Choosing the Right Breeder

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RRCUS CODE OF ETHICS

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To find a reputable breeder, please look for members of our National club, The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, (RRCUS). These breeders adhere to a RRCUS Code of Ethics.

The Code includes several key points that are vital to the continued improvement and overall health of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed. For a complete reading of the  Code of Ethics, please visit the RRCUS web site under the tab, Code of Ethics.

An ethical breeder does not engage in the over breeding of puppies for profit without regard for the quality and health of the dogs.

 

Listed below are a few of these key points:

• A breeder's aim and foremost responsibility shall be to produce the healthiest and best representatives of the breed possible.

 

• Each litter shall be the result of conscientious planning, including consideration of physical and genetic health, soundness, temperament and conformity to the official standard of the breed as established by the RRCUS and approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

 

• Only dogs screened and certified clear of hip and elbow dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), Pennhip or comparable foreign registry shall be bred.

 

• Only mature adult dogs shall be used in a breeding program…..  Dogs and bitches under 24 months of age may only be bred if preliminary genetic clearances have been obtained …

 

• When entering into a breeding agreement a written contract shall be signed and dated by all owners and co-owners of the sire and dam. Full disclosure of all test results for inheritable disease shall be made available to all parties.

 

• Responsibility of the breeder does not stop with the sale. The breeder should be available for consultation and to assist in the recovery and placement of any dog sold by the breeder if such need arises at any time in the dogs’ life.