The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of South Australia believes that the following set of principals and practices should be an integral part of the activities of all Rhodesian Ridgeback Owners and Breeders. We strongly recommend these principals and practices to you in the interests of the welfare of all Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and the Standard of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of South Australia understands that extenuating circumstances and situations may in rare cases result in deviations from these practices. We also acknowledge that an individual owner or breeder may have beliefs and ethics which conflict with one or more of these principals, however, we would expect that owners and breeders would always act in the interests of the welfare of their dogs, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed.
A number of the following clauses are included in the Code of Ethics of the South Australian Canine Association. Breaches of these clauses are subject to disciplinary action by the South Australian Canine Association, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of South Australia will refer matters to the South Australian Canine Association if it is in possession of evidence of such a breach.
1. I shall ensure that at all times all Dogs under my control are properly housed, fed, watered, exercised, and receive proper Veterinary attention if and when required. My dogs shall be kept under sanitary conditions and given maximum health protection through regular worming and vaccinations.
2. I will ensure that my dogs are adequately trained and socialised so that in public and social situations they are obedient, disciplined and well mannered, and do not cause fear, nuisance or injury to members of the public. I shall not allow dogs under my care to roam at large, and when away from home shall ensure that they are kept leashed, or under effective control at all times.
3. When planning to breed I shall direct my efforts towards breeding Rhodesian Ridgebacks of exceptional quality. I shall breed only for the purpose of improving the Standard of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed and only if I am confident that quality homes can be found for all offspring. I will breed responsibly, making use of quality stock which are sound both physically and mentally, and only if I have the facilities, time, and resources to adequately care for the litter. I will study the strengths and weaknesses of any dog or bitch I intend to use, and inform myself of the genetic nature of characteristics they display.
4. I will not intentionally breed when it is likely that puppies produced may have defects which are likely to cause impairment to the health of the offspring, or are likely to be a gross disregard of the Standard. I will not sell or give away stock with known genetic faults except under a non-breeding agreement, and the purchaser shall be fully informed of the nature of the genetic disorder present before the sale is complete.
5. I shall consider the health of my breeding bitches and stud dogs and refrain from breeding them too early or too late in terms of age, or too often. I shall not breed from any bitch or dog kept by me before they are twelve months of age. After a bitch is five years old, I shall seek the opinion of a Veterinary Surgeon regarding her health for breeding.
6. I understand that to breed from the same bitch in consecutive seasons is not a recommended breeding practice and should only be undertaken in exceptional circumstances. If exceptional circumstances exist which I consider make it necessary to breed from a bitch in consecutive seasons, I will not breed from that bitch for a period of twelve months from the date of birth of the puppies from that second season.
7. I shall not permit any of my pure bred Dogs to be mated to a Dog of a different breed, to a cross-bred Dog, or to a Dog on the Limited Register, or an unregistered Dog of the same breed.
8. I shall not sell or otherwise transfer from my care any puppy under eight weeks of age, thus allowing for vaccinations given at six weeks of age 10 to 14 days to provide effective immunity against the diseases distemper and hepatitis.
9. I shall ensure that all persons acquiring Dogs from me clearly understand their responsibility for the care and welfare of the animal, and that they have the time and facilities to perform their obligations. I shall sincerely attempt to ascertain that they will give them proper care.
10. I shall provide to all purchasers of Dogs placed by me, comprehensive written information on the following : Diet and Feeding, Immunisations completed and future requirements, Wormings completed and future requirements, Heartworm prevention, Socialisation and Training, Exercise and Play. This information may be in the form of an appropriate publication relating to the requirements of responsible Rhodesian Ridgeback ownership.
11. I shall provide to all purchasers of Dogs placed by me, a detailed written receipt including date of sale, purchase price, any terms and conditions of sale, and name and address of the breeder and kennels, and a vaccination certificate from a registered Veterinary Practitioner.
12. I shall not engage in the breeding of stock for profit, and I shall not sell any Dog to commercial wholesalers, retail pet dealers, or directly or indirectly allow a dog to be given as a prize or donation in a contest of any kind.
13. I shall not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, nor falsely advertise, or mislead any person regarding the characteristics and performance of any dog, or the breeding practices of any person.
14. I will ensure Ridgeless puppies and those with Dermoid Sinus are removed from the gene pool prior to leaving my care, and will inform purchasers about Dermoid Sinus and how to detect it.
15. I will strongly advise purchasers of Rhodesian Ridgebacks not sold for Show and / or Breeding purposes to desex their dog to prevent unwanted and cross-bred litters.
16. I will correctly register stock with my State Canine Association and provide appropriate forms to the purchaser, and will keep accurate records of my Rhodesian Ridgebacks, matings, pedigrees, and characteristics present in litters whelped. I will use this information to breed to reduce the incidence of genetic faults, and to improve the standard of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed.
17. I will openly and honestly inform purchasers of genetic disorders which are present in my breeding lines and inform purchasers of genetic disorders which are not evident at the time of purchase but which may arise at a later stage in the growth and development of their puppy.
18. I will educate myself about dog care, management, breeding practices, and genetic disorders, by reading books and articles, and by attending lectures and seminars. I will make use of the knowledge and understanding of experienced breeders through discussion and exchange of ideas to improve my own knowledge and experience of breeding practices.
19. I will only breed with Rhodesian Ridgebacks which have been X-Rayed and graded for Hip Dysplasia using the AVA / Lawson / Willis schemes prior to the first mating, and will prefer to make use of dogs with scores equal to, or better than, the Breed average, with the intention of lowering the average for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed.
20. I acknowledge and accept that I have a responsibility toward every puppy which I breed for their lifetime. I will be available to purchasers of my puppies for consultation, throughout the lifetime of every dog, and will willingly give information and advice in the interests of the welfare of dogs I have bred.
