CODE OF ETHICS

This Code of Ethics is presented as a guide for owners, breeders, and potential breeders of Labrador retrievers, whose foremost aims should be the welfare and improvement of the breed. All should do everything in their power to protect and advance the interests of the breed. They should consider the breed and the following principals when engaged in any activities involving the breeding, exhibiting and selling of Labrador retrievers and refrain from any activities which would be detrimental to the best interests of the breed and The National Labrador Retriever Club.

The National Labrador Retriever Club recognizes three colors of Labrador Retriever: Black, Yellow and Chocolate.  We do not accept members who breed "silver" dogs.

In this section we will address concerns of the breeder. Potential breeders must ask themselves if they have the knowledge, time and resources to be a breeder. This issue affects the quality, health and future of the animals themselves, as well as the breed. Breeders have a responsibility to research and understand genetics, common breed problems and the particular line they plan to perpetuate. This code applies to both the owners of the brood bitch and the stud dog:    

1. Breeders should only breed with the intentions of improving the breed, and only when the breeder is in a position to properly care for the bitch and litter and capable of finding suitable homes for the puppies.   The breeder should recognize that it may be necessary to house offspring for a considerable length of time and be prepared to provide suitable facilities during this period.

2. Breeders should breed only stock that is in good health and which is physically and temperamentally sound.   No dog or bitch should be bred that is suspected of having any serious inheritable defect or disease.

3. Both parents should have at a minimum:

a) Appropriate hip clearances, either by Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), PennHip, Wind Morgan or appropriate clearance for country of residence. b) An annual eye check and be certified normal by the OFA Eye Certification Registry (CAER) or annual eye exam or report from an ACVO Board certified ophthalmologist marked "normal" both eyes, or appropriate clearances for country of residence.

4. A bitch should not be allowed to produce an excessive number of litters.   Sufficient time should be allowed between litters for the bitch to recuperate.

5. Breeders will raise their puppies in a healthy environment with adequate socialization.   All puppies will be inoculated and wormed in accordance with veterinary recommendations.   No puppy will be placed in a new home before the age of seven weeks.

6. Breeders will screen each puppy buyer and strive to place each dog in a permanent home.   Under no circumstances will an ethical breeder engage in wholesaling litters nor will they sell to pet dealers or retailers, catalog houses, commercial breeding operations, or supply puppies or dogs for raffles, lotteries, auctions, or laboratories.   Breeders will assist in the placement or relocation of the dog to a new home, if purchaser's situation changes so they can't keep their pet.

7. All breeders must keep accurate and thorough breeding records.   Each breeder will supply to each purchaser a bill of sale, a three generation pedigree, health record, registration (unless it is withheld by written agreement of both parties), and instructions for care and feeding.   ABOVE ALL, BREEDERS SHOULD BE HONEST when dealing with puppy purchasers in all matters such as pedigrees, clearances, and inherited attributes.

This final segment on the code will deal with the conduct of individual members.   Individual members will:

1. Exhibit good sportsmanship at all dog-related activities.

2. Make themselves available to assist novices and the general public with information concerning the Labrador Retriever.

3. Only humane methods should be used when showing or training dogs.   Under no circumstances will mistreatment or brutality be tolerated.

4. When confronted by a situation not covered in this Code of Ethics, the member will conduct themselves as they would like to be treated.

5. In general, all members should provide: a) adequate food, water and shelter from the elements. b) routine medical care. c) kind and responsible ownership.