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Breeders Code of Conduct

LRC Breeders Code of Conduct

Download the LRC Breeders Code of Conduct

  1. The breeder shall recognize that the breed has an original form and function as a working gun dog.
  2. The breeder shall recognize that temperament is a hallmark of the breed and shall never condone aggressive behavior.
  3. The breeder shall have been actively involved in the breed for a minimum of five (5) years and belong to at least one (1) other American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized dog club.
  4. The breeder shall offer information on health issues facing this breed – hip dysplasia, elbow diseases, seizures, heart diseases, neuromuscular disorders, etc., and the uncommon occurrence of aggressive behavior.
  5. The breeder shall screen all breeding stock for heritable diseases and use only those dogs in their breeding program that have received the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) registration number for clearance given at or after 24 months of age for Hip and Elbow Dysplsaia; CHIC clearance within one year of breeding for Ocular Disorders; Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) DNA Evaluation; D Locus Dilute Gene DNA evaluation. The breeding bitches and stud dogs should continue to have an annual ACVO eye exam for late onset hereditary eye disease. The Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) test is a CHIC requirement, but the bitch or dog does not have to be clear to be included in the breeding program. In addition, it is highly recommended that the LRC member breeder screen breeding stock for Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRCD) and Cardiac conditions.
  6. The breeder shall provide pedigree information and health reports confirming the hip, eye, and elbow status of their dogs.
  7. The breeder shall screen all buyers for their ability and intent to properly care for a dog.
  8. The breeder shall provide a written contract outlining the terms and duration of any guarantees or restrictions on the use of the dog.
  9. The breeder shall insist on the right of first refusal if the original owner wishes to re-home the dog.
  10. The breeder shall define the use of “Limited Registration” and sell all puppies on limited registration or a spay/neuter agreement unless specific written requirements are met.

To apply for enrollment in the LRC Breeders Directory, a Labrador Retriever breeder must have been an LRC member in good standing for at least two (2) years. Spouses who are not LRC members cannot be listed in the directory.

Breeders must also acknowledge and agree to abide by the goals of The Club as stated in Article 1, Section 2 and 3 of the LRC Constitution:

SECTION 2. The goal of the Club shall be to encourage and promote quality in the breeding and performance of pure-bred Labrador Retrievers and to do all possible to bring their natural attributes as working retrievers to perfection.

SECTION 3. In furtherance of its goal the Club will:

(a) encourage the organization of independent local Labrador Retriever clubs to promote performance and conformation events;

(b) encourage members and breeders to accept the Standard of the breed as approved by The American Kennel Club as the standard of excellence by which Labrador Retrievers shall be judged;

(c) seek to protect and advance the interests of the breed and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at field trials, hunting retriever tests, obedience trials and conformation events;

(d) conduct, sponsor and encourage on behalf of the Labrador Retriever breed events including field trials, hunting retriever tests, obedience trials and conformation events under the rules of The American Kennel Club.