NDCC Breeder Code of Ethics

Health

In order to protect the present and future welfare of the Newfoundland dog, it is strongly recommended that the following health checks be done on all Newfoundland dogs/bitches prior to being used for breeding and that certification through OFA be
obtained at the appropriate age. By certifying with OFA there is record for future generations and breeders; without it, important information may not be available.

• Cystinuria – unless it is known definitively that the dog/bitch is
  clear by parentage
• Elbow dysplasia (or any elbow defect)
• Eye defects
• Hearts should be checked, preferably by a veterinary cardiologist
• Hip dysplasia
• Patellas

Temperament

Temperament is the number one priority in this breed. Since there is no certification for temperament – the onus is on the breeder to NOT use dogs/bitches that show signs of aggression with humans, or shyness that is beyond lack of socializing. A normal Newfoundland may appear shy when initially introduced to new things, but the recovery should be rapid and the dog/bitch should not continue to be frightened by normal things once properly introduced.

Colour

Breeders will not intentionally produce non-standard colours. Colour testing will be required when there is any possibility a dog/bitch may carry non-standard colours. In that way, the breeder can make an educated decision as to the value of the breeding and act accordingly, keeping in mind that we must avoid non-standard colours whenever realistically possible.

Under no circumstances will healthy pups be euthanized for being a nonstandard
colour.

In the event that non-standard coloured puppies occur in a Canadian bred litter, they will not meet the ROE and therefore will automatically be registered on non breeding
registration. The objective is to eventually produce only standard colours in our breeding programs, and this may take more than one generation of selection.

In accordance with the ROE, imported dogs of non standard colours are automatically
registered in Canada on non breeding registration. The use of imported semen that carries non-standard colours will be adding non-standard colours to the existing gene pool. Knowing what the dog carries is paramount.

Breeders will at all times remember the Rules of Eligibility (CKC) for all breeding stock.

Breed:  Newfoundland

Size:  Large/Very large.

Coat Colour:  Black; White with black markings (Landseer).

Colour Markings:  White on chest, toes, tip of tail on black dogs permissible.  Landseer: white with black patches: typically head, saddle and
rump, minimal ticking

Coat Texture/Length:  Water-resistant, dense double-coat.

Body:  Visually square. Deep chest, broad back, good rib, level topline.

Ear Shape/Placement:  Relatively small triangular drop-ears, rounded tips.

Tail Shape/Carriage:  Strong and broad at base. Carried straight out or slightly above horizontal when moving.

Feet:  Tight, well-rounded, with substantial webbing.

Breeding Practices

Breeders must NOT use dogs/bitches with disqualifying faults in
their breeding program.

Disqualifications in this breed are: bad temperament, short flat coat (Labrador Retriever type), marking of any other colour than white on a black dog, or any colours other than the traditional black, or Landseer (white and black).

Breeders will breed only mature bitches and no bitch shall have more than two litters in a 24-month period unless advised to do so by a veterinarian with repro experience.

A mature bitch would be at or close to two years of age. Breeders will recognize that it is rarely in the best interest of the bitch to breed past 7 years of age and will act accordingly.

Stud dog owners shall accept for breeding only bitches that meet the requirements set out herein and shall endeavour to ensure that the owner of the bitch will abide by good breeding practices. Stud dog and bitch owner shall negotiate all terms of the breeding agreement prior to undertaking the breeding. A written contract is strongly recommended and shall be mutually agreed upon and signed by all parties involved.

Selling Practices

Breeders will advise all new owners of breed characteristics, both mental and physical, as well as their needs with regards to grooming, exercise, diet, housing, and training. They will also ensure that new owners are aware of the unique characteristics of this breed with regards to size, household mess, and cost before they commit themselves to purchase. The breeder must screen to be sure they have the knowledge, resources, and time to care for their new dog.

Puppy buyers shall be supplied with a four generation pedigree on which all known colours and recessives and available health scores are given. It is recommended that buyers be given copies of certifications. Alternatively, the person could be given the link to access both the pedigree and certification online at OFA or breed databases.

Puppy buyers will be provided with all worming and vaccination records, as well as what the breeder recommends for future vaccination/worming schedules.

Breeders should also outline their ideas for proper nutrition, care and upbringing, as well as follow up veterinary care such as neutering and spaying.

Puppy buyers will be provided with CKC registration and transfer no later than six
months after the date of purchase unless there are extenuating circumstances.

At the time of sale, the buyer shall be provided with a detailed contract signed by the seller, outlining the description and sex of the puppy, including tattoo or microchip information, name of sire and dam, and whelping date. It should also include any health guarantee offered and type of compensation forthcoming in the event of a complaint or dispute.

General Responsibilities

All breeders will make a commitment for the lifetime of every dog/ bitch they produce and will make every attempt to provide for any Newfoundland they have bred in the event that it becomes necessary. If rescue is needed because the breeder is unable to take the dog/bitch back, then the breeder will cooperate with the attending rescue organization and some financial support should be considered.

Breeders shall not sell their puppies to puppy mills, pet dealers, pet wholesalers, pet brokers, either singly or in litter lots. Breeders shall strive to conduct only ethical trade agreements, with special attention to make sure that neither their stud dogs nor their bitches are involved with any commercial business involving the selling of puppies.

All breeders will commit to education of the general public and act accordingly when
inquiries are received - at all times and not only when they have pups available.