SCPS Code of Ethics
ALL MEMBERS
ALL BREEDERS
The Scottish Collie is defined by three categories:
Registry Requirements for breeding Collies:
• Dog must be at least 75% Collie.
• Dog must receive at least a 75% score on evaluation of breed standards (photos
still required).
• A purebred is defined as 87.5% or more Collie (e.g. great grandchild from a
100% Collie and 100% non-Collie pairing).
• Dogs will be registered as purebred or appendix.
• If a dog does not have a pedigree, they will be registered as an (appendix)
unless owner submits a DNA test that demonstrates the dog is a purebred collie
(Embark and Wisdom Panel are two companies that offer breed identification
testing).
• Genetic Testing for select mutations will be required as well as health
certificate for all breeding dogs.
• Breeding dogs will be expected to demonstrate working ability or solid temperament.
(To include working farm/stock collie, performance collie, and/or temperament
assessment. Temperament assessment can be done by video if owner does not
have a Canine Good Citizen Testing Program near them.) If a dog is already a
working farm dog or performance dog, no temperament test is required.
Performance dogs can have a wide range of categories such as agility, therapy,
service, nose work, search and rescue, lure, barn hunt, etc.
All Collies already accepted into the registry before March, 2018 will be exempt from new requirements, but breeders are invited to update records to list their dogs’ working abilities and/or temperament. Existing pedigrees may be updated to reflect an outcross as appropriate.
Breeders:
- Will treat other Members and Breeders in a friendly, polite, and respectful manner
- Will engage in discussions, share information, and interact with other members in a pleasant and positive way realizing that although others may not share the same opinion, certainly all must be allowed to share. We learn so much from listening to each other.
- Will be supportive of, and helpful to, other Members and Breeders
- Be generous with your time, knowledge, and talents; it will help other Members and so strengthen our preservation movement.
- Will promote the Scottish Collie breed without either maligning, or ridiculing, other breeds, or groups, or individuals involved with other breeds
ALL BREEDERS
The Scottish Collie is defined by three categories:
- Physical traits defined in the breed standard
- Genetic Health
- Temperament/Working Ability
Registry Requirements for breeding Collies:
• Dog must be at least 75% Collie.
• Dog must receive at least a 75% score on evaluation of breed standards (photos
still required).
• A purebred is defined as 87.5% or more Collie (e.g. great grandchild from a
100% Collie and 100% non-Collie pairing).
• Dogs will be registered as purebred or appendix.
• If a dog does not have a pedigree, they will be registered as an (appendix)
unless owner submits a DNA test that demonstrates the dog is a purebred collie
(Embark and Wisdom Panel are two companies that offer breed identification
testing).
• Genetic Testing for select mutations will be required as well as health
certificate for all breeding dogs.
• Breeding dogs will be expected to demonstrate working ability or solid temperament.
(To include working farm/stock collie, performance collie, and/or temperament
assessment. Temperament assessment can be done by video if owner does not
have a Canine Good Citizen Testing Program near them.) If a dog is already a
working farm dog or performance dog, no temperament test is required.
Performance dogs can have a wide range of categories such as agility, therapy,
service, nose work, search and rescue, lure, barn hunt, etc.
All Collies already accepted into the registry before March, 2018 will be exempt from new requirements, but breeders are invited to update records to list their dogs’ working abilities and/or temperament. Existing pedigrees may be updated to reflect an outcross as appropriate.
Breeders:
- Must test genetically for the SCPS Essential Panel (CEA and MDR1)
- Before the second breeding complete genetic testing for the SCPS Supplementary Panel (remainder of the Scottish Collie Panel).
- Consider a dog’s genetic weaknesses when selecting a mate. Work to eliminate the most common of the genetically carried diseases to which the Collie is prone. For a dog or bitch which is Affected, and so carrying two mutant genes for any of the Collie panel of diseases, a breeder must make every effort possible to begin to breed away from these mutant genes, by finding a mate whose genes can begin to correct the problem. This will raise offspring to the level of unaffected, but carrier, with the eventual goal being the elimination of the mutant genes.
- The following questions will need to be completed and submitted with the litter
registration application:
- COI levels for registrable litters will be set at no greater than 6.25%/Better Bred testing below Category 6 should be avoided.
- Sire and Dam must be registered with SCPS.
- Sire and Dam – size (height and weight)
- Working farm, performance history, or temperament assessment
- How will this breeding bring us closer to meeting our SCPS goals
- What Scottish Collie traits will this litter expect to have?
- Genetic diversity must be considered in choosing a mate. For this reason the Co-efficient of Inbreeding or COI will be tracked within the pedigree database, and be automatically published there. The COI levels will be adjusted downwards as preservation efforts mature. All breeders are encouraged to perform a Betterbred test on their breeding dogs and utilize their genetic diversity assessment when breeding.
- The Breeder agrees not to use any close family breedings. Such breedings will not be recognized or registered. These close family breedings which are NOT allowed include the following:
* Sire or Dam to any of their own pups
* Full or Half siblings to each other
* First cousins to each other - Breeders will continually work to lower the COI in their breeding program with their goal being 6.25% or less.
- The Breeder agrees not to use any close family breedings. Such breedings will not be recognized or registered. These close family breedings which are NOT allowed include the following:
- Breed to the SCPS Standard. SCPS Member Breeders must also agree to work towards returning this historic breed to its former great temperament, its original functional form, its classic beauty, great health and stamina, and its usefulness, so that the Scottish Collie can once again become North America’s favorite breed of dog. Breeders are EXPECTED to follow the breeding guidelines outlined in the Breeders Code of Ethics when submitting a litter for SCPS registration or risk losing their good standing as an SCPS breeder. If a breeder fails to breed towards the goals of SCPS as described by example in the Breeders Code of Conduct, their good standing may be revoked until such a time as they demonstrate they are willing to breed towards the breed standards outlined in the Breeders Code of Ethic.
- Abide by Over-breeding rules: Breeders agree not to over-breed bitches registered with SCPS. The Owner/Member may only register 4 litters within the lifetime of each registered bitch. This regulation is to encourage Breeders not to overtax the health of their bitches, so that the quality of the puppies will remain high, and genetic diversity within the Registry will be more easily maintained.
- Limits on Breeding for Male dogs: Males may be bred as many times as the SCPS COI limitations allow.
- Double Merle puppies will not be recognized, or recorded in the SCPS Registry. Members who intentionally breed such puppies will be barred from Membership in compliance with the stated goals of the SCPS to improve the genetic health of the breed. To avoid accidental Double-Merle litters: any dog with a Merle parent must be genetically tested for the Merle gene before breeding.
- Breeders must agree to abide by this Code of Ethics to become a SCPS Breeder.
SCPS Code of Ethics adopted by the Board of Directors via electronic vote on December 28, 2016.
Amendment approved January 3, 2017.
SCPS Code of Ethics adopted by the Board of Directors via electronic vote on December 28, 2016.
Amendment approved January 3, 2017.