitches to be bred by x-rayed prior to breeding and declared free of hip dysplasia by a knowledgeable Veterinarian or the OFA. It is also encouraged that any and all technology available be used to screen all animals to be used for breeding, according to known problems within the breed (e.g. OFA, cardiac check, thyroid check, vWD, PRA, etc.). A written Stud Contract be used which specifies all conditions of the breeding and a color marked pedigree be provided by both parties. A stud dog should be a year or more of age before breeding and a bitch not less than 18 months. A bitch not be bred not more than once a year. Both parties provide Veterinarian reports certifying that each animal is clear of any transmittable infections. With the agreement of both the seller and the purchaser, any puppy sold as a show prospect which subsequently develops a disqualifying defect shall be: replaced by the breeder with another show prospect puppy and the dog returned to the seller, OR the money refunded and the dog returned to the seller, OR the buyer's money refunded to the extent of the difference between the price paid and the price of the pet puppies sold from the same or similar litters if the buyer retains and spays or neuters the dog. Breeders adhere to the GDCA Breeders' Color Code. |
