Part I of this article dealt with how each of us should adhere to the Code of Ethics when we are approached by others to breed to our stock or the breeding of our own stock. This portion will deal with the matters of health, registration and sales of our boxers.
Because of several of my previous articles, most of you should be aware that matters dealing with health in our boxers are very important to me. The very continuance of our breed may very well hinge more on those health issues than any other problems present in the breed today. We can breed out structural faults, but health problems are not so easily dealt with, especially when we are reluctant to share or admit health problems we have experienced in our own lines. Our Code of Ethics in this area only touches the surface.
Health & Registration
- Breeders should encourage the x-raying and O.F.A. certification of hips on all dogs to be used for breeding.
Although this is an excellent start that each of us should require in our breeding stock, it covers only one of the many health problems facing our breed.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest problems is Cancer and there are no tests yet available to determine who will and who will not get cancer. We can promote research and aid those individuals committed to finding a cure by allowing cancer in our animals to be documented and studied. The more we learn about the deadly disease the better we will be prepared to do battle.
Heart problems are also widespread in our breed. The two forms of heart disease most commonly seen in the Boxer, subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) and Boxer Cardiomyopathy (BCM) or myocarditis are believed to be hereditary.
Heart murmurs are usually detected early in puppies with the simple use of a stethoscope. The loudness of the murmur does not indicate the severity of the defect. There are individuals trained in auscultation who can determine early on whether a murmur detected in a puppy is an innocent one the puppy will outgrow or whether the murmur is indeed the indicator for SAS. Puppies should not be sold until the cause of the murmur is determined or the murmur disappears. A dog found to have SAS should not be bred. Breeding affected dogs and carrier dogs with genetic abnormalities results in high incidence of SAS in their offspring. Inbreeding of normal dogs into lines with a high instance of SAS should also be avoided. Puppies with severe heart murmurs should be euthanized or placed in carefully selected pet homes where the puppy owner is made fully aware of the dog's condition. Barring sudden death, a dog with a mild defect may lead a normal life.
BCM is an acquired disease seen in adult boxers between the ages of 1 to 15 years. BCM is often a silent killer and dogs frequently die suddenly without prior signs or symptoms of heart problems. Signs may include fainting, weakness, difficulty in breathing, cough or abdominal distension, due to heart failure. In some cases, however, murmurs and/or arrhythmia can be detected by a veterinarian before obvious signs occur. The use of holtor monitors has become a valuable tool in determining dogs affected with BCM. There may be an inherited predisposition to developing the disease and ideally affected dogs and dogs from lines with a high incidence of the disease should not be bred. Current research is just now beginning to help us determine the cause and effect of BCM and even the experts are disagreeing on the results of their tests and research.
Breeders, ethics must be practiced not only with the public but within our own ranks. If you suspect any health problem within your own line, you owe the breed your diligence in assuring that any stock used by you for breeding is free from suspicion. To continue to breed stock knowing there is an ongoing health problem is irresponsible, inhumane and in some cases fatal. As difficult as it may be, in some instances it is best to start over than to continue to produce puppies with a time bomb attached. Some would argue that it may or may not explode, would you want to take a chance under the same circumstances? Would you incorporate a dog into your breeding program without some knowledge of his health as well as his pedigree? Why should you ask anyone else to take the same chance without at the very least a warning of what may be present? To sell any puppy that is less than you have presented to the new owner should be unthinkable. Being honest is what ethics is all about. Do not present any puppy for show, breeding or simply as a pet without explaining any risks that may be present. What you see is not always what you get and as breeders we should all know that!
- All sales of puppies or adults must include American Kennel Club registration papers, an accurate three-generation pedigree, a leaflet or copy of the standard in the breed, health record as well as diet and care information. Registration papers may be withheld at the time of the sale in such cases of prior agreement in writing.
In this area, reputable breeders come through with flying colors. Governed by not only the AKC but the ABC these issues are dealt with ethically. I know of no instances where a reputable breeder has been involved in "switching papers," etc. and this practice is more commonly found in puppy mill situations and some pet stores. AKC does identify and suspend offenders when they are caught. So we must remain diligent to ensure that proper and accurate records are kept to verify to AKC that we remain ethical in this area. We should avoid and prohibit any suspicions regarding our registration practices. DNA testing has now made registration matters easier to manage.
- Other than tail docking, removal of dewclaws and ear cropping, corrective cosmetic surgeries should not be performed on boxers. If and when such corrective surgery becomes a necessity, the dogs will no longer be exhibited if such alteration is not considered acceptable by the American Kennel Club.
This section seems clear and should correspond with the present AKC limitations as described in Chapter 14, Section 8 of AKC's Rules Applying to Registration and Dog Shows. Unfortunately some fall short in this area. Such things as additional ear surgeries (wire inserts, etc) and removal of haws are still common practices. It is one thing to re-cut or re-crop a dog's ears; it is another to make them stand by artificial means. White haws are no longer considered a fault in our boxers and the eyes should be left natural. Although such things may make the dog more attractive such alterations are unacceptable by our own ethics as well as those rules set forth by the American Kennel Club. Any alteration, other than those listed in our standard which change the physical structure of a dog is simply unethical and in most cases illegal if we are to follow AKC guidelines.
It is very tempting to try such things but as breeders we must not let our own vanity reflect on our dogs. We all want our dogs to be "perfect" otherwise we would not be striving so hard in our breeding programs. The key is to breed not to manufacture. If we could artificially alter every fault or defect our dog might possess, why would we want to continue to breed for perfection?
The final portion of the Code of Ethics deals with Sales. In this area, above all others, we have definite problems. The offenses do not fall into all the categories listed under the Sales portion so I will address each section separately. Some require minor adjustments. Some issues, such as contracts, puppy returns and breeder commitment need major improvements.
Sales
- Misleading or untrue statements must not be used in the selling or advertising of puppies. Misrepresentation of American Boxer Club awards, AKC and or foreign titles must be carefully avoided.
A recent incident comes to mind that will perhaps accent this particular problem. A gentleman contacted me regarding the recent purchase of a show puppy. He had been searching for sometime and had finally found an individual with some show puppies for sale. He had been guaranteed by the owner of the litter that every puppy in the litter was show quality and all the puppies would acquire their AKC championship with ease. Statements such as this are very misleading. We all know a reputable breeder cannot guarantee every puppy in a litter to be show quality and no breeder can guarantee that all the puppies will acquire their AKC championship, especially when the puppies are only six weeks of age. These puppies have a good pedigree but that is not enough to justify the statements made by the breeder. This gentleman was inexperienced and the word guarantee was gospel to him.
This same man had also been told that the sire, a local dog in his area, was the top winning dog in the country. When I informed him that the present top winning Boxer was a bitch he was shocked. When I further explained to him that the top winning Boxer dog was not in his area of the country he became even more dismayed. It turned out the sire is shown as a special on occasion but not ranked in the top twenty of our breed. The man argued, "But his picture was on the front of the BOXER REVIEW." I informed him that the cover of the BOXER REVIEW often honored the winner of the ABC National each year in BEST OF BREED or TOP TWENTY on the July issue; however, the remaining covers were usually bought and paid for by the individual breeders and owners as advertising and publicity for their dogs. The cover shot had been represented to this man as proof of the dog's great success.
Such statements and practices made by any breeder are deliberate misrepresentations. We all like to expound on the virtues, show wins, etc., of our dogs, just make sure your statements are accurate and truthful. Advertising and publicity should also be accurate and truthful. False statements often easily unravel when examined more closely. The pathetic part of this incident is that the puppy buyer is now doubting the breeder and the puppy has not yet entered the ring. Not exactly a good foundation for a trusting or lasting relationship!
- Owners/breeders should not breed, sell or consign puppies or adults to pet shops, commercial dog wholesaler, retailers, deals or researchers.
Again in this area most breeders are notably diligent. We are ever on the alert for the puppy broker and try to avoid placing our puppies in homes where they will be utilized as breeding machines. We also should continued to be unrelenting in our efforts to monitor the litters sired by our stud dogs to ensure that those puppies do not end up in such circumstances. Even though we do not own the bitch or any rights to the puppies, we must accept some degree of responsibility for their welfare.
- Puppy purchases should be urged to spay or neuter all pets.
This is perhaps one of the most important sections of our Code of Ethics. The spaying and neutering of all puppies we place as pets will make our jobs easier in monitoring the breeding activities of puppies who leave our homes as pets. In those instances where a bitch puppy is placed by the breeder in a home with the intention of breeding her back into the line (such as when a beautiful plain bitch is used for breeding), the breeder should prevail so that the correct breeding is accomplished. Once the breeding is concluded and the results are successful, spaying the bitch should be advocated. When a male puppy is placed in a pet home, neutering should always be advocated to prevent the needless saturation of any already exploding animal population. Just check with the rescue groups if you doubt the validity of this recommendation!
- Breeders should honestly represent the quality of all Boxers sold with reference to the standard.
When a puppy is sold as a pet the reasons for selling the puppy as a pet should be explained fully to the individual purchasing the puppy. Our standard should be explained and the faults possessed by the puppy should be pointed out. To suggest an inferior puppy as possible breeding stock is not consistent with the requirements set forth in our standard.
Another interesting instance related to me recently involved a breeder who was selling a puppy as a pet. A set amount of $250.00 was agreed upon for the purchase of the puppy as a pet. However, the breeder reserved the right to an additional $500.00 if the puppy should turn out to be show quality. Is this puppy being sold as a pet or a show prospect? They should be two separate transactions. The faults of the puppy sold as a pet should be determined at the time of the sale. If a breeder wishes to speculate the puppy's show possibilities, for whatever reason, the terms of the sale should be set at the time of the sale, not months or years down the road. The cost of a puppy sold in this situation may be higher than a pet puppy but one cannot ethically expect an individual to gamble on the outcome not knowing the exact amount of their wager in advance. The price of the "speculation" should be set at the time of the sale, not after the fact. Any price adjustment in a situation like this should benefit the buyer if, in fact, the puppy does not work out for show. I once sold a puppy to a friend for $250.00. The puppy was quality through and through but I sold her at a pet price. She finished her championship as I knew she would. Should I have gone back to my friend and said, "I'm sorry you owe me $1000 more since she is now a finished championship?" The only speculation in this case was whether or not the friend wanted to show. I put no written or verbal demands on her. The decision to show the puppy was her own and the return on her investment and my breeding was gratifying to both of us. Her puppy became a champion and that puppy became my third homebred champion, sounds like a good deal to me. Granted she was a friend but had the circumstances involved another puppy buyer, the terms would not have changed a great deal. A puppy considered show quality would be sold as a show prospect at a set price so the buyer would know how much they had already gambled.
- Substandard or inferior quality animals may be sold or placed but only with a written agreement to have the animal altered and papers withheld pending alteration.
Again this is a good practice and generally followed by the reputable breeder. The only problem lies with the "holding" of the AKC papers. With the new change in AKC's requirements, Chapter 3, Section 4 - "An application to individually register a member of a registered litter shall be valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of issue of the application and no registry service will be accorded thereafter." Only an AKC investigation or inquire, an action of law, or other hardship circumstances will be considered for registration of a dog after the 12 month period. If we withhold papers until fulfillment of a contract will that contract fall into the categories suggested as consideration for registration after the 12 month period? Personally I feel once an individual has paid the required monetary consideration for a show puppy the puppy should be in their name regardless of whether the rest of the contract is fulfilled. If you are unsure or feel uncomfortable with that, it would be better to register the dog in your name (seller) and list the buyer as a co-owner. A transfer of full ownership once the terms of your contract are fulfilled could then be executed. This would ensure the dog is properly registered with AKC in a timely fashion and the buyer, as co-owner, could show the dog in AKC events legally without restriction by AKC.
Holding papers is not an effective means of preventing an animal from being bred. Some will breed a bitch or a dog with or without papers and I would suggest that the best avenue of pursuit would be the new Limited Registration now available through AKC. Even with this option, the constant vigilance of the breeder to make sure that the puppy is spayed or neutered at the appropriate age is absolutely necessary. We can all be fooled no matter how closely we screen our puppy homes and seeing is believing in this case.
- Stud service contracts and Bills of Sale must be clear and complete with any and all conditions stated. A signed copy must be provided to each party involved.
The old saying "put it in writing" has never been more true than when dealing with such issues as breeding, showing and selling your puppies. Contracts are a legal recourse in the event things do not work out and should protect both parties from unfair practices. The only problem with contracts is that they can be too demanding. I have seen and heard of many contracts that are simply asinine. The principle of a contract is to ensure that all parties will make an effort to meet the conditions of the agreement, not to collect the first born child as payment in full should the efforts fail. The dog game is too uncertain to demand much more than a respectable effort to meet the terms of the contract. Be fair. Keep contracts simple. Unnecessary and prohibitive strings in a contract will only add to confusion and hurt feelings. Sellers and buyers alike, don't demand anything you are not willing to do if you were in the other's place.
- During the life of any puppy or dog sold, the breeder should endeavor to help the owner in every reasonable way.
Failure to follow through with puppies seems to be one of our most serious problems. Not everyone is guilty of this lack of commitment but for those who may fall short, please consider my advice. Your commitment to that puppy you place in someone else's arms does not end when they walk out the door. Your commitment to the breed and that puppy will continue throughout that puppy's life. Stress to the puppy buyer that they do have someone they can call (day or night), someone they can ask those questions, no matter how stupid they may think they are. The last thing I say to my puppy owner is, "Love him/her, enjoy him/her and for God's sake if you ever find yourself in a position where you must give up this life I entrust to your care, call me first!" It doesn't matter if it comes within two weeks, when the newness wears off, or perhaps two years, three years, maybe five years down the road when that cute puppy is a full grown dog, the responsibility remains in your hands. You brought him/her into this world and you must be prepared to take their life back.
A couple years ago I was contacted by one of my puppy buyers. They were reducing their stock and wanted to know if I would take the dog I had sold them back. The dog was now five years old but I didn't hesitate, I told them absolutely, bring him home. The dog returned and lived with me for several months and I later found the perfect home for him where he lives with one of his litter sisters. The puppy buyers had remembered what I said to them and I proved to them it was not an idle statement. The argument that I was too quick to agree and to quick to relieve them of their responsibility does not hold up - my responsibility as his breeder took precedence over theirs and I completed my obligation.
- Prospective buyers should be screened as thoroughly as possible to determine their desire and ultimate intent for each puppy or dog and, also for their interest and ability to provide a safe, adequate and loving home for each individual Boxer concerned. Fenced yards and crates should be recommended.
My family and friends often joke that it would be easier to adopt one of my children that one of our puppies. I pride myself on that reflection. Although said with love and humor (my children are equally important to me), they have captured the essence of placing a puppy. A babe is a babe regardless of the species. Breeders understand the comparison and I am comfortable that we all have that in mind when we screen our prospective "parents."
- Members of the American Boxer Club should help educate the public on the Standard and care of the Boxer and in other areas where they are qualified.
Another job well done breeders. Community activities, therapy dog groups, etc., all add to the public's awareness of our breed. Promote the breed every chance you get. Whether it be talking to the neighbor down the street who just wanted to stop and pet your boxer, a group of boxers and owners participating in a local Christmas parade, or a formal presentation to local civic groups, any time boxers are presented in a positive light the breed will benefit. We are all qualified to express the virtues of these amazing dogs.
I know most breeders out there are fair, sincere and dedicated with all aspects of their breeding program. This article was not written to inform you of anything you don't already know, but simply to refresh your memory. We sometimes become complacent with the everyday routines of life and it is good for our minds to stay fresh on these matters which deal with the dogs we cherish. We must be prepared to police our own and ensure those with unscrupulous methods are not allowed to malign us or our breed.
There are a few who must readjust their thinking and their commitment to this breed. A bad experience involving the breeding, sale or health or our boxers, whether it be deliberate or unintentional, reflects on all of us. We will be watching you.
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