Code of Best Practice

The Pyrenean Sheepdog Club of Great Britain recognises its responsibility to preserve and protect the Pyrenean Sheepdog and the reputation of the breed rests unequivocally with the breeders and those active in the breed. Therefore, certain standards are laid out for the guidance of members. Members should also ensure that they have read and familiarised themselves with the Kennel Club standard for the breed.

1. Membership of the Pyrenean Sheepdog Club of Great Britain assumes acceptance of this code.

2. All members should conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as reflects the credit of ownership of the Pyrenean Sheepdog. They should be honest with prospective owners and fellow breeders.

3. Members should breed only from mature dogs and bitches - bitches should be at least 16 months of age when first mated. 'The prime concern should be to produce healthy and sound dogs that will be a credit to the breed. Dogs and bitches should be sound in temperament with no tendency for aggression or extreme fearfulness and preferably hip scored. Litters should be screened for PDA before they are sold (preferably by a cardiologist). There is no shame in producing an animal with a hereditary defect - they are unfortunately present in all breeds and will only be eliminated when all breeders are willing to face the problems and deal with them. The committee of the Pyrenean Sheepdog Club of Great Britain will morally support those who have taken all relevant precautions but find they have unknowingly bred a litter found to be suffering from a hereditary defect.

4. Breed only from K.C. registered stock and keep accurate records. Abide by K.C. rules and regulations, particularly regarding the age of the breeding bitch (under the age of eight) and the number of litters an individual bitch is allowed (a maximum of six). 12 months should elapse between litters of an individual bitch. First litters should be born before the end of the bitches fifth year.

5. No member should breed a litter unless he/she has the time and facilities to devote proper care and attention to the rearing of the puppies and to the well being of the dam. In providing stud services to bitches, members should ensure that the bitch is physically and mentally sound and should acknowledge their own responsibility to the resulting puppies. Unregistered stock should not be used for breeding.

6. Stud dog owners should refuse the services of their dog if the bitch is known to fall outside of the above guidelines.

7. When selling stock, members should be honest in their dealings with clients both at home and abroad, putting the interest of the breed before profit. Puppies should be at least seven weeks old when passed to new owners, having been wormed and in good health. A pedigree, diet sheet, record of any veterinary treatment and details of further worming should be given at the time of sale. Puppies/dogs sold when they are over the age of 12 weeks should be inoculated. Breeders should make themselves available with 'after sales' service and be prepared to take back or re-home any puppy or adult bred and/or sold by them should the present owner have to part with it for whatever reason. Breeders should also make prospective owners aware of the specific needs of the PSD. Whilst breeding contracts are an accepted method used in puppy sales/purchase, they should not be used as a selling point to coerce prospective owners into having a dog.

8. Stock should not knowingly be sold to pet shops, dealers or laboratories.
   Every effort should be taken to ensure health and safety of all dogs at all times. Where appropriate seek expert advice. Above all be very vigilant when selling dogs especially outside the U.K.

9. Members should ensure that their dogs are properly housed, fed and watered and have regular exercise. Appropriate veterinary attention should be provided when required. Members should not keep more dogs than they can properly care for, nor regularly leave their dogs unattended for the greater proportion of the day.

10. Members should respect and honour their older dogs.

11. Members should acknowledge their responsibility to clean up after their dogs when in public places. They should ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and that they are kept on a lead or under effective control. Dogs should not be allowed to roam at large or cause a public nuisance.

12. Members of the Pyrenean Sheepdog Club of Great Britain are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and sports like manner to judges, stewards and fellow exhibitors/competitors, both inside and outside the competition ring. The welfare of the dog must be considered at all times.

It is proposed that this document be reviewed at regular intervals to fall in line with up to date good practice as new legislation, testing or research comes into use.

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