I can happily say that confirmation has come through of my membership of the Assured Breeders Scheme.

I must also point out to perspective puppy owners that although as an assured kennel club breeder an agreement has been made to work towards a set of standards and code of conduct, just because a breeder displays a certificate of membership of the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme, this should in no way reduce the level of investigation, time and thought process given when choosing a breeder and puppy to become part of your family.

Regardless of the membership of the assured breeders scheme, the code of conduct agreed to should be adopted by all breeders and thus ensure that the welfare of not only the puppy, but that of both the mother and father of the puppy is paramount and always remains the primary focus.

Assured Breeders must:
•Ensure that all breeding stock is Kennel Club registered.

•Hand over the dog's registration certificate at time of sale if available, or forward it to the new owner as soon as possible. Explain any endorsements that might pertain and obtain written and signed confirmation from the new owner, at or before the date on which the dog is physically transferred, that the new owner is aware of the endorsement(s), regardless of whether or not the endorsed registration certificate is available.

•Follow Kennel Club policy regarding maximum age and number/frequency of litters.

•Permanently identify breeding stock by DNA profile, microchip, or tattoo.

•Make use of health screening schemes, relevant to their breed, on all breeding stock. These schemes include DNA testing, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and inherited eye conditions. Current health requirements under the ABS.

•Socialise the puppies and provide written advice, in the Puppy Sales Wallet, on continuation of socialisation, exercise and future training.

•Provide written advice, in the scheme Puppy Sales Wallet, on feeding and worming programmes

•Provide a written record, in the Puppy Sales Wallet, on the immunisation measures taken.

•Provide reasonable post-sales telephone advice.

•Inform buyers of the requirements and the recommendations that apply to Kennel Club Assured Breeders as well as the existence of the complaints procedure.

•Draw up a contract of sale for each puppy and provide a copy in the Puppy Sales Wallet.


In addition there are a number of recommendations:

Kennel Club Assured Breeders should:

•Make sure that whelping facilities accord with requirements for good practice.

•Ensure that contract of sale clearly lays out to the buyer the nature and details of any guarantee given (e.g. time limit) and/or any provisions for refund or return and replacement of puppy. If endorsements are being used the contract should also explain why these have been placed and under what circumstances they would be removed (if any). The contract should be signed and dated by both breeder and purchaser, showing that both have agreed to these terms.

•Commit to help, if necessary, with the re-homing of a dog, for whatever reason, throughout the dog's lifetime.

•Follow relevant breed health screening recommendations.

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or the Kennel Club.

Kind regards

Kevin