Breed Code of Conduct
It is a condition of membership of the Irish Wolfhound Club
that all members abide fully by the following code of conduct.
Points 1-14 are from the Kennel Club's General Code of Ethics and mandatory for all clubs.
Points 15-24 are specific to the Irish Wolfhound Club.
All 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, or who carries out a caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operations 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 which 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 a 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.
- Agree 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.
- Should 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.
- Should 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.
- Are strongly recommended to observe the following breeding limits for bitches: Bitches not to produce a litter under 2 years of age : Bitches not to produce more than three litters in their lifetime : Bitches not to produce more than one litter in a twelve month period : Maximum age for bitches to produce a litter is 6 years.
- Agree to screen all puppies for portosystemic shunt; that only stock clear of the condition is sold and that affected hounds are never used for breeding.
- Agree that all hounds used for breeding take part annually in a heart testing scheme approved by the Irish Wolfhound Club: the minimum requirement being examination by stethoscope, ECG and ultrasound scan.
- Should be prepared to assist the owner of the bitch in finding suitable homes for any puppies sired by your dog.
- Should not allow puppies to go to their new homes earlier than eight weeks of age.
- Are reminded that it is the duty of all 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.
- Are strongly recommended that hounds that have had corrective surgery for pathological conditions, such as osteochondrosis dissecans and entropion, are never used for breeding.
- To safeguard health and welfare it is strongly recommended that a bitch in whelp should be neither imported nor exported within 28 days prior to whelping except in an emergency.
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.
