Breeder's Ethics

Code of Ethics

Von Seiger Boss’s intent is to protect and advance the German Shorthaired Pointer by maintaining high breed standards, responsible breeding practices and integrity in dealing with purchasers of the GSPs.  Von Seiger Boss abides by the following Code of Ethics:

Breeding

1. I provide information on the characteristics and properties of the breed to interested individuals.
2. I maintain a safe, clean and sanitary facility for all stud dogs, bitches, adult dogs for sale and puppies for sale.
3. I breed only with the intention of maintaining the conformation and performance standards of the breed and for the purpose of improving the quality of the breed. I will not engage in cross-breeding. I will conscientiously plan each litter of puppies for sale, selecting a stud dog and bitch to be mated based on their pedigrees, conformation and temperament.
4. I breed only healthy, mature dogs and bitches of good temperament and qualities substantially conforming to the official standard of the GSP.
5. I breed only dogs or bitches that have been tested clear of hereditary diseases and defects.
6. I breed only dogs or bitches that have no disqualifying faults.
7. I refuse stud service to any bitch which is obviously inferior in quality or temperament or not registered with the American Kennel Club.
8. I do not breed any bitch more then twice in any two-year period.
9. I properly socialize dogs and puppies.
10. I do not breed any male or female until they are both physically and mentally mature, and I will not continue to breed any male or female beyond an appropriate age for the breed.
11. I comply with all federal, state or provincial and local government laws and regulations concerning the keeping of dogs.

Sales

12. I am knowledgeable about inherited health problems in my breed and will do appropriate health clearances on all breeding animals. Copies of these health clearances will be available to buyers of adult dogs and puppies for sale.
13. I will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, nor falsely advertise, or mislead any person regarding the performance of any dogs for sale or puppies for sale.
14. If the puppies offered for sale to persons inquiring, are to be registered, they will be registered only with the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club or other registry with equivalent standards and requirements. If such puppies are not to be registered, I will inform the buyer of that fact in writing.
15. I will refrain from releasing any puppy until it is at least seven (7) weeks old, or eight (8) weeks old if the puppy is to be shipped.
16. I will honestly evaluate the quality of each German Shorthaired Pointer sold, fairly representing field and/or show potential, its possible faults and make the buyer aware of the distinction between pet quality and show quality.
17. I will show discrimination in the sale of my puppies and be concerned with the type of homes in which they are placed.  I will screen prospective buyers to assure that puppies will have the proper home and environment. I will make buyers aware of their responsibilities as dog owners.
18. I will not sell or donate dogs to commercial dog wholesalers, dealers, brokers, retailers, pet shops or any other person or organization, for resale or "give-away" to the public. I will not supply dogs or puppies for charity raffles or auctions. I will not offer puppies for sale that I have acquired from others. I will not supply puppies or dogs to be trained or used for dog fighting.
19. I do not misrepresent in advertising, any dog or puppy for sale, or include misleading information regarding the background or potential of the animal.
20. I keep accurate records and retain those records for a minimum of five years. These records will include: stud service contracts, pedigrees, all litters of puppies for sale, and all dogs/puppies sold.
21. At time of sale, I will provide the buyer:
a. a properly executed Registration Certificate together with full written disclosure of the name of the Registry and its standards and requirements (or if puppy is not to be registered, a written statement to that effect). Registration materials may be withheld if a written statement is provided to the new owner of when, and under what conditions, they will be provided (e.g. until the time of spay or neuter by the new owner as verified by a veterinarian, or if a written certification identifying the exact date of birth, and the registration numbers of the Sire and Dam is provided instead).
b. a written, three-generation pedigree
c. health record including a diet, inoculation and parasite control record, and health guarantee.
d. provide the purchaser with copies of health certifications of sire and dam if requested.
e. basic diet and care information.
f. the time frame during which the puppy or dog may be examined by a licensed veterinarian, at the buyer's expense, and, upon written recommendation of the veterinarian for specific reasons, the puppy or dog may be retuned to the seller for a full refund of all money paid.
22. I encourage purchasers of pet quality puppies, or those not intended to be used for breeding, to spay / neuter the animal at the earliest age suggested by their veterinarian.
23. I provide the purchaser with a written contract offering to refund the purchase price or replace any puppy found to have a disabling or life threatening defect which prevents the dog from fulfilling it’s purpose.
24. I assist in the placement of any dog sired by their stud dog whose breeder of record has refused to help in such placement of said dog.
25. I follow up on puppies after the sale to insure their continued care.
26. I encourage puppy buyers to participate in German Shorthaired Pointer activities such as hunt tests, obedience trials, field trials, tracking tests, agility and conformation shows, and recommend membership in local GSP clubs as well as the GSPCA
27. I will not deliberately degrade any fancier, their dogs, or their kennel.
28. I agree to be a resource for buyers of puppies or older dogs that I have sold for the life of the dog.