This Code of Ethics is established in alignment with the objectives of the Estrela Mountain Dog Association of America (EMDAA), as outlined in the By-Laws. Its purpose is to establish a standard of conduct for all EMDAA members. Presented as a guideline for both EMDAA members and the general public, it offers direction for the responsible breeding, selling, and exhibiting of Estrela Mountain Dogs. The Code of Ethics delineates the fundamental principles of responsible behavior for owners, breeders, and prospective breeders of Estrela Mountain Dogs, emphasizing the importance of their dogs health and welfare, as well as that of the Estrela Mountain Dog breed as a whole.
For the sake of convenience the male personal pronoun has been used throughout this statement, but its provisions apply to members of either sex.
1) When planning the use of dogs for breeding, honest consideration should be given to type, temperament, and soundness of BOTH intended parents. Breeding from inferior specimens should be discouraged at all times. The hope of financial gain should not be a primary consideration.
2) It is recommended that Breeders closely follow the advice of a Theriogenologist Veterinarian, modern science and recommended best practices. All breeding bitches and dogs should reach physical maturity, being at least two years old, and should not possess any disqualifying faults according to the EMD breed standard. It is advised that bitches have no more than four litters in their lifetime and should not be bred after the age of 8 without veterinary approval.
3) All Breeding of Estrela Mountain Dogs should be conducted solely with the aim of preserving the breed's integrity, not for commercial gain. No registered Estrela Mountain Dog will be bred intentionally other than to a registered EMD.
4) In view of the potentially crippling nature of Hip-Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia and it’s high degree of inheritability, the EMDAA recommends that all breeding stock receive certification from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Pennhip or a comparable agency, confirming they are free of hip dysplasia through radiographic evaluation.
5) When planning a litter, members must ensure they have the necessary facilities to give proper care and attention to the Dam and her pups. Owners of Stud dogs should satisfy
themselves that the owner of the bitch could provide such care to the Dam and her pups. Owners of Stud dogs should satisfy themselves that the owner of the bitch could provide such care and facilities. Members must be able to retain any unsold pups for as long as is necessary. Any member breeding a litter must be prepared to take responsibility for any stock that needs re-homing.
6) No puppy should leave the breeder before the age of 7 weeks.
7) Breeders should screen potential owners for suitability and advise them of breed characteristics both good and bad.
8) Potential buyers should be made aware if a puppy has a known defect or shows any definite departure from the standard.
9) At the time of purchase, new owners should be provided with a Pedigree, diet sheet, and registration form (if available). Information on worming and inoculations should also be given, where appropriate. If a puppy is not registered with an official body, the buyer must be made aware of this.
10) Breeders must be prepared to offer help and advice should the new owners have any problems or concerns about their puppy.
11) No puppy should be exported/imported before the age of 8 weeks. Care should be taken to ensure that Countries to which dogs of any age are exported have adequate anti-cruelty laws in force. No Estrela should ever be knowingly sold to a laboratory, pet-shop, dealer, puppy mill or any person
connected to such.
12) Members are reminded that unsportsmanlike behavior at any organized event, reflects adversely on the Club and it’s good name and will not be accepted.
13) The Committee of the EMDAA must always be ready to do their best to help members with any queries or problems.
14) Members should work in unity putting the welfare, preservation and advancement of the breed above personal ambition.