AWPGA BREEDER'S STANDARD PRACTICES
These Practices represent a list of principles and practices the AWPGA expects all breeders to adopt. All
members who breed Wirehaired Pointing Griffons should use this list as a minimum set of expectations.
The creation of a new life is a serious, far-reaching responsibility. Not all good dogs are breeding quality.
All new breeders are encouraged to seek out an AWPGA Breeder Mentor and work to continually
improve the breed. Breeding is not for the faint of heart, and done correctly is a very time-consuming
experience that should only be done after a significant time in the breed, including activities such as
field testing and conformation competition. Note: the term "dog" as used in this document is used to
describe both males and females.
1) All breeding stock must be AKC Registered with full registration, and all litters must be AKC
Registered. AWPGA strongly suggests selling with AKC limited registration unless the breeder feels the
puppy has the potential to be of breeding quality, and in that case, the breeder will require the new
owner to follow these practices. Any puppy displaying a genetic health defect will be sold with limited
registration.
2) All breeding stock must be permanently identified. Microchip is recommended.
3) Breeders should understand the genetic disorders affecting the breed, and do everything possible to
eliminate these disorders in future litters. Dogs expressing a genetic disease or anomaly should not be
used for breeding.
4) Breeders must check all breeding stock for K Locus. Dogs can be tested, or cleared by parentage.
Those dogs that are KBKY should only be bred to a KBKB (non-carrier). All puppies from a KBKY to KBKB
breeding must be tested for K Locus prior to going to new owners and new owners notified of the
status.
5) Breeding stock must be tested as negative for Brucellosis. Stud dogs and bitches (including maiden
bitches and first time stud dogs) must be tested prior to each live breeding. This test should be done on
a stud dog being collected for chilled or frozen semen.
6) All breeding dogs must receive the health testing recommended by the AWPGA Health and Genetics
Committee. This currently includes OFA Hip or PennHip, OFA Elbows, OFA (CERF) Eyes, and OFA Thyroid
(refer to OFA.org for thyroid guidelines).
7) No bitch should be bred before the age of two or after the age of 8. Back-to-back litters are
acceptable, and as with all concerns, should be discussed with your veterinarian. The health and
wellbeing of the bitch should be the foremost consideration when deciding whether or not to breed,
and used to determine the total number of pregnancies in the bitch's lifetime.
8) All puppies should be sold under contract to protect both the breeder and new owner. When using a
Stud or leasing a Bitch, a Contract will ensure both parties understand the arrangements and
requirements associated with the Stud use.
9) Before going to their new homes, all puppies must receive a health check by a veterinarian and be
vaccinated. Refer to the AKC Puppy Vaccination Schedule as a guideline, along with the veterinarian's
recommendation.
10) The minimum age a puppy can be placed with its new owners is 7 weeks, or the age dictated by the
local statute if the statute requires the age to be greater than seven weeks.
11) Breeders are expected to take back any dog from a litter they bred, regardless of the dog's age, or
assist in rehoming such dog in an appropriate home. No puppies or dogs will ever be surrendered to a
shelter or dog pound. Breeders may work with AWPGA Rescue if a puppy or dog must be rehomed.
12) Puppies should be raised in a healthy environment and must be provided appropriate socialization,
with the goal of safeguarding the puppies' physical and mental health.
13) Breeders will provide information to new owners regarding the breed's characteristics, including the
need for training and socialization and potential issues created by their natural hunting instincts.
Breeders will also provide information about health maintenance and the proper age for spay/neuter.
AWPGA Suggested Guidelines for Breeders Selection of Breeding Stock
The selection of dogs for breeding should aim to perpetuate the good quality of the dogs, and eliminate
undesirable qualities. The sire and dam selected must be better than average specimens, in good health
and of excellent temperament.
The sire and dam should not have the same faults. Faults in conformation are noted in the AKC
Standard. An additional fault that should be considered is the lack of hunt desire. AWPGA Breeders must
work to ensure that there is never a split between “Show Griff” and “Hunt Griff”.
Planning Litters
Should be planned in advance with as much knowledge as possible about the individual animals and
pedigrees of both sire and dam. Breeders should understand that they are responsible for each and
every pup, and must either find a suitable home or keep the pup. The expenses associated with having a
litter should be researched, and Breeder should have adequate funds for any unexpected medical
condition.
Health
It is suggested all puppies are sold with a 3-day health warranty, which requires the new owner to have
a vet visit within that initial 3 days. Breeder should provide a printed document for new owners
outlining veterinary record, feeding schedule, training and puppy care.
AWPGA Database
Breeders should enter all their Griffs into the AWPGA Database. These records must be accurate and
updated as needed to provide the best information regarding the dog. Breeders should encourage
puppy buyers to do the same.
Education
Breeders should consider joining the AKC Bred with Heart program. If qualified, consider applying for
AKC Breeder of Merit. There are many books and videos available to provide ongoing education, and
they should be utilized.