Code of Ethics, The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club

Kennel Club Code of Ethics

Breeders/Owners

Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon who performs an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a Caesarian section on a bitch, may report such operations to the Kennel Club.
Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or the breed.
Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
Will only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change.
Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
Will not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).
Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.

Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action as appropriate.

The following is supplemental to the Kennel Club document above, including guidance points more specific to Salukis as well as Saluki owners and breeders. It is intended to provide a framework in which both the new owner and experienced breeder can work to bring about responsible ownership of a Saluki and stewardship of the breed as a whole.

In addition to the care and attention in item 1 above, Salukis should always be treated as a member of the family providing them with warmth and affection.
Additional to item 2 above, it is preferred that Saluki Club members voluntarily participate in current health schemes that are available and use the results along with all other considerations to improve our breeding stock.
Additional to item 8 above, Saluki Club members should ensure that all dogs are positively identifiable through micro-chipping, tattooing or preferably both.
Additional to item 10 above, that members, when selling a puppy they have bred will ensure wherever possible that, should the new owner/s intend to breed from this Saluki, they do so in a responsible manner. That advice should be given and an aftercare service provided. That the breeder take back or assist with re-homing or locating temporary accommodation for any Saluki bred by them, which needs a new home.
Additional to item 11 above, that Saluki Club members when placing a dog in a new home should include details of the medical history and other relevant information regarding both the sire and the dam.
Additional to item 12, that if registration is to be withheld or the registration endorsed, it should be by written agreement between purchaser and seller.
Additional to item 14, that the breeder or seller of a Saluki should ensure that prospective new owners are aware of the nature of the Saluki temperament.
The export of Salukis should be only undertaken with extreme care. It should be remembered by breeders that they will not be there in the event of problems. It is always advisable to check with the Club Committee and Kennel Club as to the attitudes and laws of the country, before exporting If possible the dog should be accompanied; travel is distressing to most animals.
Saluki owners, keepers and particularly breeders should not encourage by example or otherwise the cross breeding of Salukis.
Stud dog owners are expected to do everything in their power to comply with the requirement of paragraphs 10-14 of the Kennel Club code of ethics as well as items 4-6 of the breed specific code of ethics, equally with bitch owners.

Welfare of the Breed

If any reason he/she is unable to keep his/her Saluki he/she should in the first instance contact the breeder. If this is impracticable, he/she should contact the Secretary of the Club, the Club Welfare Officer or Warden.
It should be remembered that the Saluki does not mature before 3 years old. Only sound healthy stock should be used for breeding and in general 2 litters in a lifetime should be considered as a maximum for any bitch; but above all no litters should be bred unless good homes are assured It is not necessary for every bitch to be bred from.
It is hoped that Saluki owners and keepers will make use of all veterinary medical technology now available. Confidential advice is available either through the Saluki Health Committee, the Animal Health Trust or the Saluki Welfare Fund. The Club invites Saluki owners and keepers to inform them of any problem in the Salukis that may give cause for concern in the breed as a whole. 14. At all times the welfare of the individual Salukis or the breed as a whole must be uppermost; the integrity of Saluki owners should reflect this and not be traded off for personal advancement. Saluki owners and keepers should, when engaged in competitive events with their dogs, conduct themselves in such a way as not to bring discredit to the breed and should demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action as also stated above.