Code of Ethics

The code of ethics of our club is in place to give us a set of reasonable and sensible rules that encourage owners to look after their dogs properly and for breeding practises to conform to a standard that maintains good health in the breed. We would advise prospective owner to only buy puppies from club members. Click here if you would like to discuss the Code of ethics with a committee member.

II. GENERAL
A. I agree to co-operate and participate with The Leonberger Club of  Ireland, and I will at all times maintain a high standard of health care for the Leonberger. I will not deliberately libel or slander another person or make vicious comments on other's stock.
B. I agree to read and familiarise myself with the FCI standard for the Leonberger.

2 . BREEDING
A. I will remember that my prime concern as a breeder is to produce healthy, sound dogs that will be a credit to the breed. I will be honest in dealing with buyers and fellow breeders and will endeavour to co-operate towards a program of improvement for the breed.

B. I will only breed from those dogs and bitches believed to be mentally stable and not suffering from acute nervous or aggressive problems. I will breed from healthy, mature dogs and bitches conscientiously planning each litter.

C. Bitches will not be mated prior to 22 months, nor bred from more frequently than once per year and not mated after their 7th birthday. One litter per calendar year per bitch is permitted. There should be one clear season between litters .The bitch should be examined by a vet and pronounced fit and healthy for breeding/ whelping prior to mating taking place .There should be no more than 3 litters from a bitch.

D. Dogs & Bitches should be micro chipped or tattooed before any of the tests in D or E take place and these numbers recorded on all paperwork relating to these tests.
  I will ensure that, under the K.C. /B.V.A. scheme, the hip score of both the sire and the dam shall not exceed the total of 18 or shall not be higher than 10 on one side. The scores will be known before mating takes place.
All dogs must have their elbows x-rayed and scored before they are mated. It is advised not to breed from a score of more than 1:1 and even then, preferably to a score of 0:0.
A stud dog owner will satisfy him or herself as to the suitability of the bitch's breeding and the conditions under which the litter would be reared and they will acknowledge their own responsibility for the resultant litter. All stud dogs should be scored under the K.C. /B.V.A. scheme before being used at minimum age of eighteen months.
Owners proposing to mate dogs with scores exceeding these recommendations are invited to advise the Committee.  Common Sense should prevail.

E (i) Before a mating takes place I will ensure that both the sire and the dam have a current valid eye certificate, within the last 12 months, clear of hereditary eye disease under the K.C./B.V.A. Scheme.  
E (ii) if a foreign dog is used at stud it must meet the breeding requirements of the country where it resides. If a dog is imported it must then meet all of our Code of Ethics requirements before being bred with.

F. I will keep accurate records of all breeding, sales and registrations. I will, at all times, be extremely cautious when advertising stock for sale, giving a true and realistic description of the stock especially as to potential prospects of young stock, in case I should inadvertently be implying guaranteed show success. I understand that when a puppy (puppies) is/are taken in lieu of a stud fee or as part of breeding terms the breeder is responsible for the condition of the puppy (puppies) until the date of collection. ANY puppy (Puppies) whether part of a stud fee or part of a breeding terms agreement, or not must not be sold unseen, unless being sold out of the United Kingdom. New owners must meet the breeder prior to sale.

G. (i) I understand that Breeding Terms Contracts should not be used as a means of coercing people to provide a home for a puppy. Should stock be placed with any person unable to afford the price of a puppy but able to provide a home that ensures the continued welfare and furtherance of the breed, a Breeding Terms Contract must be drawn up.
(ii) If breeding restrictions are placed on puppies the new owners must be made aware of these at the time of sale. They and the breeder must sign an agreement which includes a clause as to how these may be lifted in the future and if this is possibly going to happen.

3. SALE OF LEONBERGERS
A. Breeders should encourage new owners to join the Club and pay for a year's subscription in the price of a puppy. A contribution of 5 euros per registered puppy to be paid by members using the club / club website to sell puppies. Money raised to go to the welfare fund. Breeders should be members of the club for a minimum of 2 years before being allowed to use the club to sell puppies.

B. I will attempt to help buyers and be available to answer questions and provide assistance throughout the life of the dog.

C. I will only sell puppies that are, to the best of my knowledge in good health, and exhibit sound temperament .It is recommended that puppies go to their new home at 8 weeks of age.   I will provide at time of sale a pedigree, satisfactory diet sheet, complete health record and details of worming. Any puppies over the age of twelve weeks will be inoculated according my Veterinary Surgeons advice. I shall provide Irish Kennel Club registration for each puppy within six months of change of ownership.  It is an IKC requirement that breeders identify their litters by microchip prior to being registered.

D. I will inform the buyer of any known apparent defects.
E. I shall not knowingly sell Leonbergers or stud services to commercial dealers, retailer or laboratories, nor allow my stock to become raffle or competition prizes, and shall exercise wherever possible care as to the suitability of my Leonbergers future home.
F. I will not let my puppies be taken/sold unseen unless sent out of the Ireland and will not send puppies unaccompanied inside Ireland
G. I shall not sell Leonbergers to person or country whose attitude to care and welfare of dogs is at variance to that of Europe.

H. I will accept the responsibility of re-homing any Leonberger bred by me should the original owner be unable to keep the dog, and where possible pass on Kennel Club registration documents and pedigree to the new owner.