The following practices are common to many reputable breeders. Though this list, compiled by The Scottish Terrier Club of America, is not all inclusive, these ideals are ones which you may wish to consider adopting as your own. These guidelines can also be used by someone looking to purchase a puppy.
- Familiarize oneself with the American Kennel Club’s official Standard for the Scottish Terrier, striving to breed only dogs and bitches; that are of characteristic type, sound structure and temperament, and free of genetically transmitted defects detrimental to the animal’s well-being, such as blindness, deafness, lameness, or impairment of the vital functions.
- Be familiar with the American Kennel Club rules concerning record keeping, registration identification, sale and transfer of dogs and abide by these rules.
- Approve of testing for genetically transmitted conditions common to the Scottish Terrier.
- Breed no bitch before its third season, or in no event before 18 months of age. Bitches should not be bred every season. Many good breeders skip at least one season between breedings.
- Limit the number of litters one breeds, and not breed primary for the pet market. Undertake the breeding of a bitch only if prepared to keep the resultant puppies until each is suitably placed; and only if one has the time and facilities to provide adequate attention to physical and emotional development.
- Sell pets with spay/neuter or other non-breeding agreements, and expect the same of any owner allowed to breed to one's stud dog. Except in the sale of show bitches, one should resist the temptation to sell bitches with puppy back positions, thus leaving novice owners to deal with finding homes for puppies. Many have found the best way to ensure spaying/neutering is to sell or place puppies with the written agreement of the new owner that AKC papers will be withheld until proof of spay/neuter is provided. Some breeders also offer to refund a set amount of the purchase price (sometime $50) when the dog has been spayed/neutered.
- Maintain all puppies and adults in a clean and healthy condition. Dogs should be sold with the appropriate inoculations and wormings appropriate for their ages.
- Avoid false advertising or other misrepresentation of dogs one sells. Also, avoid maligning competitors by making false or misleading statements regarding their dogs, breeding practices or persons.
- Use bills of sale to list any provisions to which the breeder and new owner have agreed, including any guarantees provided, plus terms, conditions or limitations of the sale. Complete medical records and instructions for care and feeding should be given to new owners, along with the assurance of continued guidance.
- Help those who are looking for puppies/adults to find reputable breeders. Avoid recommending casual breeders as sources of pets
- Take ongoing responsibility for the welfare of dogs one breeds. This includes educating buyers about responsible dog ownership. Ideally, breeders should either take back dogs they breed or help the owners place the dogs in suitable new homes if the owner does not want to, or cannot keep, the dog at any time during its life. We must not expect our communities to deal with dogs of our breeding that may become “disposable” dogs; and we must not allow dogs that we sell as pets to become the producers of “disposable” dogs.
- Attempt to help with Scottish Terrier rescue. Even if you cannot take a rescue dog into your own home temporarily, you can volunteer at local animal shelters and refer persons looking for pets to national or regional breed club rescue programs as well as to local animal shelters.
- Give back some of what the “Sport of Dogs” has given you by helping beginners.
[See also STCA Code of Ethics]
The following practices are common to many reputable breeders. Though this list, compiled by The Scottish Terrier Club of America, is not all inclusive, these ideals are ones which you may wish to consider adopting as your own. These guidelines can also be used by someone looking to purchase a puppy.