What a Responsible Breeder Does For You

I have encountered several terrible even gruesome situations caused by unethical breeding of the German Shepherd Dog. All breeders should abide by the following code of ethics and all buyers should question their breeder about their practice to make sure they are conforming to these ethics. A lot of trouble and heart ache comes from unethical breeding.

I. Encourage bitch owners to breed only if they have facilities, time and resources to adequately care for a litter and upon strong evidence of the possibility of finding suitable homes for the resultant litter.

II. Refuse stud service to any bitch I consider in poor health, physically or mentally unsound, or lacking the necessary breed characteristics as set forth in the German Shepherd Dog standard. Before or at the time of breeding, an exchange of pedigrees and hip and elbow X-ray information must be made.

III. Allow one repeat service where a bitch has failed to conceive after being bred to one of my studs, if the stud is still in good health and available, and at such time and place as mutually agreed upon by the owner of the bitch and myself.

IV. Breed my own bitches only when I have a definite goal for improvement of the breed in mind, never permitting them to produce three consecutive litters unless breeding consecutive litters is recommended by a veterinarian. I fully understand that I am responsible for keeping and/or finding suitable homes for the resultant puppies.

What this means is:

• Will have the parents tested for genetic hereditary diseases and will provide certificates to show the parents are free of these diseases. Canine hip displasia is one very common hereditary problem, large dogs absolutely need certification before breeding. Many countries make it illegal to breed dogs without testing for genetic defects, but not so in Canada and the United States. This is why you need a responsible breeder;
• Has done extensive genetic testing on the breeding stock used and is willing and able to discuss whatever faults his/her dogs have (and all dogs have them. No dog is perfect.);
• Will offer a health guarantee;
• Will offer a genetic disease guarantee;
• Will take back the dog at any time during the dog's life if you become unwilling or unable to care for it.
• Will be available to you for advice during the life of the dog.
• Is knowledgeable about his/her breed and breed standard;
• Is active in the breed in some fashion, perhaps by offering training services, or in the performance aspect, such as obedience, agility, hunting, earthdog, schutzhund, ring sport, fly ball, etc; Thus can get you involved more in your dog.
• Can discuss the socialization of the puppies and can make recommendations for the continued socialization and training