W.F.T.A's RECOMMENDED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR BREEDERS

Along with the Kennel Club's General Code of Ethics which was revised in October 2008, we would like to make the following recommendations known to our members.

1. All stock offered for sale must be clean, in good health and free from communicable disease.

2. All puppies should have been regularly wormed before being sold.

3. Puppies should not be sold until they are at least 8 weeks of age. They should be sold with a written pedigree, Kennel Club documentation, diet sheet and full information regarding the breed, worming, inoculation, grooming, exercise requirements. If endorsements are put on the puppy's papers then this should be fully explained to the new owner and their signature obtained signifying that they are in agreement with, and understand, such endorsements.

4. It is strongly recommended that two puppies of the same sex should not be sold to one person nor should a puppy be sold to anyone who already has any terrier or terrier-type dog of the same sex. It should also be noted that to sell two puppies to one person is ill-advised because of the difficulties the owner will experience in training them.

5. Breeders should satisfy themselves, as far as is possible, that the home and lifestyle of potential purchasers is conducive to responsible and permanent ownership. They should be prepared to take any wire of their breeding back into their kennels and assist with rehoming should this prove necessary. In this context, no member shall knowingly sell puppies or stock to pet dealers or other commercial sources nor shall dogs be given as prizes or used in any other form of exploitation.

6. Anyone entering into breeding arrangements with another breeder does so entirely at their own risk and they should satisfy themselves that the agreement can be amicably terminated should the occasion arise. Such agreements should always be in writing, signed by all parties, and a copy of the agreement kept by each party. The Association is unable to intervene in any way to reconcile any disagreements which may arise as a result.

7. The Association strongly recommends that bitches under the age of 18 months should not be used for breeding.

8. All advertising, whether for stock or for show wins, shall be completely honest and in no way be misrepresentative or fraudulent.

9. All dogs offered at stud should be in excellent health and free from communicable disease.

10. If owners of stud dogs are approached by owners of a bitch without registration papers or whose papers are endorsed "not for breeding" the Association recommends that stud services be refused on the grounds that the bitch's papers were so endorsed for good reason. It is also advisable that stud owners should ask to see the bitch's papers and pedigree before agreeing to any mating.

11. Legislation was brought into effect on 6th April 2007 prohibiting the docking of puppies' tails. It is still legal for a veterinarian to remove dew claws.

12. The welfare of the dogs must be considered at all times.

13. The Association completely abhors the practice of handing over any puppy or adult dog to someone who has not previously visited the breeder's/owner's home. Such meetings should only be arranged by mutual consent when the person buying the dog meets with the approval of the breeder/owner.