1. Breeding must be done selectively with the intention of reducing faults to a minimum and producing healthy Keeshonden of high quality type and proper temperment.

2. Breeding should be undertaken only when the breeder is in a position to properly care for the bitch and her litter. The breeder should be prepared to house offspring for a considerable length of time and be prepared to provide suitable facilities during this period. The breeding should be planned such that the breeder intends to keep at least one puppy for the purpose of advancing and improving the breeders line.

3. A prospective breeder should be able to distinguish between correct and incorrect. Such ability presupposes careful study of 1) the breed standard, 2) the basic principles of genetics, and 3) the pedigrees of the stud and dam.

4. Breeders should only breed stock which is in good health and which is physically and temperamentally sound. No dog or bitch should be bred that is known to have, or suspected of having, any serious inheritable defect or disease. (see list of reported diseases in Keeshonden.)

5. Breeders should make every effort to comply with the recommended testing set forth in the KCA Code of Ethics. No dog or bitch should be bred at less than eighteen (18) months of age. No bitch should be bred after eight (8) years of age.

6. No bitch should be bred more than twice in any three (3) consecutive breeding seasons. The physical and mental well-being of the bitch are the prime considerations.

7. The stud dog should be bred selectively. The owner should discourage the individual who wants to breed the pet quality bitch or one unsuitable for the stud, and explain why the breeding is inadvisable. The breeder should provide the stud dog owner with the names and addresses of new puppy owners. Similarly, the new puppy owners should be given the name and address of the stud dog owner.

8. All bitches should be thoroughly examined by a Veterinarian prior to breeding to determine they are healthy, mature and suitable for this purpose. Inexperienced breeders should seek the advice of an experienced breeder and Veterinarian before attempting to breed Keeshonden.

9. All breeders must keep accurate breeding records in compliance with AKC rules and regulations.

10. Prior to breeding it is recommended that all dogs and bitches be at least two (2) years of age; and it is further recommended that any dog or bitch bred be OFA certified clear of hip dysplasia prior to breeding. All dogs and bitches should be examined for luxating patellas by a qualified Veterinarian. It is strongly recommended that Keeshonden affected with luxating patellas not be bred. If you wish to use a dog or bitch younger than two (2) years of age, OFA will provide an evaluation of preliminary x-rays.

Responsibility to New Puppy Owners
and Sales Contracts

Problems resulting from sales and sales agreements are perhaps the greatest source of dissatisfaction and ill will in the breed. When selling Keeshonden it is important to be honest with oneself and with the buyer. When selling Keeshonden it is important to be honest with oneself and with the buyer. It is equally important that all agreements be in writing and signed by both parties.

1. Sales prices of adult Keeshonden and puppies should be based on the observable quality of the individual dog as potential show or pet. Since it is costly to raise a puppy to saleable age, these costs should be reflected in the sales price. These costs vary regionally, however puppies should be advertised for sale at a price competitive with other breeders in the area. Under no circumstance should the puppy/adult be placed without a fee.

2. No puppy should be released or shipped to a new home prior to seven weeks of age.

3. Under no circumstances will the KCA Board countenance the consignment of Keeshonden to pet stores, animal brokers or commercial kennels. Further, the KCA Board will not countenance the use of Keeshonden as prizes for any raffle or contest.

4. The breeder should give an honest appraisal of the coat care as well as the physical, mental and nutritional needs of the Keeshond to any prospective buyer.

5. The breeder must be discriminating in the placement of stock and should not knowingly deal with unethical persons. A breeder should not sell to, or aid in procuring a Keeshond, for any person whom he has reason to believe will not provide the proper care and environment, or who may use the dog in a fashion that is detrimental to the breed.

6. The new owner should be given at least a four generation pedigree, a health certificate with inoculation and booster due dates, and the name and address of the Veterinarian who examined the puppy. Novice buyers should be provided also with a thorough written list of instructions on diet and care.

7. Breeding arrangements in addition to or in lieu of cash payment should be kept to an absolute minimum and confined to the knowledgeable purchaser. Such arrangements should be made only with a dog of such quality as to qualify it as show stock, and only when the breeder/seller wishes to retain that Keeshond as a prospective part of a well planned breeding program.

8. Breeding arrangements should never be established which encourage the pet buyer to undertake a breeding program. No sales contract should compel a pet buyer to breed from a pet quality dog or bitch.

9. It is recommended that all pet quality puppies be sold with a neuter/spay agreement.

10. No owner should be forced to keep an unwanted dog nor a dog that the owner feels was misrepresented prior to the sales agreement. Provision for such eventualities and the time period allowed for return should be stipulated in the sales contract.

Advertising

1. All advertising of puppies, adults or stud service should be factual and without misleading implications. Similarly, advertising of show wins or breeding records should not be false or misleading.

2. The breeding of Keeshonden must never be offered or taken lightly. Therefore it is strongly recommended that no Keeshond fancier advertise breeding stock for sale or lease.

Sportsmanship

While Sportsmanship might strictly be defined as the art of playing fair, accepting defeat without complaint and victory without boastfulness, the additional concepts of Sportsmanship when practiced can enhance the respects afforded the Keeshond fancy and the pleasures of participation.

1. Every enthusiast should at all times, while at dog shows, in the show ring, traveling or staying at hotels or motels, behave in a manner as to relect positively on the sport of showing dogs, and the Keeshond breed in particular.

2. Experienced breeders and exhibitors should willingly offer the novice advice, constructive criticism or assistance with problems, when requested to do so.

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