The Ethics of Breed Preservation
Lykos Kennels believes in the ethical preservation of our breeds.
We want to share what that means to us:
Early Neurological Stimulation
Avidog Testing
We want to share what that means to us:
- Health Testing: We can drastically reduce, and in some cases eliminate, predispositions toward many genetic conditions. This is accomplished through DNA testing and fulfilling the breed-recommended tests through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
- Titles: The titles and certificates in a pedigree will typically reflect the breeder's goals for their bloodline, and what you can hope to expect from the progeny. Testing the mettle of your breeding stock is crucial, whether it results in a title or not. That can look different for every breed and breeder, but it should still be a priority.
- Puppy Raising: The first 10 weeks of a puppy’s life are the most valuable in terms of preparation for everything life has in store. We raise our litters with a foundation of Puppy Culture & Early Neurological Stimulation. They are safely exposed to everything that helps build and flex their “sensory muscles.” Curiosity begets confidence!
Early Neurological Stimulation
- Puppy Selection: Temperament testing is one of the most important steps in the breeding process. Breeders will often use some form of the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test or the Avidog Puppy Evaluation Test to make their best prediction of the pup's eventual temperament and drives. They use these results to best match puppies with those on their waiting lists.
Avidog Testing
American Belgian Malinois Club
Code of Ethics
1. I will maintain high standards in the care of my dogs. I will provide each dog in my care with individual attention and will strive to bring each dog to its full potential.
2. I will maintain accurate records in accordance with AKC regulations.
3. I will only breed dogs and bitches possessing sound temperament, structure, good health and who exemplify the AKC Belgian Malinois breed standard. I will not breed nor allow to be bred any dog or bitch under two years of age.
4. I will follow veterinary recommendations when breeding a dog/bitch over the age of 7 years.
5. I will only breed dogs which have a minimum of “passing” Hips, “normal” Elbows, and “normal” Eyes (eyes current within the year of being bred or collected) as certified by OFA and/or recognized foreign registry.
6. I will require and provide a DNA profile in accordance with AKC regulations.
7. When breeding to a foreign stud dog, using imported frozen semen, importing a stud dog or importing a bitch in whelp:
a. Foreign stud dogs used for breeding will have passing health certifications customary for his homeland.
b. Imported frozen semen will come from a male who has passing health certifications customary for his homeland. Passing health certificate will be maintained by the importer.
c. An imported stud dog will have passing health certifications customary for his homeland. In the event his country of origin certifies hips only, he will not be used for breeding until his health checks are completed as listed under paragraph #5.
d. A foreign bitch imported into the United States in whelp will arrive with passing health certifications customary for her homeland. If bred again domestically, her health checks should be completed as listed under paragraph #5.
e. Proof of documentation will be available.
8. When using domestic frozen semen: I will only use frozen semen from dogs who have had their health checks completed at the time of collection as listed under paragraph #6.
9. I will raise my puppies in a mentally and physically healthy environment. All puppies will be inoculated and dewormed in accordance with veterinary recommendations. Prior to placement, I will permanently identify each with a microchip. I will ensure that each puppy’s microchip number is registered and traceable back to me. No puppy will be placed in a new home before the age of eight weeks.
10. I will screen each puppy buyer and strive to place each dog in a permanent home. Under no circumstances will I engage in wholesaling litters nor will I knowingly sell to puppy mills, pet dealers, retailers, catalog houses, commercial breeding operations, buyers/brokers or supply puppies or dogs for raffles, lotteries, auctions or laboratories.
11. I will be honest and forthcoming with puppy buyers and fellow breeders regarding the health status of my dogs and disclose any known hereditary diseases or defects.
12. I will provide each purchaser a contract which will include a health guarantee detailing conditions for replacement or reimbursement. I will also provide puppy health records and AKC registration papers.
13. I am aware that there is a surplus of dogs in today’s society and will undertake breeding with a lasting commitment to the dogs I produce. I will help the purchaser in every reasonable way for the life of the dog. In the event the purchaser must give up the dog, I will take the dog back and to be responsible for placing the dog in another suitable home.
14. I pledge to help educate the public in the standard and the care of the Belgian Malinois.
15. If I voluntarily remove myself from the Breeder Referral List, I understand I must wait two years to re-sign the Code of Ethics and be listed on the Breeder Referral List.
I will maintain sportsmanlike behavior in all canine endeavors and will work for the betterment of the Belgian Malinois breed. I will not slander/libel any fanciers, their dogs, or kennel operations. However, I will notify the ABMC’s Breeders Code of Ethics Committee regarding BCOE breeders whose actions do not appear to be in the best interest of the breed. If a violation has occurred the complainant will be referred to the ABMC’s Board of Directors for review of the complaint.
2. I will maintain accurate records in accordance with AKC regulations.
3. I will only breed dogs and bitches possessing sound temperament, structure, good health and who exemplify the AKC Belgian Malinois breed standard. I will not breed nor allow to be bred any dog or bitch under two years of age.
4. I will follow veterinary recommendations when breeding a dog/bitch over the age of 7 years.
5. I will only breed dogs which have a minimum of “passing” Hips, “normal” Elbows, and “normal” Eyes (eyes current within the year of being bred or collected) as certified by OFA and/or recognized foreign registry.
6. I will require and provide a DNA profile in accordance with AKC regulations.
7. When breeding to a foreign stud dog, using imported frozen semen, importing a stud dog or importing a bitch in whelp:
a. Foreign stud dogs used for breeding will have passing health certifications customary for his homeland.
b. Imported frozen semen will come from a male who has passing health certifications customary for his homeland. Passing health certificate will be maintained by the importer.
c. An imported stud dog will have passing health certifications customary for his homeland. In the event his country of origin certifies hips only, he will not be used for breeding until his health checks are completed as listed under paragraph #5.
d. A foreign bitch imported into the United States in whelp will arrive with passing health certifications customary for her homeland. If bred again domestically, her health checks should be completed as listed under paragraph #5.
e. Proof of documentation will be available.
8. When using domestic frozen semen: I will only use frozen semen from dogs who have had their health checks completed at the time of collection as listed under paragraph #6.
9. I will raise my puppies in a mentally and physically healthy environment. All puppies will be inoculated and dewormed in accordance with veterinary recommendations. Prior to placement, I will permanently identify each with a microchip. I will ensure that each puppy’s microchip number is registered and traceable back to me. No puppy will be placed in a new home before the age of eight weeks.
10. I will screen each puppy buyer and strive to place each dog in a permanent home. Under no circumstances will I engage in wholesaling litters nor will I knowingly sell to puppy mills, pet dealers, retailers, catalog houses, commercial breeding operations, buyers/brokers or supply puppies or dogs for raffles, lotteries, auctions or laboratories.
11. I will be honest and forthcoming with puppy buyers and fellow breeders regarding the health status of my dogs and disclose any known hereditary diseases or defects.
12. I will provide each purchaser a contract which will include a health guarantee detailing conditions for replacement or reimbursement. I will also provide puppy health records and AKC registration papers.
13. I am aware that there is a surplus of dogs in today’s society and will undertake breeding with a lasting commitment to the dogs I produce. I will help the purchaser in every reasonable way for the life of the dog. In the event the purchaser must give up the dog, I will take the dog back and to be responsible for placing the dog in another suitable home.
14. I pledge to help educate the public in the standard and the care of the Belgian Malinois.
15. If I voluntarily remove myself from the Breeder Referral List, I understand I must wait two years to re-sign the Code of Ethics and be listed on the Breeder Referral List.
I will maintain sportsmanlike behavior in all canine endeavors and will work for the betterment of the Belgian Malinois breed. I will not slander/libel any fanciers, their dogs, or kennel operations. However, I will notify the ABMC’s Breeders Code of Ethics Committee regarding BCOE breeders whose actions do not appear to be in the best interest of the breed. If a violation has occurred the complainant will be referred to the ABMC’s Board of Directors for review of the complaint.