Devoted to the health and welfare of Irish Wolfhounds
Breed Code of Conduct
The Kennel Club Code of Ethics, with permission to include
Irish Wolfhound breed specific requirements.
This Code of Ethics is mandatory. All members of the UK breed clubs
undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.
Club members:
- Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
- 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.
- Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
- Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
- Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
- Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
- Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
- Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
- Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
- 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.
- Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
- 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.
- 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. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).
- 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.
- It is strongly recommended that the registration documents of puppies sold as pets are endorsed , 'Progeny not for Registration'. This restriction can be rescinded by the breeder should it be wished at a later stage, but must be explained carefully to the prospective buyer before a sale, and confirmed in writing.
- Be prepared to take back any hound whose home may no longer be able to cope with it, if necessary to buy it back on a reasonable basis, or contact The Irish Wolfhound Rescue Trust.
- Never breed or keep more hounds than can be looked after personally, with individual attention either by you or a good kennel assistant. The practice of placing bitches out on breeding terms is strongly discouraged.
- Breed only from a bitch that has physically matured ie. 2 years old. It is generally agreed that 3 litters in a lifetime is sufficient for any bitch.
- It is strongly recommended that all litters are screened for Portosystemic Shunt, that only stock clear of the condition is sold and that affected hounds are never used tor breeding.
- It is strongly recommended that all breeding stock be annually heart tested.
- And be prepared to assist the owner of the bitch in finding suitable homes for any puppies sired by your dog.
- Do not allow puppies to leave their dam too early. Eight weeks is soon enough provided they are going to an experienced owner. To a first time Wolfhound owner, ten weeks is a better age.
- It is a the duty of all Irish Wolfhound owners to keep their hounds under control at all times. To keep them, well exercised and in good health, and endeavour to further promote the image of the breed and its equable temperament
- It is strongly recommended that hounds which have had corrective surgery for pathological conditions such as osteochondrosis dissecans and entropion are never used for breeding.
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.
KC/GJ September 2008
