CLUB GUIDELINES & GENERAL CODE OF ETHICS

(In addition to K/C Code Of Ethics)

THE WELFARE OF YOUR PUGS SHOULD BE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE

Members

Will agree that commercial breeding of Pugs is totally unacceptable and puppies should never be sold to dealers or pet shops, or exported to the Middle and Far Eastern countries where animal welfare is generally of a very low priority.  They should be responsible for placing their dogs in suitable homes and should maintain a life-long interest in their stock.

Will (a) agree that any dog/bitch suffering from, or known to be carrying, any hereditary defect such as slipping patella, cleft palate, entropion, hip dysplasia, hemi vertebra, should not be used for breeding, and should co-operate with other members/breeders, clubs and veterinary bodies in an effort to eradicate such defects.

Will inform the buyer that there is evidence of certain breed associated conditions for which there is no current ‘remedy’. Details of these conditions as it affects the breeders stock will be made available to the prospective purchasers.

Will (b) agree that dogs and bitches used for breeding should be characteristically of good type and quality, should be sound and healthy with reliable, steady, and even  temperament.

Will agree that a bitch to be used for breeding should be at least 18 months of age, or in her third season before being mated for the first time. In addition, the decision to breed should depend on the physical and mental maturity/ability of the bitch to support a litter. She should not be bred from on two consecutive seasons, and should have no more than 4 litters in her breeding life. She should not be bred from once she has reached the age of 6 years.

Owning ‘stud’ dogs must have a responsibility towards the breed and should assure themselves that the dog is as good an example of the breed as is possible, is free from such hereditary diseases as mentioned in guideline (a), and possess the characteristics of the Pug as in guideline (b). They should also study the pedigree and registrations of both dogs for accuracy and suitability, ensuring that a bitch to be mated is of suitable age and condition.