Code of Ethics

The Border Collie Club of Great Britain recognises its responsibility to preserve and protect the Border Collie and the reputation of the Border Collie rests unequivocally with the breeders and those active in the breed. Therefore, certain standards of the ethics are laid out for the guidance of members, who should have read and familiarised themselves with the Kennel Club standard for the breed.

Membership of the Border Collie Club Of Great Britain assumes acceptance of this code.
All members should conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as reflects the credit of ownership of the Border Collie. They should be honest with prospective owners and fellow breeders.
Members should breed only from mature dogs and bitches - remembering that this Breed matures slowly and bitches should be at least 18 months - they should be eye tested unaffected and preferably hip scored. The prime concern should be to produce healthy and sound dogs who will be a credit to the Breed. Dogs and bitches should be sound in temperament with no tendency for nervousness or aggression. There is no shame in producing an animal with a hereditary defect - they are unfortunately present in the Breed and will only be eliminated when all breeders are willing to face the problems and deal with them. The only shame that occurs is when less enlightened breeders refuse to face up to facts and seek to hide the truth from their fellows. If breeders ignore hereditary problems and continue to breed from stock they know to be defective, there will only be one possible future for the breed, a slippery downward slope. The committee of the Border Collie Club Of Great Britain will morally support those who find they have unknowlingly bred a litter found to be suffering from a hereditary defect.
Breed only from K.C. and/or I.S.D.S. registered stock and keep accurate records. Abide by K.C and I.S.D.S. rules and regulations, partcularly regarding the age of the breeding bitch (under the age of eight) and the number of litters she is allowed (a maximum of six).
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, and no member should provide stud services unless he/she is satisfied that the owner of the bitch has such time and facilities. In providing stud services to bitches, members should ensure that the bitch is physically and mentally sound. Unregistered stock should not be used for breeding. Stud services should be refused to unregistered or unregisterable stock.
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, eye tested 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. The litter eye screening certificate should be available for inspection. Breeders should make themselves available with 'aftersales' 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.
Under no circumstances should stock 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.
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.
Members should respect and honour their older dogs.
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.
Members of the Border Collie Club Of Great Britain are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and sportslike manner to judges, stewards and fellow exhibitors, both inside and outside the show ring. The welfare of the dog must be considered at all times.