(as distributed to all breed clubs by the Kennel Club)

Updated January 2011

All members of the BGV Club undertake to abide by the KC Code of Ethics and associated BGV Club Code of Ethics. Club members:
1) will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.

2) will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon who performs 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 operations to the Kennel Club.

3) will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.

4) will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act. The Animal Welfare Act can be found here. (Link opens in new window.)

5) will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.

6) will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.

7) will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.

8) will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.

9) will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.

10) 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.

11) will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.

12) 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.

13) 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).

14) 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. 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.

BGV Club breeders will:

15) breed only to improve the quality of the BGV, selecting a stud dog/bitch to be mated based on researched compatibility of pedigrees, conformation and temperament and being aware of health conditions in the breed and BGV Club research work to overcome these.

16) not knowingly engage in cross-breeding.

17) share all findings regarding their breeding, including providing evidence of health clearances of BGV breeding stock as required by the BGV Club, also for acceptance onto the BGV Club’s Breeders Directory.

18) only breed from a PBGV sire and dam whose eyes have been tested regularly as required by the BGV Club and where the reading is satisfactory. In order to be included in the Breeders Directory and to have puppies on the BGV Club Puppy Register they should ensure that their PBGVs are eye tested by a member of the BVA approved Panellist of Ophthalmologists prior to being bred from and Eye Examination copies and consent forms sent to the BGV Club.

19) recommend that all puppies are identified by micro-chip, tattoo or DNA profile, if not already done so.

20) ensure no puppy changes hands under 8 weeks of age.

21) ensure puppies are in good health at time of sale.

22) provide the following at the time of sale/transfer:

• a contract of sale to be signed, with one copy retained by the purchaser, including details of any known cosmetic faults; breeders should include in the contract of sale a recommendation that all PBGVs should be likewise eye tested between the ages of 2 and 6 annually;

• a record of inoculations and worming with guidelines for continuing the schedule;

• advice on care and grooming specific to the breed;

• information on known health problems in the breed and provisions for making contact for help with care, health or welfare;

• guidance on encouraging the new owner to have their own vet check within a specified time to be assured of the puppy/dog's health status.

23) whether or not KC documents are available, explain any breeder-placed endorsements on the registration and obtain signed confirmation of awareness and acceptance from the new owner/s before or at time of physical transfer of the BGV to its new owner.