Code of Ethics

Introduction: This is a code of behaviour which members are expected to follow. If any member seriously contravenes these points, they will be asked to explain their actions by the Committee and may be in danger of being expelled from the Club.

For the sake of convenience the male personal pronoun has been used throughout this statement, but its provisions apply to members of either sex.

When planning the use of dogs for breeding, honest consideration should be given to type, temperament, and soundness of BOTH intended parents. Breeding from inferior specimens should be discouraged at all times. The hope of financial gain should not be a primary consideration.
No bitch should be mated before the age of 2 years, it is also recommended that initial mating should not be deferred beyond her 5th birthday. Brood bitches should be retired after their 8th birthday. Bitches should not be bred from more than once a year. It is recommended that no bitch should have more than 3 litters or 30 puppies in their lifetime.
Any members who have bred puppies, which suffer from hereditary conditions or exhibit serious divergences from the standard, should advise the Secretary so that a record can be maintained and potential health problems monitored.
In view of the potentially crippling nature of Hip-Displaysia and Elbow Displaysia and it’s high degree of inheritability, the EMDAA policy is that all stock should be x-rayed for both conditions after the age of 24 months, and submitted to OFA (Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals) or they can have the PennHIP test, prior to breeding. Only dogs whose hips and elbows are within an acceptable range* should be considered for breeding purposes. Stud dogs and brood bitches which have consistently produced progeny with unacceptable results, should be withdrawn from breeding and their progeny should not be bred from. Imported stock should be tested under OFA or PennHIP regardless of any previous testing done in another country, so all tests are subject to the same ideals.
*An acceptable range for OFA results would be Excellent to Fair.
When planning a litter, members must ensure they have the necessary facilities to give proper care and attention to the Dam and her pups. Owners of Stud dogs should satisfy themselves that the owner of the bitch could provide such care and facilities. Members must be able to retain any unsold pups for as long as is necessary. Any member breeding a litter must be prepared to take responsibility for any stock that needs re-homing.
No puppy should leave the breeder before the age of 7 weeks.
Breeders should screen potential owners for suitability and advise them of breed characteristics both good and bad.
Potential buyers should be made aware if a puppy has a known defect or shows any definite departure from the standard.
At the time of purchase, new owners should be provided with a Pedigree, diet sheet, and registration form (if available). Information on worming and inoculations should also be given, where appropriate. If a puppy is not registered with an official body, the buyer must be made aware of this.
Breeders must be prepared to offer help and advice should the new owners have any problems or concerns about their puppy.
No puppy should be exported/imported before the age of 8 weeks. Care should be taken to ensure that Countries to which dogs of any age are exported have adequate anti-cruelty laws in force. No Estrela should ever be knowingly sold to a laboratory, pet-shop, dealer, puppy mill or any person connected to such.
Members are reminded that unsportman-like behaviour at any organized event, reflects adversely on the Club and it’s good name and will not be accepted.
The Committee of the EMDAA must always be ready to do their best to help members with any questions or problems.
Members should work in unity putting the welfare, preservation and advancement of the breed above personal ambition.

EMDAA

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Code of Ethics