The Midland Chow Chow Club is a member of the Chow Chow Breed Council.

The Chow Chow Breed Council is committed to responsible dog ownership and to the future of the Chow Chow.

In addition the Chow Chow Breed Council asks individuals to aim to achieve the highest possible standards in their actions relating to the Chow Chow and should endeavour to abide by the following laid out for guidance.

To co-operate and participate with Chow Chow Breed Clubs, to share aid and information with those interested in the Breed and to follow the rules and to encourage and exhibit sportsman-like conduct in all competitions.

To read and familiarise his or herself with the Kennel Club Standard for the Chow Chow.

MEMBERS OWNING A CHOW CHOW

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, or who carries out a caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.

3. Will agree that no healthy puppies 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 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. Only KC Registered Chow Chows to be used for breeding. These should be only of recognised coat colour as listed in the Kennel Club Breed Standard.

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. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog)

14. 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.

15. To accept a life commitment for any chow you own, Should circumstances occur where rehoming is absolutely essential, consult with the breeder of the dog first and then to ensure that proper arrangements are made for the future care of the Chow Chow(s) (See Puppy Sales and Export paragraphs in part 2 as these would also apply to adults).

16. No bitch should have a litter before they are sufficiently mature and not to be mated under 12 months of age. Under normal circumstances a bitch should not have more than four litters and not have more than one litter during a period of 12 months, nor should a bitch be over the age of 8 years be bred from. The Kennel Club rules on this subject to be observed.

17. Members who own stud dogs should be aware of the need to improve the breed and enhance the reputation of the Sires. Members should refuse stud services to inferior specimens of the breed, including taking into account temperaments. Stud Dog owners giving a full explanation to the owner of the bitch. To also refuse stud service to people who do not have the time, facilities or responsible attitudes for caring for the dam and her puppies, and able to keep the puppies until suitable homes are found. Only entire dogs should be used at stud.

SALE OF PUPPIES

To keep accurate records of breedings, sales and registrations and at all times to be extremely cautious when advertising or selling as to a true and realistic description of stock – especially as to prospects of young stock in case it should inadvertently be implying guaranteed show success.

Breeders selling puppies should be aware of legislation, e.g. The Trades Description Act and Sale of Goods Act.

18. Prospective buyers of puppies should be checked thoroughly for suitability and their ability to provide long-term homes with a happy and healthy life.

19. Buyers should be advised of the characteristics of the breed, grooming, exercise and the need for social environment.

20. No puppy should leave the dam before 8 weeks of age. The breeder is to provide for each puppy the following :
* A diet sheet
* Written confirmation of worming – Veterinary advice on regular worming (usually every 6 months)
* A receipt
* A signed Pedigree
* An appropriate KC registration certificate.
It should be impressed on buyers that they should contact the breeder in the event of any problems with a puppy.

21. No Chow Chow should be sold to any Country without legislation for the protection of similar intent to such laws as Great Britain and who do not have a reciprocal agreement with the Kennel Club.

22. Members should be aware of the free provision of endorsements and to use as appropriate when registering puppies. Purchasers should be advised of the endorsements placed (if any). Such endorsements can only be lifted at the written request of the person imposing it, subject to approval by the Kennel Club.

23. It is expected that Breeders whether ABS members or not should provide buyers with a Contract of Sale. They should provide Veterinary Insurance at the time of sale with written advice in the Contract to continue Insurance. They should also specify the after sales conditions relating to the Sale.

24. It is suggested that Members, when breeding dogs, adopt as a minimum standard the principles, requirements and recommendations as embodied in the K.C’s Assured Breeder Scheme. It is further suggested that Members who breed should apply to join the scheme.

25. It is recommended that all puppies have a permanent means of identification.

Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from the club memberships, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.

KC/JG September 2008