1) The goal of any breeding must be to contribute to the overall improvement of the breed. To this end:

1.1) All breeding stock which resides in Canada or the U.S.A. must hold a final clearance for Hip Dysplasia through O.F.A/O.V.C., a current eye clearance from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology, a Certificate of Examination from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Cardiology (D.A.C.V.I.M.-C.).

Also, dogs should hold a normal thyroid certificate through O.F.A. and final clearance for Elbow Dysplasia through O.F.A/O.V.C .Breeding stock which resides outside Canada or the U.S.A., must hold equivalent clearance certificates from the country of origin.

1.2) Members will make every reasonable effort to ensure that both dogs involved in a breeding are sound in temperament. It is recognized that evaluation of temperament represents a judgement on the part of the individual. However, in making a decision, the breeder should believe that the breeding will contribute to the maintenance of the characteristic temperament of the breed.

1.3) All puppies sold in Canada must be sold with a C.K.C. Non-Breeding Agreement. This agreement must not be lifted unless the dog receives a final clearance for hip dysplasia from O.F.A./O.V.C. and a current (within last 15 months) eye clearance from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology dated no earlier than 16 months of age. The above may be waived if a spay/neuter certificate is presented.

1.4) Any litter contravening the Code of Ethics shall be reported by the Breeder to the Secretary, Board of Directors, with the outline of the contravention and course of action. All puppies to be sold with the same guarantee as in 2.2 and C.K.C. Non-Breeding Agreement as in 1.3.

2) Sale of puppies will be carried out under conditions which are fair to both the seller and buyer. To this end:

2.1) The buyer will be provided with a Three Generation Pedigree, Hip and Eye Clearances, a Certificate of Examination from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Cardiology (D.A.C.V.I.M.-C.), and the results of other tests conducted

2.2) Minimum written puppy guarantee provided by ANY member of this Club for puppies of their own breeding: Any puppy that is unable to function normally due to hereditary factors as substantiated by a Veterinary Specialist (O.V.C./O.F.A., D.A.C.V.O., or D.A.C.V.I.M.-C.) must be replaced or purchase price refunded (at discretion of breeder) within a mutually agreed length of time.

2.3) NO BENEFIT shall be gained by the breeder (financial or otherwise) for the cancellation of the NON-BREEDING AGREEMENT other than the applicable C.K.C. fees.

2.4) Members owning stud dogs shall ensure that their stud dog contract requires the owner(s) of any bitch serviced by the stud dog to comply with the provisions of Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 of this Code of Ethics, whether or not the bitch is member-owned.

2.5) If approached by a buyer for assistance in placing a dog produced by the breeder, the breeder will offer his/her support by one of the following:

a) offering to take back the dog, assuming full ownership and determining the dog's future;

b) assisting the buyer to find appropriate new owners, or

c) referring the buyer to Golden Rescue.

2.6) The breeder shall register all puppies with the Canadian Kennel Club in accordance with their By-Laws, and keep accurate records, including all breedings, whelpings, and pedigrees.

2.7) Conditions of acceptance of deposits on puppies or stud services, terms of full or partial refunds, or forfeiture of deposits must be clearly stated in writing.

3) The provisions of the Code will apply to all dogs owned by a member whether owned individually or in a co-ownership.

4) Members shall not sell or consign dogs to pet shops or other commercial dealers. Members do not supply dogs for raffles, "give away" prizes or other such projects.

5) CONDUCT:

5.1) Members shall conduct themselves at all times, in a manner which will reflect credit upon themselves, the breed, and the Club.

5.2) Members confronted by a situation not covered in this Code of Ethics shall conduct themselves as they would like to be treated in similar situations.

6) HEALTH AND CARE:

6.1) All stock is kept under sanitary conditions and is given maximum health protection through worming and inoculations.

6.2) All stock will be housed and cared for in an appropriate and humane manner.

6.3) Before breeding any Golden Retriever, the breeder will take into consideration the dogs age, physical condition, health, number and spacing of previous litters or matings.

7) REGISTRATION:

7.1) Members register all stock with the C.K.C. and keep accurate records of matings and pedigrees.

8) ADVERTISING:

8.1) All advertising is factual. It is not so worded as to attract undesirable buyers, or to encourage the raising of Golden Retrievers as a money-making scheme.

9) COMPLAINTS:

Complaints against a Club Member regarding non-compliance with the Code of Ethics, must be filed with the Club Secretary. A deposit of $25.00 must accompany such a complaint or charge against any Club Member.

When such complaint or charge fails to be substantiated, the deposit is forfeited and placed into Club funds.

10) COMMUNITY RELATIONS:

Members should ensure that their dogs are not a nuisance to their neighbours or the community in general and that they are properly controlled and supervised at all times. Members should try to do all they can to foster good relations between dogs, their owners and the general community.