- All members of The Midland Dobermann Club undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics. Club members:
- Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
- Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.
- Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
- Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
- Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
- Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
- Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
- Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
- Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
- Will only 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.
- Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
- Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
- 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.
- Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).
- Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.
- Will abide by the Constitution and Rules of the Club and the Kennel Club.
- Will keep accurate breeding records, registration papers and pedigrees.
- Breeding agreements: All stud services and sales arrangements shall be mutually agreed upon, stated in writing and signed by all parties concerned.
- All advertising shall be honest and not in any way misrepresentative or fraudulent.
- Will encourage all breeding stock to be tested for Hip Displasia, PHPV and vWD under KC/BVA recognized schemes. Owners must ensure vWD and other health results are entered on the dogs record at the Kennel Club. (KC)
- Will encourage permanent identification, tattoo, micro chipping and/or DNA profiling
- Only Kennel Club registered Dobermanns to be used for breeding.
- All dogs offered at stud to be in good health and free from communicable diseases and serious faults as listed in the breed standard and will not mate a bitch in contravention of item 24.
- No bitch shall be bred from more often than once per 12 (twelve) calendar months period or mated before 2 (two) years of age, and shall be in good health and free from communicable diseases and serious faults as listed in the breed standard. No bitch to have more than 4 litters and must not be mated after her 7th birthday.
- Will honestly evaluate the quality of all Dobermanns and fairly represent that evaluation. For any puppies that appear to be sub-standard, the breeder/s have the following options available to them: a) No breeding contract signed and endorsed by the KC or papers withheld. b) An agreement in writing by both parties to spay or castrate at an appropriate age.
- No puppy shall leave the breeder/s under 8 (eight) weeks of age.
- Breeders should maintain an interest in the welfare of all puppies that they breed.
- Will furnish records to each buyer of all inoculations and worming, pedigree and Kennel Club registration or transfer documents, unless written agreement is made at the time of the sale that the KC registration papers are withheld.
- All members shall conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as to reflect credit on the ownership of the Dobermann and membership of the Breed Club.
- Members are encouraged to train and socialise their Dobermanns. Breeders should encourage all new puppy owners to do the same.
- The Midland Dobermann Club do not condone or promote the breeding of White Dobermanns or any other colours not specified in the Breed Standard.
- All breeding stock should closely follow the official Kennel Club Standard in all aspects, with particular attention being paid to the temperament of the dogs. Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.
Updated: 4th March 2020