Brittanys Online endorses the following Code of Ethics for breeders advertising on our site:

BREEDER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Advertisers who breed Brittanys are encouraged to maintain the purpose of the breed and are expected to demonstrate honesty and fairness in dealing with other owners and breeders, purchasers of dogs and the general public.

Owners of breeding animals shall provide appropriate documentation to all concerned regarding the health of dogs involved in a breeding or sale, including reports of examinations. Breeders should understand and acknowledge that they may need to take back, or assist in finding a new home for, any dog they produce at any time in its life if requested to do so.

Advertisers who breed should sell puppies, permit stud service, and/or lease any stud dogs or brood bitches only to individuals who give satisfactory evidence that they will give proper care and attention to the animals concerned, and who may be expected generally to act within the intent of the statements of this Code of Ethics.

Dogs must be maintained with their safety and good health in mind at all times, including adequate and appropriate attention, socialization, grooming, feeding, veterinary attention, housing, routine care, exercise and training.

Advertisers are encouraged to use clear, concise written contracts to document the sale of animals, use of stud dogs, and lease arrangements, including the use of non-breeding agreements and/or Limited Registrations when appropriate.

ADVISORY GUIDELINES:
Breeding stock should be selected with the following objectives in mind: Recognizing that the Brittany breed was developed as a useful gun dog, to encourage careful and selective breeding of Brittanys that possess the appearance, structure, soundness, temperament, natural ability and personality that are characterized in the standard of the breed, and to do all possible to advance and promote the perfection of these qualities. Advertisers are expected to follow AKC requirements for record keeping, identification of animals, and registration procedures.

Assuming all health and examination reports are favorable, the age of the breeding pair also is of consideration. Generally, a Brittany is not physically and mentally mature until the age of two (2) years. An individual dog's suitability as a breeding animal is difficult to assess until that time.

We strongly urge DNA fingerprinting for all dogs used in breeding programs.

This text was adopted after careful review of the American Brittany Club's and other national breed clubs' Codes of Ethics to assist buyers in locating reputable breeders of purebred American Brittanys. The Code's nature is not punitive, but rather a guideline that is informational and reflects the accepted norm among ethical breeders of purebred dogs. Advertisers, by their application, agree to abide by and follow the guidelines outlined in the Code of Ethics.