LEONBERGER CLUB OF AMERICA MEMBER PRACTICES
LEONBERGER CLUB OF AMERICA MEMBER PRACTICES
Approved August 26, 2007
These MEMBER PRACTICES are established in accordance with the objectives of The Leonberger Club of America (LCA), and are a condition of membership.
INTRODUCTION: The Leonberger is above all a family dog exhibiting the temperament, intelligence, and structure of a working companion. The physical appearance should be as described in the Leonberger Standard approved by the American Kennel Club.
REQUIRED BREEDING PRACTICES:
1. When breeding a bitch or stud, members shall be conscientious about controlling and eliminating inherited problems, and shall use the AKC standard as the guide for all breedings, with emphasis on exemplary breed type, stable temperament, health, elimination of disqualifying physical faults, and with consistent betterment of the breed in mind.
2. LCA member?s Leonberger(s) shall be AKC registered, two years of age or older (bitches may not be older than eight years), in good health, micro-chipped (and/or tattooed) and have been assigned a CHIC number.
3. All breedings by LCA members shall be in compliance with AKC rules and regulations.
4. Foreign Leonbergers used for breeding shall meet all requirements of their country of registration.
5. All Leonbergers used by LCA members for breeding shall have OFA passing hips (or Penn-Hip/foreign equivalent). Leonbergers with similar health problems or conformation weaknesses shall not be bred together.
6. Bitches shall have a minimum rest period of 10 months between breedings, except in cases where a veterinarian recommends breeding sooner than 10 months.
7. LCA members shall submit a Breeding Activity Form to the Breeding Committee for every breeding and/or whelping.
RECOMMENDED BREEDING PRACTICES:
1. Members should be in good standing with the LCA for a period of one year prior to breeding their initial litter.
2. Members should work with an experienced member-breeder prior to undertaking their first Leonberger breeding.
3. Breeders should be active Breeding Assessment Check List (BACL) examiners, or attend a minimum of two educational seminars every two years on topics relating to health, genetics, conformation, and breeding.
4. Breeders should encourage and participate in the practice of completing a BACL any time after 16 months of age, for all Leonbergers prior to breeding.
5. Breeders should encourage non-LCA member owners to obtain a CHIC number prior to breeding their Leonbergers.
6. All breeding, sales, and other agreements should be documented in writing.
SALES:
1. Dogs/puppies sold must be guaranteed to be in healthy condition at the time of sale, including adequate protection from common diseases pursuant to a veterinarian?s recommended protocols. Breeders should retain copies of accurate health and AKC registration records, making use of AKC Limited Registration when appropriate.
2. Unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise that will not compromise health or welfare, puppies may be released to their new home only after reaching eight weeks of age.
3. Breeders should honestly evaluate, according to the AKC Leonberger Standard, the quality of any Leonberger sold, and state that quality clearly to the Buyer. All advertising shall be factual and informative, honestly representing the Leonbergers offered. Prices shall not be included in any advertising.
4. Breeders shall sell only to responsible persons who are interested in the protection of the breed and who agree to provide the highest quality of care, including socialization and training.
ETHICS:
1. Members shall maintain the highest possible standards of health, cleanliness, training, and care of all dogs. Dogs should be contained within safe boundaries when the owner cannot personally supervise their safety.
2. In keeping with the LCA?s commitment to healthy Leonbergers, all members are strongly urged to obtain a CHIC number for their Leonbergers after 2 years of age.
3. Members should assist newcomers to the breed, so that they may become educated in ways to best preserve and improve the Leonberger.
4. Members recognize that they have a lifetime responsibility for dogs they produce and/or own, and the inherent obligation to provide a stable environment that protects each Leonberger?s physical and emotional well being. For owners, this includes contacting their breeder should they need to place their dog. For breeders, this includes helping to re-home any progeny from their breedings when necessary.
5. No LCA member shall abandon or dispose of any Leonberger in an animal shelter or pound unless required to do so by law.
6. Leonbergers shall not be given as prizes, offered in raffles, sold to pet shops or at auctions, or brokered in any manner.
7. Members should maintain a high level of courtesy and sportsmanship in all dealings involving the breed and the Club. All breeders and stud owners should strive for the highest levels of professional courtesy. All member statements regarding the breed, the Club, the AKC, or appearing in advertisements must be factual. Members shall seek no unfair advantage in business or show. Members shall refrain from personal attacks on other members and unconstructive criticism of other members and their Leonbergers.
COMPLIANCE:
Failure to adhere to the mandatory provisions of these Member Practices may result in proceedings for suspension and/or expulsion pursuant to the Bylaws of the LCA.
I declare that I am 18 years of age or older, a member of the LCA in good standing, not under sanction by the AKC, that I have read and understand the provisions of this document, and that I agree that adherence to these provisions is a condition of membership in the LCA.*
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Signature of Applicant Date
*This document must be signed by each LCA member in a household
