Code of ethics of a responsible dog ownership including keeping, welfare, breeding, selling and disposing of dogs by associate members that are accepted for registration by the Irish Kennel Club (IKC) and who are resident in the Republic Of Ireland.


Section 1 - Undertaking

Each person, upon signing an application for registration or transfer of ownership and being duly elected to associate membership of the Irish Kennel Club, shall, in addition to agreeing to be bound by the Constitution, Rules and Regulations of the Irish Kennel Club, be also bound by the Irish Kennel Club Code of Ethics relating to Responsible Dog Ownership, including the keeping, welfare, breeding, selling and disposing of dogs by members to the effect of the terms and conditions set out under Section 2 hereof.


Section 2 - Compliance with Code of Ethics
 
In consideration of accepting an application to register or transfer I pledge to the Irish Kennel Club that:-

• I shall ensure that at all times all dogs under my control are properly housed, fed, watered, exercised and receive proper Veterinary attention, if and when required.



• I shall not allow any dogs under my care to roam at large and when in public places shall ensure they are leashed as required or under effectual control at all times.



• I shall breed in accordance with the breed standard and endeavour to improve the breed ensuring the health of the progeny.



• I shall not mate from any bitch kept by me (a) under one year of age, (b) or over eight years of age, (c) for not more than six litters, (d) or dogs over the age of twelve years. Permission must be sought and granted by the Irish Kennel Club to exceed these provisions.



• I shall ensure that all persons acquiring dogs from me clearly understand their responsibilities for the care and welfare of the animal and that they have the time and facilities to fulfil their obligations to the dogs.



• I shall provide to all purchasers of dogs or dogs placed by me written details of all dietary and immunization requirements and/or an appropriate publication relating to such and shall make them aware of their responsibilities as dog owners to the community at large.



• I shall not knowingly sell or gift any dog to unethical dealers, or directly or indirectly to allow a dog to be given as a prize or donation in a contest of any kind. I will refuse to sell to any buyers where I have reason to believe the dog will not be properly cared for.



• I shall not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, or falsely advertise, or mislead any person regarding the dog.



• I shall ensure when selling or transferring a dog to another person that all documents as provided and required by the Irish Kennel Club will be supplied to the purchaser or transferee.

Section 3 - Failure to Comply
 
Any person failing to observe any provisions of the Code of Ethics may be dealt with under the Disciplinary Rules of the Irish Kennel Club.


In addition I agree to maintain the following minimum practices:

- To maintain the best possible standards of health, environment and quality of life for my dogs, not keeping more than I can properly care for.  I will ensure that I have suitable conditions to whelp and raise a litter.

- To sell only puppies and adult dogs of apparently sound health and temperament. Puppies will be wormed and will not be sold until at least 7 weeks. I will ensure to pass on to buyers advice on feeding and rearing, and to suggest a Training Club.

 - To replace any puppy which develops an inherited defect before the age of 12 months to such a degree that on the advice of two independent qualified veterinary surgeons the puppy has to be put down. Breeder to be properly notified before any action is taken.

 - To refuse a stud service to any bitch that I know to be suffering from any defect which renders it unsuitable to breed good normal puppies. Nor do I knowingly use a stud dog which has these failings.

 - To allow a repeat service when a bitch has failed to conceive, provided the stud dog is in good health and available. if this is not possible to allow the concession with another dog owned by myself whose stud fee is similar or less.

 - To register all my puppies with the IKC

 - To endeavor to take back or assist with re-homing any unwanted GSD of my breeding.