This has been an interesting thread.
I'm going to post what I think is ethical for Lab breeders. Most goes for breeders of other breeds too, but some things are specifically for Lab enthusiasts.
My list is very, very long and seems to be always growing or being revised. If I ever breed, I will follow this list. There are more things that I believe are attributed to an ethical breeder, but it is late and I am not remembering everything right now
HEALTH:
- Fair or better rating of hips by the OFA (or equal certification from PennHip)
- Normal elbows as determined by OFA
- Clear cardiac test with certification from OFA
- Normal thyroid test with certification from OFA
- Clear eyes from CERF/Optigen/AVCO
- Free of CNM, or if a carrier, bred to a dog free of CNM
- Must be fed a raw diet (not neccessarily to do with ethics, but I won't by from a breeder who feeds kibble)
- Free of vaccinations/minimal vaccinations but agrees to do no vaccines on my pup (again, this has nothing to do with ethics but moreso for my beliefs of canine health)
TEMPERMENT/TRAINING:
- Dogs must have a temperment true to the Labrador breed
- Absolutely no aggression towards anything - animal or human
- Dogs must be in-tune to owners during training sessions
- Dogs must be eager to please
- Dogs must be gentle with children and young/small animals
- Dogs must have an upbeat, over exhuberant attitude towards life
- Dogs should not be wary of strangers
WORKING ABILITY:
- All dogs should be able to work. Titles are not neccessary if you can prove to
all buyers that the dog is able to work by having them out in the field with them. If this cannot be done, hunting titles should be obtained.
- A dog should not be bred if they do not have interest in field work. Dogs that had to have the "desire" to work trained into them should not be bred. Period.
CONFORMATION:
- Dogs should stay as true to a Labrador as possible. I do not like to see a 95 tub in the show ring as much as I don't like to see a greyhound-looking Lab in the field. Common sense and general knowledge of the breed standard is all that's needed.
- CH titles and points are great, but dual-purpose Labradors are few and far between, and I would much rather see a Lab that can work vs. a Lab that excels in the breed ring.
OWNER/BREEDER:
- Should not physically abuse dogs - this includes during training sessions
- Should not yell at dogs for punishment except when out of their control (like when one of them ruins an expensive piece of furniture
)
- Should have a gentle but firm hand when giving commands
-
Should be/should have been actively involved in rescue work of their breed or of all breeds. There is no exception for this one. Do not add to the population without helping bring it down.
- Must breed their bitches and studs only to dogs/breeders that meet the criteria in this list
And ... good luck to me in ever finding a breeder that meets all of this! This is why I am involved mostly in rescue, so much simpler