As an aid in evaluating the suitability of potential stud dogs and brood bitches, the GALRC recommends that members adhere to the following practices:

1. Breed only with the intentions of improving the breed and the assurances of finding suitable homes for all puppies.

2. Learn and understand the AKC Standard for the Labrador Retriever and breed with the intention of conforming to it.

3. Select only healthy AKC Stud dogs and Brood bitches that are good representatives of the Breed, and which are:

    a. examined annually and certified free of inheritable eye disease by a board certified veterinary opthalmologist

    b. after 24 months of age are certified radiographically free of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), the Wind Morgan Program at the Institute for Genetic Disease Control (GDC) or other recognized registry. This certification may include OFA or Wind-Morgan numbers or evaluations.

4. Breed only mature bitches and provide facilities for excellent pre- and post-natal care for both the dam and the puppies. Whelping brood bitches more than once in a calendar year on a regular basis is strongly discouraged.

5. Refusal to breed a stud dog or a brood bitch to any dog which is markedly inferior physically or temperamentally, and qualify your refusal.

The owner shall maintain the best possible standards of canine nutrition, health, cleanliness, and veterinary care, including mental health and proper socialization. Neglect or abuse of any dog in the care of a member will not be tolerated.

The owner/breeder shall:

1. Not breed, sell or consign puppies or adults to pet shops, commercial dealers, brokers, mail order houses or wholesale outlets.

2. Strongly encourage spaying /neutering of non-breeding animals. Limited registration is highly recommended.

3. NOT release puppies to their new homes/owners before the age of seven weeks and furnish details of feeding, general care, medical inoculations given and still required, pedigree, etc.. Owner/breeder shall also guarantee the general health of the puppy/dog at the time of the sale. Owner/breeder shall also recommend that the new owner seek veterinary attention in a reasonable time frame after the sale.

4. Screen all prospective puppy buyers to assure that the puppies will have a safe and loving home.

5. Follow up after the sale of puppies to ensure their continued care and to encourage the owners to become involved in purebred dog activities.

6. Comply with the terms of any contract or guarantee, written or otherwise, unless just cause for noncompliance can be shown.

Owners/breeders should always conduct themselves in a manner which will reflect credit upon themselves, Labrador Retrievers, and other individuals involved in the sport of purebred dogs, regardless of their location or circumstances.