the following was posted to the AKITA-L list by Dr. Sophia Kaluzniacki
10 Rules of Ethical Breeding
- The only reason to be breeding purebred dogs is to preserve the best qualities of the breed. Breeding
to supply any market is not a justification.
- You need to do all of your breeding with the best interests of the breed in mind. Never your pocket
book.
- For this you need to be a serious student of the breed and devote years of your life to it. No "in
one day, out the other".
- As a beginner you need to engross yourself in the breed as much as possible and ideally find a suitable
mentor.
- In order to be a serious breeder, you must show and compete.
- You need to keep track of all puppies you produce, whether pet or show, to know how your breeding
program is working.
- All pet dogs need to go on a spay/neuter contract.
- All show puppies need to go on a contract that will not allow breeding unless the dog lives up to
the quality intended and passes all health checks and certification necessary for that breed. If a prospective breeder does
not want to do this, then I am sorry but they will have to mess with someone else's dogs not mine!!
Co-ownerships allow you a certain amount of control in this regard because they require your signature
in order that puppies be registered. The latest news from the AKC is that there is a pending change to the rules that will
not allow registration unless all papers are properly signed. If you have a difference with your co-owner it will need to
be settled in court before the AKC will register litters or puppies. This is new and still pending, but a step in the right
direction.
- Every breeder owes to the breed and to themselves to be involved with rescue.
- Every breeder should be prepared to take any dog back for whatever reason. If they do not have the
space, then they need to be prepared to make other arrangements. But take back they must
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