Labrador Retriever Club of Utah

Labrador Retriever Club of Utah

Breeder Code Of Ethics:

This Code Of Ethics is an agreement and guide for breeders of the Labrador Retriever interested in belonging and participating in the Labrador Retriever Club Of Utah.

Prior to being represented and listed as a responsible, ethical and reputable breeder by the above named club and linked to this site in the Breeder Registry, you must be in agreement to uphold the guidelines set below.

The number one priority for all breeders of the Labrador Retriever should be the welfare and improvement of the breed.

All agree to do everything within their power to preserve, protect and advance the interests of the breed.

All agree to consider the breed when engaging in any activities involving breeding, exhibiting and selling of Labrador Retrievers.

All agree to refrain from any activities, which would be detrimental to the best interests of the breed.

All agree to only breed stock that is in good health and which is physically and temperamentally sound.

All agree not to use stock for breeding purposes prior to obtaining the appropriate hip & elbow clearances, either by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip) for hips and OFA for elbows.

All agree not to use stock for breeding purposes prior to obtaining an eye clearance and performing follow up annual eye clearances by an American College Of Veterinary Ophthalmologist (ACVO) Board certified diplomat with the report marked "normal" for both eyes. These reports can be submitted and receive number certification by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF).

All understand that a minimum of Hip, Elbow & Eye clearances are manditory to be represented as a responsible and ethical breeder from the above stated club. We advocate performing all possible health clearances for the most responsible breeding to take place. OFA now offers the following clearances for Labrador Retrievers; Hip, Elbow, Patellar, Cardiac & Thyroid. We also advocate screening for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) through Optigen DNA testing.

All agree not to allow a bitch to produce an excessive number of litters, and agree to allow sufficient time between litters for her to recuperate.

All agree to raise their puppies in a healthy environment with adequate socialization. And perform all necessary vaccinations and worming in accordance with a licensed veterinarians recommendation.

All agree not to place any puppy in a new home prior to the age of seven weeks.

All agree to screen each puppy buyer and strive to place each dog in a loving and permanent home.

All agree under no circumstance will they engage in wholesaling litters, selling to pet dealers, retailers or commercial breeding operations, supply puppies or dogs for raffles, lotteries, auctions or laboratories.

All agree to keep accurate and thorough breeding records. And supply each purchaser with a bill of sale, health guarantee, pedigree, health record, registration and instructions for care and feeding.

All agree to be honest in dealings with puppy purchasers in all matters such as health clearances, pedigrees, and inherited attributes.

And last, all agree to make themselves available to educate and assist novices and the general public with information concerning the Labrador Retriever and ethical breeding of such animal.