The purpose of this Breeders Code shall be to serve as a guideline for a minimum standard of excellence in the ownership, breeding and sales of Portuguese Podengo Medio/Grande’s. To that end, I hereby pledge to:
HEALTH
I. Maintain the highest possible standards of health, cleanliness and care in my kennel. This includes, but is not limited to proper veterinary care, regular contact with people and exposure to the outside world for proper socialization of all my dogs.
II. Urge all buyers to have a puppy or adult dog sold by me, examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of receipt. The buyer will pay for the examination.
III. Deliver or ship only puppies or adult dogs of sound health and temperament. Where the buyer or his authorized representative did not personally see and choose said dog, a period of 48 hours is granted to advise of the final decision and an additional 48 hours is provided if the dog is to be returned.
BREEDING
I. Encourage bitch owners to breed only if they have facilities, time and resources to adequately care for a litter and upon strong evidence of the possibility of finding suitable homes for the resultant litter.
II. Refuse stud service to any bitch I consider in poor health, physically or mentally unsound, or lacking the necessary breed characteristics as set forth in the Portuguese Podengo Medio/Grande standard.
Before or at the time of breeding, an exchange of pedigrees and health information must be made.
III. Allow one repeat service where a bitch has failed to conceive after being bred to one of my studs, if the stud is still in good health and available, and at such time and place as mutually agreed upon by the owner of the bitch and myself.
IV. Breed my own bitches only when I have a definite goal for improvement of the breed in mind, never permitting them to produce three consecutive litters unless breeding consecutive litters is recommended by a veterinarian. I fully understand that I am responsible for keeping and/or finding suitable homes for the resultant puppies.
SALES
I. Use a sales contract or written agreement in any sale or purchase involving a dog. The sales contract offered should cover guarantees and agreements. The agreement must be used with a signed copy to each party involved.
II. Refuse to sell or recommend breeders who do not conform to the ideals and obligations expressed in this Code and refuse all sales to dog wholesalers, brokers and retailers.
III. Provide buyers of my Portuguese Podengo Medio/Grande with a four-generation pedigree, complete health records, accurate breeding, and registration records, except that registration papers may be withheld or limited in the case of a dog who the parties have agreed in writing will not be bred, until it has been spayed/neutered as evidenced by veterinary confirmation.
IV. Provide a copy of the Portuguese Podengo Medio/Grande Standard to accompany any puppy or adult dog sold by me.
V. To encourage and invite the new owners of any dog sold by me to attend some type of training class and to join in becoming guardians of the Breed by participating in local dog club activities, educational programs, a regional Portuguese Podengo club and the National Portuguese Podengo Medio/Grande Organization.
VI. Assure puppy buyers that if at any time the buyer has to place the dog, the breeder must be notified and given the opportunity to assist the buyer in placing the dog.
Date:_______________
Signed:___________________________________________
Also signed by spouse (if member)________________________________________
Name:________________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________________
Phone Number:________________________________________________
E-mail address:_______________________________
NOTE TO MEMBERS: Only Portuguese Podengo Medio/Grande members in good standing may be official signers of the Breeders' Code. Membership termination also voids your status as a signer of the code.
You must re-sign the Breeders' Code when you rejoin the American Portuguese Podengo Medio/Grande Club. Return the signed form to:
The American Portuguese Podengo Medio/Grande Club Secretary
