Club Members:

• Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.

• Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.

• Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.

• Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.

• Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.

• Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.

• Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.

• Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.

• Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.

• Will only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change.

• Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.

• Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.

• Will not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).

• Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.

• No bitch should be required to have an excessive number of litters, to a maximum of 4, unless supported by a vet. No bitch should be mated at successive seasons without regard to her health.

• Owners of stud dogs should ensure that the bitch is of sufficient age, is in good health and has not been mated excessively. Owners of stud dogs should refuse service to inferior bitches. A member should not provide stud services unless satisfied that the owner of the bitch has time and facilities to care for a litter and is breeding for the good of the breed.

• A member should not breed a litter unless he/she has time and facilities to devote proper care and attention to the rearing of puppies and the wellbeing of the dam. Members should not breed a litter unless they are sure of finding suitable homes for the puppies.

• The breeder should check prospective purchasers for suitability and inform them of the characteristics of the Basset Hound and the responsibilities of dog ownership. Puppies should not be sold to homes where they will be left alone for long periods during they day. In normal circumstances puppies should not leave their breeder until they are eight weeks old. The breeder should sell only those which to the best of his/her knowledge are in good health. A puppy which has any physical defect or which has a definite departure from the breed standard shouldnot be sold without the buyer being made fully aware of such defect and its possible consequences.Registration & Ongoing CareThe breeder should register each puppy with the Kennel Club. He/she should provide the purchaser at the time of the sale with a signed pedigree certificate and written information about the care of the basset covering the following:* Diet sheet from puppy to adult*Worming*Grooming*Inoculation (conventional or homopathic)*Training*Exercise*Basic HealthIt is hoped that the breeder will give information about the South of England Basset Hound Club (and its website) and consider proposing the purchaser for membership.

• A breeder should not sell to countries not operating anti-cruelty laws. If in doubt, the Kennel Club or MAFF should be consulted.Puppies should not be exported until they are mat least twelve weeks old, unless travelling in the personal care of the new owner or his/her representatives. Pupplies travelling alone should be sent in a box of sufficient size and breeders must ensure they are met personally on arrival.

• Whenever possible the breeder should provide assistance or give advice to the purchaser of a puppy should a problem subsequently arise. The purchaser should be made aware of this at the time of the sale and encouraged to contact the breeder at any time.The South of England Basset Hound Club expects all its members concerned with breeding, acquisition or disposal of Basset Hounds to conduct their business in an ethical manner whilst at the same time conforming to the rules of the South of England Basset Hound Club and the Kennel Club.Overseas members are expected to follow the spirit of this code whilst conforming to the rules of their governing Kennel Club.

     Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action          by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.                    Correct at June 2011

    All members are further required to read and abide by all parts of the South of England Basset Hound       Club published Constitution & Rules