Berger Picard Club Canada 
Code of Ethics
 
Berger Picard Club Canada Member General Code of Ethics

The Berger Picard Club Canada member agrees to comply with the following guidelines:
  1. The welfare of the breed shall be the member’s first priority; therefore members will refrain from any actions contrary to the best interest of the breed or the Club.
  2. Members shall conduct themselves as ladies/gentlemen at all Club functions.
  3. Members shall demonstrate courtesy, fairness and integrity at all meetings and events.
  4. Members shall accept and support the Constitution and Bylaws of the Berger Picard Club Canada.
  5. Members shall promote responsible dog ownership.
  6. Members shall help educate the public on the breed characteristics, grooming, health, training and care of the Berger Picard by providing accurate and current resources and information.
  7. Members agree to be open and honest in all matters regarding the health of their Berger Picard and the breed in general. Information regarding genetic disease in any dog will be shared as soon as possible, in an effort to preserve the health of the breed.
  8. When advertising, members agree to advertise honestly and factually about the breed in general and their own dogs.
  9. Members agree to always face every situation, conversation, or event with our mission in mind, to bring together ALL Picard fans, and not to disparage in any way another dog, owner, handler, breeder, or club.
  10. Members understand and agree that a violation of this COE can subject them to the disciplinary process outlined in the BPCC Constitution and Bylaws.

Berger Picard Club Canada Owner Member Code of Ethics
The Berger Picard Club Canada member that owns a Berger Picard commits to comply with the following responsible dog ownership guidelines:
  1. The Berger Picard Owner Member agrees to maintain the highest possible physical and psychological care of his Berger Picard. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Proper veterinary care and grooming
  • Good quality and balanced nutrition
  • Regular physical exercise and psychological stimulation
  • Proper training and continuous social contact to maintain socialization.
  1. Be an ambassador of the breed by assuring that the behaviour of his Berger Picard reflects the best possible image of the breed.
  2. Help educate the public about the breed by providing reliable and accurate information and resources on the breed’s characteristics, needs, qualities and challenges.
  3. Promote the breed with honesty and transparency.
  4. The Berger Picard Owner Member understands that a violation of these guidelines is cause for disciplinary action or suspension from the BPCC.

 
Berger Picard Club Canada Breeder Member Code of Ethics
The Berger Picard Club Canada breeder member commits to comply with the following breeding guidelines:
  1. Have a CKC registered kennel name.
  2. Only breed dogs whose offspring are eligible for CKC or AKC FSS registration.
  3. Breed for the betterment of the Berger Picard and with the CKC standard as the ultimate goal.
  4. Breed only mature dogs and bitches; bitches should be approximately two years old but no younger than 20 months and be at least at their third season; male dogs should be at least 18 months old.
  5. Give one year’s rest to the brood bitch after each litter and refrain from breeding a bitch two seasons in a row more than twice in her lifetime. If a bitch is accidentally bred two seasons in a row she should be put to rest for the two consecutive seasons or a minimum of one year.
  6. Do not breed any individual stud dog or bitch excessively; the goal of a good breeder should be to diversify the genetic pool of the breed.
  7. Only use breeding stock with sound temperament, in good health, with no known hereditary or congenital diseases, and free of parasites and communicable diseases.
  8. Be aware of the genetic diseases affecting the Berger Picard and work to minimize their impact on the Berger Picard population by:
  • Have your breeding stock tested for heritable eye disease by a board certified ophthalmologist prior to the first breeding and afterward every year while being bred, and every three years when retired until the age of 10. Have results kept in an open data bank such as CERF or OFA.
  • Have your breeding stock certified for hip dysplasia by OFA at the age of two or by PennHIP. Breeding stock under the age of two should have a preliminary testing by OFA or PennHIP. Dogs with moderate or severe dysplasia per OFA, or a Distraction Index of greater than .49 by PennHIP should never be bred.
  • Have a complete blood chemistry done, including thyroid, before the first breeding.
  • Keep accurate health records of all your breeding stock.
  • In case of disease, work openly and honestly with your breed club.
  1. Take responsibility for every dog bred by your Kennel ie: actively participate in the re-homing process of any dogs produced by your kennel.
  2. Participate in as many CKC conformation shows as well as Obedience, Rally-O or Agility events as possible, as a means to evaluate the quality of your breeding stock.
  3. Provide a rich and stimulating rearing environment in order to produce well socialized and stable puppies.
  4. Only place Berger Picard puppies which are at least 8 weeks of age, in good health and of sound temperament at the time of delivery to their new owner.
  5. Prior to placement, all puppies shall be permanently identified by either tattoo or microchip.
  6. All puppies shall be sold with a written contract outlining the obligations and responsibilities of the breeder as well as the new owner; any problems with the puppy should be noted. A written contract shall also be completed for every stud dog service.
  7. No puppies shall be placed with or stud dog service provided to pet dealers, wholesalers, brokers, laboratories, individuals conducting raffles, contests, auctions or other types of giveaways, or anyone unethical in their dealings with the public or their dealings with or treatment of animals.
  8. Suitable retirement conditions must be provided to all breeding stock either at the kennel or in an adoptive family.
  9. Promote the breed with honesty and transparency and support the national breed club in all possible means.
  10. Mentor new comers to the breed by sharing knowledge for the best interest of the future of the Berger Picard.
  11. Comply with all CKC rules, regulations and by-laws, read and comply with all requirements of the APA (Animal Pedigree act).
  12. Notify the club of any breedings and whelpings in the breeder’s kennel.
  13. Provide a list of the new owners of the breeder’s puppies to the BPCC.
  14. Any Berger Picard breeder who has decided to stop their breeding activities and part with their Berger Picards is asked to notify Berger Picard Club Canada before taking any definite action.
  15. The Berger Picard breeder member understands that violation of these guidelines is cause for disciplinary action or suspension from the BPCC.