CODE OF ETHICS

This code has been put forward by your Association in conjunction with the Code of Ethics produced by the Flatcoated Retriever Society, the Flatcoated Retriever Club of Scotland and The Kennel Club. The aim is to help Flatcoat owners to maintain the high standard of breeding and care that has made the present day Flatcoat.

1.Flatcoat owners should make every endeavour to breed from stock of the highest standard which conform as closely as possible to the Breed Standard and have no serious faults which would preclude them from showing and / or working. All owner stock used for breeding should take advantage of various KC/BVA schemes.

2. Stud dog owners must satisfy themselves as to the suitability of the bitches’ breeding and the conditions under which the litter would be reared

3. Bitch owners should not, except in exceptional circumstances, e.g. on Veterinary advice, breed from bitches under two and a half years of age and have no more than two litters from any bitch at intervals
of at least one year. No bitch should be bred from over 8 years old and the Kennel Club will not, except in exceptional circumstances, register the progeny of a bitch of this age.

4. Stud dog and bitch owners should note that following an accepted proposition at the 2001 A.G.M “yellows and Non Standard colours should not be bred from”

5.Breeders/Owners shall at all times be extremely careful when advertising and selling Flatcoats

6. Members shall not knowingly sell Flatcoats to commercial dealers, retailers or laboratories. When exporting all sellers of puppies should ensure the suitability of the new owners and the environment for a Flatcoat. The ethics of the country with regards to dogs should also be taken into account

7. The breeder of the puppies shall provide a copy of the pedigree, proof of registration, a satisfactory diet sheet, a complete health record and details of worming at the time of sale and advise on appropriate dates of inoculations

8.Owners should be aware that the happiness and well being of their dog is paramount

9. Owners should ensure that their own conduct in public places is of a nature that will enhance the reputation of Flatcoat owners & their dogs

10. In order to prevent commercialization of the breed, it is considered unacceptable to breed more than two litters from any one household, and one on breeding terms, in any twelve month period.