Recommended Code of Ethics for Members

Kennel Club Code of Ethics for the Irish Wolfhound Club of Northern Ireland

with permission to include the breed specific requirements (15 – 25)

Points 1 – 14 form The Kennel Club’s General Code of Ethics

This Code is of Ethics is Mandatory

All members of the Irish Wolfhound Club of Northern Ireland undertake to abide by this General Code of Ethics

Points 1 – 14 form The Kennel Club’s General 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 performing 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.
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.
15. Agree that registration documents of puppies sold as pets are endorsed, ‘Progeny
    not for Registration’. This restriction can be rescinded by the breeder should it be
    wished at a later stage, but must be explained carefully to the prospective buyer
    before a sale, and confirmed in writing.
16. Should prepared to take back any hound whose home may no longer be able to
    cope with it, if necessary to buy it back on a reasonable basis, or contact an Irish
    Wolfhound rescue service.
17. Should never breed or keep more hounds than can be looked after personally, with
    individual attention either by you or a good kennel assistant. The practice of placing
    bitches out on breeding terms is strongly discouraged.
18. Are strongly recommended to observe the following breeding limits for bitches:
    Bitches not to produce a litter under 2 years of age : Bitches not to produce more than
    three litters in their lifetime : Bitches not to produce more than one litter in a twelve
    month period : Maximum age for bitches to produce a litter is 6 years.
19. Agree that all puppies will be screened for Portosystemic Shunt, and that only
    stock clear of the condition is sold and that affected hounds are never used tor
    breeding.
20. Agree that all hounds used for breeding take part annually in a heart testing
    scheme by a certified cardiologist, the minimum requirement being examination by
    stethoscope, ECG and Ultrasound scan
21. Should be prepared to assist the owner of the bitch in finding suitable homes for
    any puppies sired by your dog.
22. Should not allow puppies to leave their dam too early. Eight weeks is soon enough
    provided they are going to an experienced owner. To a first time Wolfhound owner,
    ten weeks is a better age.
23. Are reminded that it is the duty of all Irish Wolfhound owners to keep their
    hounds under control at all times. To keep them, well exercised and in good health,
    and endeavour to further promote the image of the breed and its equable temperament.
24. Are strongly recommended that hounds which have had corrective surgery for
    pathological conditions such as osteochondrosis dissecans and entropion are never
    used for breeding.
25. To safeguard the welfare and health members agree that a bitch in whelp should not
    be moved between premises at any period within four (4) weeks of whelping, unless under
    exceptional circumstances.

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.

April 27th 2014