Dobermann Breed Council
Code Of Ethics

DOBERMANN BREED COUNCIL MEMBER CLUBS CODE OF ETHICS

All breeders who register their puppies, and new owners who register ownership of their dogs with the Kennel Club, accept the jurisdiction of the Kennel Club and undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.
Breeders/Owners:

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 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. 
14
Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not
accompanying a dog).
15
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.
16
Abide by the Constitution and Rules of the DBC  Member Clubs and the Kennel Club.       
17
Keep accurate breeding records, registration papers and pedigrees.
18
Breeding agreements: All stud services and sales arrangements shall be mutually agreed upon, stating
in writing and signed by all parties concerned.
19
All advertising shall be honest and not in any way misrepresentive or fraudulent.
20
Encourage all breeding stock to be tested for Hip Displasia, PHPV and vWB under KC/BVA recognized
schemes.
21
Encourage permanent identification, tattoo, micro chipping and/or DNA profiling
22
Only Kennel Club registered Dobermanns to be used for breeding.
23
All dogs offered at stud to be in good health and free from communicable diseases and serious faults as
listed in the breed standard and will not mate a bitch in contravention of item 23 .
24
No bitch shall be bred from more often than once per 12 (twelve calendar months period or mated
before 2 (two) years of age, and shall be in good health and free from communicable diseases and   
serious faults as listed in the breed standard. No bitch to have more than 4 litters and must not  whelp
after her 7th birthday.
25
Honestly evaluate the quality of all Dobermanns and fairly represent that evaluation.  For any puppies that
appear to be sub-standard, the breeder/s have the following options available to them: 
a) 
No breeding contract signed and endorsed by the KC or papers  withheld.         
b)
An agreement in writing by both parties to spay or castrate at an appropriate age.
26
No puppy shall leave the breeder/s under 8 (eight) weeks of age.
27
Breeders should maintain an interest in the welfare of all puppies that they breed.
28
Furnish records to each buyer of all inoculations and worming, pedigree and Kennel Club registration or
transfer documents, unless written agreement is made at the time of the sale that the KC registration
papers are withheld.
29
All members shall conduct themselves  at all times in such a manner as to reflect credit on the  
ownership of the Dobermann and membership of the Breed Club.
30
Members are encouraged to train and socialise their Dobermanns.  Breeders should encourage all  new
puppy owners to do the same.
31
Member Clubs of the DBC do not condone or promote the breeding of White Dobermanns or any other
colours not specified in the Breed Standard.
32
All breeding stock should closely follow the official Kennel Club Standard in all aspects, with particular
attention being paid to the temperament of the dogs.
 

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. 

To be reviewed annually.

 

Code of ethics

 

 


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