GWPC Member Rules
Available for download – follow the link below
Code of Ethics:
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 performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operation 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 to 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.
Further GWPC Guidelines
The GWPC has set out guidelines for its members in order to advise its members and to look after the welfare of the GWP 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 German Wirehaired Pointers conforming to the breed standard as published by the Kennel Club.
3. Neither dogs nor bitches in poor health, or unsound temperament or with serious hereditary faults should be used for breeding.
4. It is recommended that only German Wirehaired Pointers having current BVA/Clear Certificate for Hereditary Cataract should be used for breeding purposes and annual examination of breeding stock is recommended.
5. It is recommended that all German Wirehaired Pointers should be hip X-rayed and scored on the BVA/KC scheme.
6. It is recommended that all German Wirehaired Pointers should be DNA clear of von Willebrands Disease (by DNA test or by DNA clear parents) before breeding.
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. 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. The only exception to breeding from a bitch over the age of eight years will be if permission has been granted from the Kennel Club prior to mating.
8. In a breed as small as ours, it is envisaged that a stud dog should not be used more than six times per year.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Members/owners will be encouraged to take advantage of any scheme devised to test a dogs soundness.
12. 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.
13. Members/owners will not allow their stud dogs to be used before they are 18 months old.
(Revised 03/12)