Code of Ethics

All members of the Hovawart Club of Great Britain undertake to abide by its 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, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.
3. Will arrange 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 illegaly.
6. Will agree not to breed from a dog or a bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or the breed.
7. Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance toneighbours or those carrying out official duties.
8. Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be 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 Cub 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. In addition, all breaders should agree to:
15.1. Have a carefully planned breeding programme, the purpose of which is to produce dogs which are structurally and temperamentally sound and physically fit in every way. Before mating, the owner of the stud dog and brood bitch will ensure that there are suitable conditions in which to whelp and raise a litter.
15.2. Not to mate any bitch under 24 month of age. Not to mate any bitch aged 8 years or older without Kennel Club and veterinary approval and a Certificate of Health. A bitch should not be bred from at successive heats unless under specific veterinary advice in writing. All certificates must be available to the Club's committee on request. A dog over 8 years of age may be used at stud providing he is in good health and at the discretion of the owner.
15.3. To breed only from hip scored dogs or bitches, or those which have foreign grades passed for breeding. The breeder will not breed from bitches or dogs with a hip score of over 20, or where the combined score at a mating will exceed 25 in total.
15.4. Not to breed from a dog or bitch resident in the UK until a blood test has shown that the thyroid function is within the normal range valid at the date and time of the test. A copy of the result of the blood test to be forwarded to the Club Secretary for publication in the Year Book and inclusion in the Club's Health Register.
15.5. To breed only with dogs or bitches which comply fully with their own country of residence FCI recognised breed club's rules and ethical codes.
15.6. The Hon Secretary of the Hovawart Club of Great Britain should be informed in writing by any member who plans a mating which contravenes the Code of Ethics. The Committe may then discuss and investigates the implications of the contravention as it sees fit.
16. Owners/Breeders will report to the Club, any instances of unsociable behaviour by dogs at shows or in any other public places. Likewise they should be prepared to confirm or refute when asked to do so, allegations of such behaviour made by third parties.
17. If initial circumstances change and a dog has to come into rescue, the owner, breeder and stud dog owner share primary responsibility for the dogs' welfare. The Club rescue fund will assist a dog in need where possible and when funds allow.
18.1. If requested by the purchaser, the breeder agrees to the puppy being examined by a qualified Veterinary Surgeon, in the breeder's premises, to certify that the puppy/dog is healthy (buyer to meet the costs).
18.2. Breeders will undertake to help prospective buyers in their choice of dog and be ready to provide them with any assistance which they may require. They will inform prospective buyers of the special characteristics and requirements of the Hovawart, thereby encouraging caring and responsible ownerships. It is the responsibility of all breeders to ensure as far as possible that their puppies go to suitable homes and that new owners are encouraged to become Club members.
18.3. All breeders will ensure that prospective buyers are informed of any known defects of the dam and sire.
18.4. No puppy under any circumstances shall leave the dam below 6 weeks of age. If a puppy is sold after 12 weeks of age, it will be appropriately wormed and vaccinated.
18.5. A buyer should be supplied with at least a four generation pedigree, with information on inoculations and other veterinary care the puppy/dog has had, and with the instructions on the care, feeding and training of the Hovawart.
19.1. All puppies shall be registered and their Kennel Club Registration will be endorsed 'Progeny not eligible for registration' until the production of a Hip X-ray scored under the BVA/HD Scheme, showing an overall score of 20 or less when the endorsement may be lifted. This does not remove from the breeder the right to retain the endorsement should circumstances dictate. A copy of the BVA/HD scoring sheet to be forwared to the Club's secretary for publication in the Year Book and inclusion in the Club's Health Register.
19.2. All breeders are to ensure that prospective buyers are informed, in writing, of the requirements which will be needed to be met before the progeny ban on each puppy is lifted and they sign an agreement to this effect.
20. Breeders should be prepared to make a donation for each puppy sold through the Club waiting list.
21. The Club Member agrees to co-operate with the Hovawart Club of Great Britain, and participate in its aim to further the interests of the Hovawart in all aspects whether that be breeding, showing working, pet ownership or any other roles which is suitable to the temperament of the breed. All Members shall exhibit good manners and sportsmanship when the breed is in the public eye. All members are expected to agree to work together in unity as far as is possible for the sake of the breed, putting the good and preservation of the bred above personal preferences and agreeing that honesty is the best policy.

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.