Scottish Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Membership Guidelines

  1. All members must agree to be bound by the rules and code of conduct agreed by the members and those of the Kennel Club, as being for the overall good of the breed.

  2. All members must be familiar with the Breed Standard and make no attempt to alter their dogs except as allowed in the standard.
  1. All members must keep accurate breeding records, registration papers and pedigrees.
  1. All members must use only dogs properly registered with the Kennel Club for breeding.
  1. All members must maintain best possible standards of canine health including protection from known disease where this is available. Proper veterinary care must be provided as and when required.
  1. All members must furnish a record in respect of each puppy sold giving details of all inoculations and worming, a pedigree and Kennel Club registration or transfer documents, unless written agreement is made at the time of sale that papers are withheld, and/or conditions imposed.
  1. All members must conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as to reflect  credit on the ownership of Cavaliers in particular. For example, misuse of any media, written or electronic, by publishing details of, or commenting on dogs clubs or other people without specific permission could be considered to discredit Cavaliers.
  1. All surviving puppies to be registered with the Kennel Club by the time they are 12 months of age.
  1. No puppies are to be passed to the new owner under eight weeks of age.
  1. No claims should be made about future prospects of puppies when advertising or selling (such as 'show quality') without a clear definition of what is meant by the terms used.
  1. All stock must be healthy at the time of sale. They should have been checked for known hereditary and other health problems with the prospective purchaser being given full access to the results
  1. Restricted registration certificates should be used to discourage unsuitable stock being bred from.
  1. All stock to be sold with a diet sheet.
  1. Every effort should be made by the breeder to ascertain that every prospective owner is suitable to own the dog. No stock to be sold to a third party, pet shop or puppy dealer It should be noted that not all countries have animal welfare laws that protect dogs or have clubs caring for the welfare of the breed.
  1. Breeding terms should only be taken on carefully, with all parties fully understanding what is entailed. This would normally be done by the Kennel Club 'Loan of Bitch Agreement', but could be another form of written contract, properly signed by all parties.
  1. DOGS TO BE USED AT STUD

    No dog which has a known physical defect that could be detrimental to the health and well being of the puppy or the breed in general to be used at stud. For example dogs should hold clear Heart and Eye Certificates. It is recommended that the current protocol for SM be followed.  DNA testing for Dry Eye/Curly coat/Episodic Falling is recommended. Stud dog owners are advised to see the bitches pedigree and registration certificate to establish ownership, age and endorsements. The number of litters, number of puppies and when she last had a litter should also be ascertained. It is advisable that a bitch should have a full health cheek before mating and stud dog owners should assure themselves that this has taken place and was satisfactory.

    Any dog which is to be used at stud must be annually checked for good health, and be free of infection, and in good condition at the time of mating.

    Stud dog owners must be aware of the risk of cross infection and allow sufficient time between mating to different bitches to minimise the risk. If less than 48 hours, the owner of the bitch should be informed of the previous mating.
  1. BITCHES TO BE USED FOR BREEDING

    No bitch which has a known physical defect that could be detrimental to the health and well being of the puppy or the breed in general to be used for breeding. For example bitches should hold current Heart and Eye certificates. It is recommended that the current protocol for SM be followed.

    DNA testing for Dry Eye/Curly coat/Episodic Falling is recommended.

    No bitch to be mated so as to whelp before she is 16 months old and then only if she is considered mature enough to raise a litter of puppies.

    No bitches to be mated so as to rear a litter after her eighth birthday.

    No bitch should normally rear a litter on consecutive seasons and in any case must have no more than  two litters in any two years.

    No bitch to be allowed more than four litters in her lifetime.

    No bitch to be mated after two caesarean sections as this would indicate possible whelping difficulties.

    Any bitch which is to be used for breeding must be annually checked for good health, be free of infection, and be in good condition at the time of the mating.

  2. OWNERS

    Owners of stud dogs must only allow their dogs to be used if they are confident that their stud dogs meet the criteria stated and that the bitch to be mated meets the criteria stated above.

    Owners of bitches must only mate them if they are confident that their bitch and the prospective stud dog meet the criteria stated above.

    Once a mating has taken place, the owners of the bitch have a responsibility for the good welfare of the puppies and as such have an obligation to help new owners if requested to do so. Stud dog owners also have a moral obligation for the welfare of the puppies.