Breeding Code of Ethics

The National Groodle Association Incorporated (NGA) was built on a fundamental focus to breed ethically, responsibly and to Groodle breed standards heavily guided by our North American Counterparts, the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA).

Breeder Pledge 

As a member of the National Groodle Association Inc, I pledge the following.

Ethical and responsible breeding

Basic care

I will always ensure all dogs are well cared for whether they reside with me, in a breeding facility or live in guardian homes. This includes the provision of;

1. Safe shelter
2. Quality nutrition and fresh water
3. Regular exercise and socialisation
4. Sound and nurturing environment
5. Veterinary care pre, during and post breeding

Suitability for breeding 

I will undertake all recommended minimum health testing requirements on both parent dogs and will not breed with dogs that have been identified as not suitable for breeding - whether this be due to temperament or health. 

I will not breed or allow a Bitch to whelp more than five (5) litters.

over-breed or breed from a dog that has any health issues that would impact the quality of life of the dog or their future pups. 

I will always breed with dogs who have positive temperaments, ln line with the NGA breed standards. 

I will not breed a Bitch before she is 12 months of age. 

Compliance 

I will register my dogs with my local Council. If the dog is a Guardian dog, I will provide the guardians home address as a secondary residence if permitted by my local Council. 

I will share all relevant memberships and registrations with potential buyers and maintain these whilst breeding. 

I will comply with all breeder requirements outlined by my relevant state and stay abreast of any changes that may impact the way I operate my breeding program. 

I will not sell or trade a puppy before they are 8 weeks of age, fully immunised and microchipped. 

I will have all puppies examined by my vet prior to placement as pets or breeding stock and will provide proof of this exam to the new owner upon their request

Document management 

I will keep written records of my breeding dogs and their offspring and document any noted or report genetic defects.

I will keep record of puppy sales transactions including individual puppy health records.

i will provide a puppy sales contract and puppy care document with each puppy sold. 

If I do not de-sex my dogs, i will provide de-sexing contracts identifying preferred timing for de-sexing. 

Transparency 

I will not introduce another breed into my Groodle breeding lines other than Golden Retreiver or Poodles. 

I will not market puppies/ dogs as 'Groodles' if any breed other than Poodle, Golden Retriever or Groodle is genetically present. 

I agree that I either own the breeding rights or have contracted the use of the breeding rights for all dogs used in my breeding program

I will not knowingly or intentionally withhold medical or testing information on a bitch/dog when selling breeding stock to another breeder

I will clearly outline my puppy refund policy before selling a puppy. 

I will not surrender a pet or breeding dog to any rescue, animal control or shelter. I will find an appropriate pet home.

Education

I will educate new puppy owners to the best of my ability on how to care for their new puppy

I will continue to grow my breeder knowledge and will seek out opportunities to share and learn throughout my breeding journey. 

I will support the education and growth of other breeders, with a focus in bettering our breed. 

I will not guarantee hypo-allergenic qualities or non-shedding coats to any customer and i will endeavor to explain coat genetics to buyers to the best of my ability.

Accountability

I will adequately screen applicants to ensure the best possible life for each puppy

I agree to help re-home any dog that originated from by breeding  program

I will not sell/trade any of my dogs or puppies to any commercial animal wholesaler or retail pet traders

I will give/sell/trade all puppies with a written spay/neuter requirement or I will have the puppies spayed/neutered before leaving me unless puppies are sold with breeding rights

I will de-sex retired dogs and find them suitable homes with a focus on providing them with the best possible life and I will take every measure to ensure that retired

I will provide a warranty for life-inhibiting genetic defects until at least 1 years of age. I understand that each breeder’s warranty will vary somewhat, but I will not require a puppy/dog to be returned for a warranty to be exercised

I will not breed any dog/bitch to a related dog/bitch within 3 generations

I will select breeding pairs with the specific goal of producing the best health, conformation, temperament, and coats. 

I will not intentionally breed flat coated / open faced groodles.

I will make certain that any buyer given breeding rights with a puppy understands and follows ethical breeding practices

Guardianship

I will provide clear and transparent Guardianship contracts to Guardian applicants. 

I will be transparent about the risk associated to breeding and if there was a loss of a guardian due to breeding, i will offer a return puppy as a pet, not requiring them to become a guardian dog. 

I will work closely with vet to ensure the dog is suitable for breeding. If the dog is not suitable for breeding, she will not be bred from and I will offer transfer of ownership to the Guardian as outlined in my contract. 

Behaviour

Respect

I will treat my fellow breeders with respect at all times, regardless of where they are on their breeding journey. 

I will maintain transparent and honest communication with everyone I interact with.

I will accept and provide constructive feedback respectfully.

I will act with integrity and in a professional, courteous manner with all my business practices

I will respect all people regardless of age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation.

Dispute management 

I agree to manage any disputes with good faith, always in the best interest of the dog. If at any point a dispute or concern is raised to the NGA, I will work collaborative to address the matter respectfully.  

The Groodle Association is a developing body and although we will work hard to ensure the ethical and responsible breeding practice of NGA members, we cannot be responsible for the breeding practices of any breeder listed on our page. 

As the customer you still need to ask questions of your breeder.  If you feel that an NGA breeder has failed to live up to the breeding code of ethics, a complaint can be made by emailing us directly. All matters will be treated as confidentially as possible.