Is a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Is a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Bringing the Little White and Orange Dog With a Big Heart to the USA
Introduction
Below you will find the most current revision of the Code of Ethics of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the United States of America. The Code's nature is not punitive, but rather a guideline that is informational and states the accepted form in Kooikerhondjes.
This Code will appear in the NKCUSA new member packets. New members, by their application, agree to abide by and follow the guidelines outlined in the Code of Ethics. Current members, by their annual renewal, reaffirm their agreement to follow the guidelines of this Code. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the United States of America endorses the following Code of Ethics for its members.
Code of Ethics
In keeping with the bylaws and philosophy of the club, and to protect and advance the Kooikerhondje,
the NKCUSA Code of Ethics has been established.
1. I subscribe to the purpose of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA as set forth in the Bylaws and will abide by the rules set down by the Club.
2. I will acquaint myself with the approved Kooikerhondje breed standard, and with principles of good health and grooming for the breed.
3. I will exhibit sportsman like conduct that will reflect on me and on the breed at all competitions, and will encourage others to do so. I will refrain from public criticism and malicious degrading of others and their dogs.
4. I will ensure humane treatment, including proper feeding, maintenance, health care, and training, for all my animals and will encourage others to do the same.
5. I will commit myself to continuing education in matters pertaining to the care and training of the Kooiker.
6. If I breed, I will strive to improve the Kooiker breed according to the Kooikerhondje Breed Standard. I will conscientiously plan each breeding, choosing only parents of appropriate temperament, appearance and other desirable qualities.
7. I will become aware of genetic defects that can be harmful to the breed. When breeding, I will endeavor to select animals that will reduce the incidence of genetic problems while enhancing the positive attributes and abilities of the breed. I will be open with all persons interested in the welfare of the Kooiker and will discuss possible physical or temperament defects in my own stock.
8. I will act responsibly in regards to all puppies produced by my breeding for the lifetime of the puppies.
9. I will never knowingly sell to, or place a Kooiker with unethical persons or those who would not provide proper and humane care to the dog. I will refuse to sell any Kooiker to any pet shop or to any wholesale dealer in dogs.
10. Should I become aware of mistreatment, abuse, or need for relocation of any Kooiker, I will make every effort to be of assistance by notifying the breeder of the dog involved and the appropriate local authorities, and I will assist in any other manner which I am able.
Responsibilities as a Member of NKCUSA
Members should keep in mind that they and their dogs represent the breed, NKCUSA, and the sport of purebred dogs in general. They are expected to maintain good sportsmanship at all events and competitions, abiding by the applicable rules and regulations. Members' conduct should always be in accordance with the objectives and intent of the NKCUSA bylaws.
Members are urged to accept the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Breed Standard as approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC), or the standard of the Country in which they reside or exhibit, as the description of the ideal temperament and physical qualities by which the breed is to be judged. Members are also encouraged to take opportunities when available to educate the public about the breed and NKCUSA.
NKCUSA Breeders' Code of Ethics
As Breeders, we will respect the history and tradition of the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, and work to protect, promote and safeguard the breed. We have studied the approved AKC Breed Standard and the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of The United States of America's "Best Breeding Practices" and strive to abide by the principles described therein.
I hereby affirm that I will strive to follow the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA Code of Ethics and NKCUSA Breeder's Code of Ethics.
I believe breeding purebred dogs involves certain responsibilities and I will not take that responsibility lightly.
Additionally, I will:
1. Take full responsibility for any puppies I cause to be produced and agree to take back or assist in re-homing any dog at any point in their life if the owner can no longer keep the dog. (http://www.akc.org/dog-breeders/responsible-breeding/)
2. Report all litters, including registered names and numbers, to the NKCUSA Breeding Committee for inclusion in The Dutch Club Register and ZooEasy.
3. Take the necessary safeguards in preventing the breeding of any of my dogs that would result in un-registered or crossbred puppies.
4. Not do a breeding to only satisfy sales demand or for the sole purpose of economic gain nor encourage buyers to regard the breeding potential of a dog/puppy as a business or a way to increase their income. (http://www.akc.org/dog-breeders/responsible-breeding/)
5. Advertise dogs/puppies factually and honestly, both in substance and implication.
6. Not make unverifiable claims regarding the health or genetic status of my dogs, and always include OFA or CHIC numbers in all advertising.
7. Not allow any puppy or litter to be displayed in public places for the purpose of immediate sale, nor sold to commercial breeders, pet dealers, pet stores, pet wholesalers, or pet brokers, nor offered as raffle or contest prizes, or any other type of giveaway or auction.
Breeders Best Practices
Summary: Members who wish to breed Nederlandse Kooikerhondje should do so with the full understanding of the responsibility they bear to the future of this breed. Breeders are expected to understand the breed standard, the traits in a breeding dog’s immediate and extended family, and the application of the principles of genetics. Additionally, breeders should have a practical knowledge of mating; care of the bitch in whelp; the rearing of a litter; and the time, effort, and resources to engage in this activity.
4. Ideally, dogs and bitches should be two years of age at first breeding. Bitches should have their first litter before six years of age, and should have their last litter no later than eight years of age.
5. All dogs considered for breeding should attain at least a Canine Good Citizen title from the American Kennel Club.
6. In consideration of the small gene pool, brood bitch and stud dog owners must use restraint and judgment in the repeated use of a brood bitch or stud dog. Care must be used to maintain genetic diversity and breeders should limit the number of puppies produced.
7. Remove from a breeding program any dog or bitch that is known to have repeatedly produced any significant condition that affects the physical or mental soundness of the progeny. This information can be gained only through active involvement and life-time interest in all dogs produced.
8. Repeat breedings of the same two parents are discouraged.
9. A bitch should deliver no more than two litters in any 24-month period.
10. Use the stud dog selectively. The stud dog owner should consider explaining why a bitch is refused. The stud dog owner should be certain the owner of the bitch has the necessary knowledge and facilities to care for the puppies as long as it requires to properly place them.
11. Use the stud dog sparingly. Avoid “popular sire syndrome” by limiting the number of litters the stud dog sires. The use of fresh chilled or frozen semen both from within North America or abroad is a way to maintain genetic diversity. ***
12. Both owner of the bitch and stud dog shall maintain an active interest in each puppy produced for the lifetime of that puppy.
13. Provide the best of care to the litter including: feeding a high quality diet, providing an enriched environment, and appropriate socialization during the entire time in the breeder’s care.
14. Appropriate veterinary care should be given, including but not limited to de-worming when appropriate, and vaccinations as advised by veterinarian. Only a healthy puppy is to be turned over to the new owner.
15. Supply the new owner with instructions in feeding and continued socialization.
16. Release puppies to a new home only after the age of eight weeks and identified by microchip.
17. Breeders/sellers should request that owners advise them and the NKCUSA Breeding Committee immediately if any diseases or conditions arise at any point in the life of the dog.
18. Encourage every new owner to complete health testing on their dog - whether intended for breeding or not - and report to the NKCUSA Breeding Committee as part of the international effort to improve and maintain health and longevity in the breed.
1. Make all breeding decisions to best benefit the breed. The breeding pair must both be in excellent health and free of any major health concerns.
2. Never undertake a breeding unless it is specifically to improve the structure or temperament of the dog that is bred. Breed only if able to distinguish between the correct and incorrect. Such ability presupposes careful study of the breed standard, the basic principles of genetics and the pedigrees of prospective stud and dam.
3. Breed only with full health testing according to the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) as reported to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): *
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veterinary examination for Patellar Luxation,
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eye certification within one year of the planned breeding,
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OFA Hip certification **
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DNA Testing at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands for hereditary necrotizing myelopathy (ENM) and von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD),
They should also be clear from other serious hereditary defects, so far as is currently known.
The “Best Breeding Practices” are subject to revision by the NKCUSA Health and Genetics Committee in conjunction with the NKCUSA Breeding Committee. Revisions become effective upon approval by the NKCUSA Board of Directors. These advisory practices are designed to stay abreast of the advances in animal genetics and husbandry. They represent the latest current knowledge from researchers both in North America and Europe. References to relevant research articles available upon request.
*The potential breeding of any animal with minor abnormalities on health testing should be discussed with the NKCUSA Health and Genetics Committee. ENM carriers must not be excluded from breeding programs, but must be mated only to dogs who are tested ENM Clear.
** There are two exceptions to a dog having a CHIC number. First, when using a foreign sire, the sire must have the health clearances required by the country in which he resides. Second, if a North American dog is to be used before its second birthday, it must have a preliminary evaluation of its hips done by OFA prior to breeding.
***Consultation with the NKCUSA Health and Genetics Committee is encouraged.