Assured Breeders
The Assured Breeder Scheme
Assured breeders have to follow many requirements ( as set out by the Kennel Club) to give puppies they breed the very best chance of life, and thereby giving you reassurance when buying a pedigree puppy.
The various criteria to register with the Kennel Club assures that it weeds out Puppy Farmers who’s only priority is the money they will receive- The scheme’s priority is the health and welfare of the puppies which are bred.
The Kennel Club Assured Breeders Scheme promotes good breeding practices and has a list of breeders for you to contact.
It is the only organisation accredited by UKAS ( United Kingdom Accreditation Service) to certify dog breeders who maintain the standards set by the Kennel Club.
Welfare Issues Include
A breeder must include the following when advertising:
- their breeder license number
- name of the local authority that issued their licence, i.e. their local council
- a recognisable photograph of the dog being advertised
- display the age of the dog being advertised
Assured breeders must keep a record of sales for a minimum of 3 years and be available for inspection. The information kept includes:
- the dog’s breed
- details of the dog’s mother and father
- each dog’s name
- each dog’s sex
- the dog’s date of birth
- their microchip and database details
- the address where the dogs live
- each dog’s description, markings and colours etc.
- veterinary treatment they might have received
A vet (or inspector) will visit the breeder for inspection, and will look for the following to make sure the dogs are well cared for:
- live in suitable conditions and accommodation
- are protected in case of fire or from the spread of disease
- are given adequate food, water and bedding
- get enough exercise
- are transported in safe and comfortable conditions
For breeders to register
they must follow the recommended breeding guidelines
These include:
- Kennel club registration for the puppy
- To hand over the dog’s signed registration at time of sale
- Follow the Kennel club policy with maximum age and frequency of litters
- Use the health screening schemes ( DNA testing, hip dysplasia, dysplasia, inherited eye conditions)
- Microchipped puppies to be registered on national database
- Puppy socialisation
- Puppy sales wallet ( written advice on care programmes for the new puppy)
- Ensure the puppy is seen with its mother
- Contracts of sale
- Provide Breed specific information and advice
- veterinary inspection
If you buy your puppy from a kennel club assured breeder, they can offer you four weeks free Kennel Club Pet Insurance, which will start as soon as you collect the puppy.
Dog Breeding Regulations
Animal Welfare
- Anyone breeding three or more litters and selling at least one puppy in a 12 month period will require a dog breeding licence
- Ensure that breeders must show puppies alongside their mother before a sale is made.
- Tighten regulations so that puppy sales are completed in the presence of the new owner – preventing online sales where prospective buyers have not seen the animal first.
- Ban licensed sellers from dealing in puppies and kittens under the age of eight weeks.
- Regulate adverts, including on the internet, by ensuring licensed sellers of all pets include the seller’s licence number, country of origin and country of residence of the pet in any advert for sale.
- A licence is required if there is any commercial selling of puppies, irrespective of the number of litters produced per year.
- There is a star rating system for licensed breeders, ranging from one to five stars.
The licence is issued for a period of one – three years.
Higher standards = higher rating.
A breeder with a A 5 star rating will get a 3 year licence