Code of Ethics

  1. In consideration of the Australian Labradoodle Association of Europe Inc (ALAEU) electing me to its Accredited Breeders membership and approval of that renewal, I pledge to the Australian Labradoodle Association of Europe Inc that:
  2. I shall protect, promote and improve the Australian Labradoodle Breed in all my actions both written and oral and abide by the current Rules and Regulations as well the current Code of Ethics.
  3. I shall at all times ensure all dogs under my control are properly housed, fed, watered, exercised, mentally stimulated and receive appropriate veterinary care when required.
  4. I acknowledge that I have never had any membership revoked or suspended by a Canine Association and pledge to notify the ALAEU if this were to occur.
  5. I acknowledge that I have not been convicted of any cruelty to animal act, and pledge to notify the ALAEU if this were to occur.
  6. I agree to an ALAEU kennel inspection and audit if requested by the ALAEU Executive Board and if I am found to be in breach of the current Rules and Regulations or the current Code of Ethics, am aware that I may be suspended and/or fined.
  7. I shall take all necessary precautions to ensure that no bitch whelps prior to 16 months of age or after the bitch turns 7 years. There have to be at least 10 months between two litters of a bitch and bitches shall have no more than 5 litters in their lifetime.
  8. I shall not breed dogs unless they are mentally and physically mature and suitable for breeding.
  9. I shall not breed pairs where the inbreeding coefficient is more than 6, 30%. The inbreeding coefficient as calculated by the zooeasy database is guiding.
  10. I shall not sell/trade/raffle any dogs or their offspring to any commercial animal wholesalers or retail pet dealers/traders.
  11. I shall seek veterinary and or animal behaviourist/dog trainer advice and recommendations before euthanizing any puppy or dog.
  12. I shall not have puppies leaving my premises before 8 weeks of age.
  13. I pledge to wean, give appropriate worming and vaccinations to all puppies while in my care as well as provide an environment that gives appropriate physical, mental and social stimulation.
  14. I shall de-sex all Australian Labradoodle puppies sold as pets before they leave my premises, or sell them with a spay/neuter contract conform article 23 in the rules and regulations. I shall sell all Labradoodle Origin puppies sold as pets with Spay/neuter contract, or they will be de-sexed prior to leaving my premises. A maximum of 3 puppies from a litter can be hold or sold as breeding puppies.
  15. I shall ensure to the best of my ability that all persons acquiring dogs from me clearly understand their responsibility for the care and welfare of the animal and have made the necessary preparations for the keeping of the dog.
  16. I shall provide to all purchasers written details of the dietary, training and veterinary care required and/or an alternative appropriate publication detailing with the same.
  17. I shall help educate potential purchasers regarding responsible dog ownership and offer to take back or assist in re-homing any puppy or dog sold by me if unwanted, for any reason at any time, by the purchaser.
  18. I shall not expressly nor implied, misrepresent the qualities of either the Labradoodle Origin or the Australian Labradoodle including but not limited to a guarantee of allergy-friendliness or non-shedding traits.
  19. I will respond to instances of disputes with customers or other breeders in a timely and professional manner.
  20. I shall support and promote breeder integrity, act professionally, be truthful in my actions both written and oral and act honorably in my actions with the general public as well as other breeders.
  21. I shall provide all persons purchasing a dog bred by me prior to receiving payment, a copy of my health warranty, which outlines my undertaking to either provide a new puppy or refund all or part of the initial purchase price if the puppy/dog provided is found to have a genetic fault.
  22. I shall fulfill the conditions of my health Warranty in a timely and professional manner. When a refund or replacement is in order, as per the conditions of my warranty, it will be done within 30 days, except in instances where a replacement puppy is not yet available.
  23. I will breed any and all dogs responsibly and keep proper records of my breeding stocks offspring, as much as possible, with any genetic defects I might be notified of noted in my records. If I am made aware that a mating I have done has produced a puppy with a life inhibiting defect I will rearrange my breeding programme to reflect responsible breeding to avoid future mating with that breeding pair to each other.
  24. I shall breed with the soundness of the Australian Labradoodle and Labradoodle Origin in mind and agree to fully test (PRA/PRCD, eye test, hips, patella’s, vWD and elbows) breeding pairs including DNA profiling before having the first litter.
  25. I shall microchip all of my dogs and all puppies before leaving my premises.
  26. I understand the health concerns specific to the Australian Labradoodle breed.
  27. I meet, at minimum and preferably exceed, the living condition requirements of my state in regard to the housing and care of breeding dogs.
  28. I submit copies of State and Local Kennel Licenses, if required by my state.
  29. I understand the direct affect of health testing on breeding practices and the IALA, ALAA or ALAEU recommendations regarding testing
  30. I will quickly resolve conflict with a pet owner or breeder with kindness and respect.
  31. I will provide and honor contracts with pet owners and breeders.
  32. I will speak truthfully and respectfully of fellow breeders and their animals.
  33. I will be considered an expert in breeding practices by studying breeding in general and Labradoodle and/or Australian Labradoodle breeding in particular. A breeder must implement the lessons in their breeding program and stay current at all times.
  34. I will educate potential buyer with respect and integrity.
  35. If I sell breeding dogs, I agree to:
      1. Select breeding puppies with care for temperament, health, coat and conformation
      2. sell breeding puppies only to members of the ALAEU, ALAA, ALA or to someone who is going to be a member of the ALAEU immediately
      3. Follow up on all breeding dogs sold to ensure the bloodline is not compromised and that health testing is being carried out per the breeding contract.
      4. Not sell litters with open registration.
      5. Make certain buyer understands and follows ethical breeding practices.
  36. If a breeding dog has been returned to an ALAEU breeder for health or temperament reasons, the breeder may not resell this dog for breeding purposes without submitting in writing documentation and obtaining approval of the ALAEU.
  37. I will breed only Labradoodle and/or Australian Labradoodle OR have the same high standards for all breeds within your program. The ALAEU must be made aware of all breeds a member breeder is breeding on any single premises.
  38. If I apply for ALAEU Breeder Membership must be in good standing in all other dog associations in which they are current or former members.
  39. I will not surrender a pet or breeding dog to a rescue organization, animal control facility, shelter. It is the responsibility of an ALAEU breeder member to use all resources available to rehome a pet or home a retired or later determined non show quality breeding dog into a responsible pet family.
  40. In all cases where I want to do something different as allowed in code of ethics or rules and regulations I will ask the board of the ALAEU for permission. I will provide the board with all necessary information to take a decision and will give them time enough to decide.