American Brussels Griffon Association

Guidelines for Responsible Practices

Revised 1999

WHY HAVE GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES

The American Brussels Griffon Association (henceforth referred to as the ABGA) , Parent Club for the breed, bears the responsibility of guardian of the standard, chief welfare advocate of the Brussels Griffon, and leader in improving breed health and controlling overpopulation. This responsibility calls for the establishment of standards or responsible practices, which insure the lifelong well being for the Brussels Griffon breed.

PURPOSE OF THE GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES

The purpose of the Guidelines for Responsible Practices is to set forth principals for ABGA members to use as a guide when confronted with decisions and courses of action that will impact on the lifetime well-being of our own Brussels Griffons, and the preservation and improvement of the breed as a whole.

ABGA MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

1. Each member must be in good standing with the American Kennel Club (henceforth referred to as the AKC).
2. Each member must agree to abide by the ABGA Constitution and By-laws, and uphold the Guidelines for Responsible Practices as pledged when signing the membership application.
3. Each prospective member must be sponsored by two current ABGA members who know the individual and will attest to his/her knowledge and dedication to the breed, and his/her willingness to uphold the precepts of the ABGA.

Guidelines for Responsible Practices

Responsible Breeding Practices

1. Each breeder will agree to have a lifelong obligation (regarding the well-being) to every puppy produced through their breeding efforts by offering to take back or help to re-home any Griffons of their breeding.
2. When planning their breeding program each breeder will only consider using mature, healthy darns and sires that possess breed type as set forth in the standard; and are temperamentally and physically sound with no known or suspected serious inheritable defects or diseases as determined by appropriate screening protocols.
3. No breeder will breed a bitch before her second season.
4. Each member will raise puppies in a healthy environment with socialization and training pertinent to the puppies' developmental stages as well as provide appropriate inoculations and all other appropriate veterinary care.
5. No member will offer stud service to USDA license holders, brokers, agents who resell dogs, pet shops or bitches who have not been properly screened for health disorders.

Responsible Placement Practices

1. Each prospective buyer will be carefully screened with the intent of placing the puppy in a permanent home never selling to USDA license holders, brokers, pet shops or agents who resell dogs. The breeder will be prepared to keep every puppy for as long as it takes to find the right home.
2. No breeder will agree to transfer or release a puppy before the age of 12 weeks.
3. Each breeder will supply each purchaser with an (1) AKC registration application certificate, (2) complete medical records which show the Griffon's health status as determined by a veterinary exam, (3) diet information and (4) care and maintenance information. The breeder/seller will be available to assist in any way to promote the successful transfer and on going adjustment of the puppy (or older dog) in the new home.
4. Each breeder will insure that Griffons sold as pets are not used in breeding by registering them using the AKC limited registration. If an intact pet is sold, the breeder will use a written agreement requiring the new owner to spay or neuter their pet at an appropriate age as recommended be the new owner's veterinarian.

Responsible Ownership Practices

1. Each member will provide proper care for their own animal(s) including, but not limited to proper living conditions, proper grooming, nutrition, veterinary health care, socialization, training, and exercise.

Responsible Behavior Promoting the Sport of Purebred Dogs

1. Each member will at all times, while at dog shows, in the show ring, or traveling and staying at hotels or motels conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect positively on the sport, particularly as it relates to the Brussels Griffons.
2. Each member who is an experienced owner, breeder and/or exhibitor should willingly mentor novice owners, exhibitors and/or breeders offering advice, constructive criticism or assistance with problems when requested to do so.