Club Guidelines

The Picardy Spaniel Club has set out guidelines for its members in order to advise its members and to look after the welfare of the breed.

When you apply to become a member of the Club you agree to the following guidelines:

1. Members/owners must always consider the welfare of their dogs and the breed before any personal gain or profit.

2. Members/owners will always strive to produce Picardy Spaniels conforming to the breed standard as published by the FCI.

3. Neither dogs nor bitches in poor health, or unsound temperament or with serious hereditary faults should be used for breeding.

4. Dogs to be bred from should ideally have been assessed for confirmation by the French Picardy Spaniel Club (Club des Epagneuls Picards, Bleus de Picardie & Pont Audemer) or have obtained a minimum of 'très bon' at a French breed show.

5. It is recommended that only Picardy Spaniels having had a comprehensive examination of the eyes by a veterinary specialist should be used for breeding purposes.

6. It is recommended that all Picardy Spaniels should be elbow and hip X-rayed and scored on the BVA/KC scheme.

7. Members/owners will not allow their stud dogs to serve bitches of less than two years of age or over the age of eight years. 

8. Members/owners will not allow their bitches to whelp more than once every twelve months or before two years of age or three times in their lifetime or after the age of eight years and will endeavour to ensure that the whelps are well reared and suitably housed. 

 

9. Members/owners will not allow their stud dogs to be used before they are 18 months old.

10. In a breed as low in number as ours, it is advised that a stud dog should not be used more than once a year.

11. It is recommended that owners of both bitch and stud dog should jointly accept full responsibility for the puppies bred, and will either take back or work closely with the rescue including providing for until a suitable home has been found.

12. Members/owners will not, when advertising, misrepresent themselves or their stock and will deal only in a fair and honest manner with clients who shall be advised of any fault the dog may have. Members/owners must not sell puppies to dealers, pet shops or puppy farms. Clients buying the stock should be encouraged to present the dog to a veterinary surgeon within three days of purchase. Should a veterinary surgeon at such an examination advise that the dog is not suitable for which it was bought by reason of ill-health, hereditary abnormality or unsound temperament, members/owners will verify this opinion and if necessary take back such a dog and refund purchase price.

13. Members/owners will be encouraged to take advantage of any scheme devised to test a dogs soundness.

14. Members/owners will, when engaged in competitive events with their dogs, conduct themselves in such a way as not to bring discredit to the breed or the Club and will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.