Best Breeding Practices for the Irish Water Spaniel

BREEDERS' EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Breeders’ Education Committee (BEC) of the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America is committed to the healthy future of the Irish Water Spaniel. All IWSCA breeders and aspiring breeders interested in information and education regarding genetics, and breeding practices designed to preserve and promote the health and welfare of the Irish Water Spaniel breed are welcome and encouraged to join.

Education

Members of the BEC should possess a thorough knowledge and support of the AKC approved Standard for the Irish Water Spaniel. Breeding decisions should be made with the Standard in mind.

The BEC encourages open information exchange, responsible breeding practices, and promotes responsible pet ownership. It supports and keeps in mind both the art and science of purebred dog breeding and the implications of breeding within a limited gene pool.

BEC'S BEST BREEDING PRACTICES

The BEC has developed and embraces the following best breeding practices.

  • All breeding stock should possess proper breed type, good health, and physical and temperamental soundness.
  • IWS breeding stock must be CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) compliant*. IWSCA CHIC testing requirements include testing hips, elbows, eyes, and cardiac/ECHO, with results published on the OFA’s database. Should an IWS be bred prior to receiving CHIC status, preliminary testing consistent with IWSCA CHIC criteria should be performed.
  • Breeders should have an understanding of the pedigree of potential litters.
  • Any known health issues in the get/offspring of a potential mate should be discussed between the dam owner and stud owner prior to the breeding.
  • It is strongly recommended that any IWS found to consistently produce adversely affected offspring and/or quality of life health issues, not be bred again.
  • Breeding only purebred IWS to another purebred IWS, ensuring that any litter produced, either as the breeder of record or the stud dog owner, is eligible for AKC registration.
  • Adhering to AKC rules concerning recordkeeping, DNA profiling, registration, sale and transfer of dogs.
  • Responsible IWS breeders remain a resource and advocate for the puppies they produce as well as the owners they are placed with.


Further, as a committee of the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America, members of the BEC commit to work in accordance and compliance with the IWSCA’s Code of Conduct.

*CHIC requirements are not applicable in the following instances

  • Sires born prior to January 1, 2000 provided these dogs have received hip scores from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or similar organizations.
  • IWS lacking permanent ID’s provided they have hip, elbow, eyes and cardiac ECHO evaluations published in the OFA’s database.
  • Non North American residing breeding stock provided they have received the screening commonly available in their countries of residence. This applies to stud dog owners as well as breeders of record.

All are welcome. To apply for membership in the Breeders Education Committee, please sign the Best Breeding Practices document and submit it to Mindy Garbarino [email protected]