Club Notices

1. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:      

  • SWRA AGM  As with previous years, our AGM will be held by Zoom on

                                   Monday 25th March 2024 at 7:30 pm

  • SWRA 2024 Single Breed Championship Show and Open Show

    Championship Show Judge (Dogs and Bitches): Keith Baldwin

    Open Show Judge:  Josh Henderson

SUNDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2024 (*** NOTE: historically in October!***)

Venue (same as Championship Show in previous years) Glenda Spooner Farm, Brincil Hill, Somerton, Somerset TA11 7LA

2. OTHER SHOWS WE ARE SPONSORING/HAVE SPONSORED IN 2023 OR WHO HAVE A ROTTIE SPECIALIST JUDGE:    

  • 2024 – Okehampton

3. MEMBERSHIP

  • SUBSCRIPTIONS

Membership fees are due 1st January each year. Annual Membership Subscription is just £10.00 (single) or £12 (joint, in the same household). To make it easy for you, we are encouraging as many members as possible to set up a Standing Order with their bank for £10/£12 to be sent automatically on the 01st January.  If you are interested in doing this, please contact Nicola Marker treasurerswra@gmail.com for an application form or On Line banking details. Alternatively, a Mandate is available under our Membership section.

Please send your renewal to Nicola Marker if you have not already done so. Membership Forms are available to download under the Membership section.

  • PLEASE HELP US REDUCE OUR COSTS

To reduce postage costs, the Committee would like to be able to distribute club material to Members via email. To this end we have made a database of the emails we have on file. If you have not given us your email address and would like to receive club material by this route please send details to our Membership Secretary. We will be able to advise you of closing dates for our Shows and details of other activities we are planning during the year.

  • JUDGING LIST

The SWRA has adopted the Rottweiler Breed Council Judging Criteria and Judging lists. If you were not already on the Rottweiler Breed Council Judging lists, you will need to apply to go on the list. Please contact a member of our Committee for further details if you are interested.

  • WEBSITE

Our website contains a great deal of information on the breed covering health issues, general points, show results, Club rules, Code of Ethics etc.

Advertisements can be placed on the website for the cost of £20 for one year.


  • THE KENNEL CLUB’S MEDIA POLICY

The Kennel Club has issued advice to people using Facebook and other social media platforms to discuss issues concerning Kennel Club-based activities such as breeding, competing with and judging dogs.

The Kennel Club is made aware on a regular basis of conversations held on public internet forums which sometimes include disparaging comments on dogs bred, one-sided accounts of private disputes, criticism of judging from exhibitors and other judges, and in extreme cases threats made against individuals.

The Kennel Club is unable to directly intervene in the majority of such cases and has issued the following guidance which is intended to provide advice to people who have been the subject of such allegations and criticism, those who have been involved in such discussions, and also to give direction on when the Kennel Club can and cannot intervene.

To those conversing on social media

This is addressed to those who think that careless, uninhibited and ill-considered comment and criticism aimed at judges, dogs and exhibitors on Facebook and other forums is acceptable and that its impact will not offend, hurt or deeply distress, alongside damaging people’s reputations.

Freedom of expression and opinion is, of course, a right of all – but that should be in the context of normal and civil behaviour. In other words if you have something worthwhile to say, then it should be said in a spirit of constructive criticism and not in an offensive manner.

Judges should take great care in joining in such conversations since it is not acceptable for judges to criticise fellow judges’ decisions in a disparaging way. Judges should keep a distance from contentious issues and maintain an independent and private view. This is a matter of perception, public confidence and general respect for those involved in any breed at a senior level.  Judges should certainly not give indications about preferences and intentions on placing for a forthcoming appointment.

Anyone judging at Kennel Club licensed events is warned that in certain circumstances the Kennel Club will refer inappropriate content to the Judges Sub-Committee for a review of status and future appointments.

To those reading social media content

Anyone who finds him or herself targeted, or the subject of such conversations, is advised to ignore such material and not to read, respond or engage in the conversation. The law is intended to offer protection from the more extreme material.

Try to put the matter into perspective; everyone’s reality is subjective and most of the material is a matter of opinion, on occasions an expression of anger, and is often not based on verified fact. Rude, spiteful and ill-informed comments say more about those writing them than about those who they seek to criticise.

In extreme cases of direct threat or harassment, then the police should be contacted.

The Crown Prosecution Service recently issued guidelines on prosecuting cases involving communications sent by social media and these can be found at www.cps.gov.uk/legal/a_to_c/communications_sent_via_social_media/.

These guidelines take the approach that there must be something more than ‘the expression of unpopular opinion about serious or trivial matters, banter or humour even if distasteful to some or painful to those subjected to it’ before intervention is possible.

The Kennel Club has to apply a similar approach and policy and is therefore unable to intervene in the majority of cases.

It remains our advice that it is better not to read, engage or respond to this sort of material. Sometimes it is better to allow those who choose to air views on these channels the freedom to do so, even if they do not do so in an adult and mature fashion. Those who wish to read such postings should treat such content, particularly if critical, with caution and not make any judgment or assume the truth or foundation on the basis of what is being written. Social media content should generally be treated as gossip and not a validated and reliable source of information.

Ultimately if you feel you have to join in, be informed and be polite; if you have to read the content, do not assume what is said is true; and if you are the subject of gossip or rumour then treat it for what it is. And remember that the most effective and practical way to deal with offending material is not to join in or respond.

A few general guidelines that all social media users should follow are included below:

You are responsible for what you post since it is a public medium.

Maintain privacy: Do not post confidential information. Do not discuss a situation involving named or pictured individuals without their permission.

Does it pass the publicity test: If the content of your message would not be acceptable for face to face conversation, over the phone or in any other medium, then it is not acceptable for a social networking site.

Think before you post: If you feel angry or passionate about a subject, it is wise to delay posting until you are calm and clear headed. There is no such thing as a ‘private’ social media site, even if you delete a post.

Be aware of liability: You are responsible for what you post on your own site and on the sites of others. Individual bloggers could be held liable for commentary deemed to be libellous, obscene or which infringes copyright.

What the Kennel Club can and cannot do

The Kennel Club’s jurisdiction lies primarily with the enforcement of its Regulations and issues arising out of registrations and incidents at licensed events. It does not have any remit or authority to censor material on the internet, or to censure those involved, and is therefore unable to intervene directly in the majority of cases.

However, there are ways to deal with the extreme versions of offending material online, including complaints for defamation or harassment or sending malicious correspondence. These are criminal or civil offences and forum moderators are usually (or should be) quick to respond and remove content that has no place being published.

Extreme cases of threat or bullying should be reported to the legal authorities and to the Kennel Club for consideration and advice.

  • RULES OF THE SOUTH WESTERN ROTTWEILER ASSOCIATION
  1. Name & Objects:

The Association shall be called THE SOUTH WESTERN ROTTWEILER ASSOCIATION (SWRA) and its objects are to support and encourage all aspects of Rottweilers by:

  1. The organisation of shows and advice on training classes
  2. Providing instruction in all matters appertaining to the Breed
  3. Maintaining the Breed in accordance with the standard approved by the Kennel Club.

See      www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/working/rottweiler

  1. Providing the opportunity for the interchange of knowledge and ideas between Rottweiler owners through meetings, newsletters and all other forms of communication
  2. To encourage good fellowship and so maintain and advance the interests of the Breed
  1. Officers & Committee:

The SWRA shall consist of a Patron, President, Vice-President, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, a Committee and an unlimited number of Members, irrespective of place of residence.

  1. Committee:
  1. The Patron, President and Vice-President are long-standing positions and only asked to retire if the Committee feel it is appropriate to do so. Replacements for these positions will be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
  2. The management of the SWRA shall be in the hands of the Officers (the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer) and of additional Committee Members consisting of no more than twelve (12) additional Club Members
  3. All serving Officers and Committee Members shall retire at the AGM after two (2) years on a staggered, rotational basis i.e. the Secretary, the Chairman and 50% of the Committee one year, followed by the Treasurer and the other 50% the following year
  4. Officers and Committee Members shall be eligible for re-election immediately. They will be deemed to stand again unless they inform the Secretary to the contrary, in writing, no less than 14 days before the AGM
  5. With the exception of the Chairman, all Officers and Committee Members have equal voting rights. The Chairman shall only have a vote in the case of tied motions
  6. Meetings of the Committee shall be held as often as deemed necessary but at least once every 6 months and before every Show. These meetings can be by any means: On Line, Face-to-Face or in any combination
  7. Any four (4) Committee Members including one Officer shall form a quorum
  8. Only serving Committee Members shall have the power to co-opt Members on to the Committee in the event of positions becoming vacant between AGMs
  9. Co-opted Committee Members do have voting rights at Committee Meetings
  10. Those co-opted on to the Committee shall only hold office until the next AGM when they can be voted on during the normal election process
  11. No individual who has been a Club member for less than twelve (12) months immediately prior to the AGM, may be elected on to the Committee or as an Officer
  12. In the event of an Officer leaving Office prior to the AGM, a temporary replacement shall be elected, whenever possible from within the body of the Committee. They will be known as the “Acting (Officer)” and will only serve until the next AGM when they can be voted into Office during the normal election process
  13. Any nomination for an Officer or a Committee member must have a Proposer and Seconder both of whom must be current Club Members for at least two (2) years standing at the time of the AGM, together with the signed consent of the nominee. Such nominations together with the Membership renewal subscription for all three parties shall be in the hands of the Secretary not later than 14 days before the AGM
  14. A Member seeking election as an Officer of the Committee may also stand for election as an ordinary Committee member. In the event of being unsuccessful in their original nomination, a second nomination is not required – they only need to indicate their willingness to stand when sending in their original nomination
  15. In the case of insufficient nominations for any Officer post or general Committee member, prior to the AGM, nominations shall be accepted from the floor of the meeting
  16. Serving Officers of the SWRA shall not hold any Office or Committee post with any other Rottweiler Club
  17. The Committee shall have the power to arbitrate in cases of dispute between SWRA Members, when requested to do so by both parties, and their decision shall be final
  18. In the event that one person should hold more than one Office, that person shall only be entitled to one vote on any issue
  1. Election of Members:
  1. A candidate for Membership shall have a Proposer and a Seconder, one of whom must have been a paid-up Member of the SWRA for at least the past 12 months. The applications for Membership along with the current subscription fee must be sent to the Secretary. A “pending” email will be sent to the application advising the application is classified as “pending” until further notice. The application, including the names of the applicant(s), Proposer and Seconder, shall be placed before the Committee at its next meeting, when Membership will be confirmed by way of a majority vote
  2. Membership shall be effective from the date of the Committee acceptance. On admission to the SWRA, all new Members shall receive a copy of the “Rules” and a copy of the “Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct”. If the application is denied, all paid fees shall be returned to unsuccessful applicants. The Committee shall be empowered to refuse applications for Membership at their discretion. No reason shall be given for the rejection of an application but a rejected candidate may reapply for election after two years
  3. The terms of Membership are as follows:
    1. Single
    2. Joint: “Joint” shall be taken to mean Husband & Wife/Partner/Significant Other, two joint owners of an exhibit or two persons living in the same household
    3. Family Membership: Husband and Wife or Partner and their immediate children up to the age of eighteen years
    4. Other Membership combinations shall be at the discretion of the Committee
    5. Honourable Life Membership may be appointed by a majority vote of the Committee

Any Member shall be able to withdraw from the Club by sending notice of their intention in writing to the Secretary. Any Member leaving the Club shall not be entitled to receive any money back they may have paid to the Club or have any claim against the Club. Any property of the Club held by the resigning Member, must be returned with that resignation at no cost to the Club

  1. Members List:
    1. An up to date list of Members and their addresses will be maintained and, if so requested, the list of names made available for inspection by the Kennel Club and the Committee and the members of the SWRA
    2. A declaration of the number of Members of the SWRA will be made with the Annual Returns
  1. Voting Rights:
    1. All eligible, paid-up Members shall be entitled to vote immediately upon acceptance of their Membership. In the case of Joint or Family Memberships, only one Adult shall be entitled to vote
    2. Proxy and Postal votes are not allowed
    3. Voting shall be by a show of hands and decided by the majority
    4. The Patron, President and Vice-President have no voting rights. The Chairman may only vote in the event of a tie
    5. Only eligible Members over the age of 18 may vote at any Association meeting
    6. Lifetime Members hold full voting rights
  1. Club Property:
    1. The property of the SWRA shall be vested in the Committee. In the event of the Association ceasing to exist, a final General Meeting shall be called to decide the disposal of the SWRA’s assets and the outcome of the meeting notified to the Kennel Club. A final statement of accounts with a record of the disposal of the property of the Association will be forwarded to the Kennel Club within six months and the persons named as Officers and Committee of the SWRA will be held responsible by the Kennel Club for the proper winding up of the Association
    2. The SWRA will obtain written acknowledgements from donors of cups and trophies that are given as outright gifts to the Association
  1. Club Accounts:
    1. The financial year of the SWRA shall be from the 01st January until the 31st December
    2. A bank account shall be held in the name of the SWRA at Santander Bank into which all revenue of the Association shall be paid and from which cheque book withdrawals will be made on the signatures of any one of the Treasurer, Chairman or Secretary as unrelated Officers
    3. In the alternative to the above, the Treasurer may use Internet Banking and undertakes to follow Internet Banking best practice guidelines. In addition, the Secretary and the Chairman will have access to the On Line banking facility
    4. The Accounts will be certified annually and presented to the Members at the AGM. Certification of Accounts will be carried out by one qualified accountant or two unqualified individuals with accountancy experience. Those undertaking the certification will be independent from those who prepared the Accounts
    5. A copy of the annual statement of Accounts for the last financial year will be made available on request from Members 14 days prior to the AGM. Additionally, the Annual Statement of Accounts will be available for inspection by Members at the AGM
    6. All expenses properly incurred by Members of the Committee, for or on behalf of the SWRA, with Committee approval, shall be defrayed out of Club funds
    7. The Treasurer will receive all monies and keep a record of all receipts and payments
  1. Subscriptions:
    1. The annual Membership subscription shall be such amount as agreed by Members at the AGM and notified to the Kennel Club
    2. Subscriptions are payable by the 01st January each year. The subscriptions of new Members only joining at or after the Championship Show (or the end of October if later) shall be at a rate for the remainder of the calendar year and the whole of the following year
    3. Any Members whose subscriptions are unpaid are not entitled to any of the privileges of Membership and if the Member shall fail to pay outstanding subscriptions by the 31st January, their name shall be removed from the Members list and thereon ceases to be a Member of the SWRA. Reapplication for Membership will be at the discretion of the Committee and is dependent upon the payment of the arrears and a new application if 12 months has elapsed
    4. In recognition of services rendered to the SWRA by any person, the Committee may recommend at the AGM that such person(s) be granted Honorary Life Membership and no further subscriptions will be payable
    5. The payment of the subscription shall be distinct acknowledgement of and acquiescence to the rules of the SWRA
    6. Once Members have been accepted for Membership, and providing they continue to pay their Membership subscriptions at the correct time, they cannot be refused renewal of Membership. With the exception of default on subscriptions, the only way to remove a Member from the SWRA’s register is by following the procedure defined in rule 10 below
  1. Expulsion of Members:
    1. Any Member who shall be disqualified under Kennel Club Rule A11.j (5) and/or Kennel Club Rule A11.j (9) shall ipso facto cease to be a member of the SWRA
    2. If the conduct of any Member shall, in the opinion of the Committee of the SWRA, be injurious or likely to be injurious to the character or interests of the Association, the Committee may, at a meeting where the object is the consideration of the conduct of the Member, determine that a Special General Meeting (SGM) of the Association shall be called for the purpose of passing a resolution to expel them
    3. Notice of the SGM shall be sent to the accused Member, giving particulars of the complaint and advising the place, date and hour of the meeting that they may attend and offer an explanation. If at the meeting, a resolution to expel is passed by a two-thirds majority of the Members present and voting, their name shall forthwith be erased from the list of Members, and they shall thereupon cease for all purposes to be a Member of the SWRA except that they may, within two calendar months from the date of such meeting, appeal to the Kennel Club upon and subject to such condition as the Kennel Club may impose
    4. If the SWRA expels any Member for discreditable conduct in connection with dogs, dog shows, trials or competitions, the SWRA will report the matter in writing to the Kennel Club within seven days and supply any particulars required
  1. Financial Year/Annual General Meeting (AGM):
    1. The Financial year of the SWRA shall be from 01st January to 31st December
    2. The Annual General Meeting shall be held by, or as near to as us possible, the 31st March

12A. Annual General Meeting (AGM):

    1. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall, whenever possible, be held before the 31st March at a time and place determined by the Committee. This can by Skype, Zoom or other web-based means
    2. Nature of Business to be conducted:
      1. To receive the Committee’s report and the Balance Sheet, to elect Officers and Committee and to discuss any resolution duly placed on the agenda of which prior notice has been given to the Secretary
      2. The procedure for the election of Officers and Committee shall be by a show of hands.  In any ballot a simple majority shall prevail.  If the number of vacancies equal or exceed the number of candidates, the decision on the need for an individual ballot shall be made by those present by a show of hands.  The successful candidates shall be declared elected by the Members present at the AGM
    • No business shall be transacted at an Annual General Meeting unless notice thereof appears on the Agenda, with the exception of routine matters or those which in the opinion of Chairman of the meeting are urgent
    1. Notice of the AGM shall be placed on the SWRA’s Website, Facebook page and emailed to paid-up Members who have provided email contacts at least 14 days before the AGM
    2. Items are required for inclusion on the Agenda must be with the Secretary, in writing, at least 7 days before the AGM
    3. The AGM Agenda will be circulated at the beginning of the meeting
    4. Any four (4) Members including one Officer shall form a quorum
    5. The AGM can be by any means: On Line, Face-to-Face or in any combination
    6. The Members may attend by Skype, Zoom or other web-based means if the venue can accommodate it, and 7 days notice of their intention is received by the Secretary
    7. Only fully paid-up Members at the end of January may attend and vote at the AGM, except that the Committee may invite persons of a specialist nature to attend in an advisory capacity, without voting rights

12B. Special General Meeting (SGM):

    1. A Special General Meeting (SGM) shall be summoned by the Secretary if 25 Members send a signed requisition stating the subject to be discussed and requesting a SGM
    2. The Committee of the SWRA is also empowered to call a SGM
    3. No business other than that detailed on the agenda can be discussed at a SGM
    4. Notice of the meeting shall be placed on the SWRA’s Website, Facebook page and emailed to paid-up Members who have provided email contacts at least 14 days before the SGM
    5. Any four (4) Members including one Officer shall form a quorum
    6. The SGM can be by any means: On Line, Face-to-Face or in any combination
    7. The Members may attend by Skype, Zoom or other web-based means if the venue can accommodate it, and 7 days notice of their intention is received by the Secretary
    8. Any person calling such a meeting for what the majority of those present at that meeting consider to be a trifling matter may be subject to disciplinary action under Rule 10
    9. Only fully paid-up Members at the end of January may attend and vote at the SGM, except that the Committee may invite persons of a specialist nature to attend in an advisory capacity, without voting rights

12C. General & Committee Meetings:

    1. The Club undertakes to keep Minutes, which shall contain a full record of all business transacted at General or Committee meetings, including a record of all guarantees offered by the Club
    2. No Officer, Committee member or ordinary Member shall take it upon themselves to publish or cause to be published any detail or account, in part or in whole, of proceedings at any of the Clubs meetings. Reports shall only be made public by the Chairman or Secretary following authorisation from the Committee
    3. Meetings of the Committee shall be at a time and place to suit the Committee Members and held as often as deemed necessary but at least one every six (6) months
    4. Any four (4) Committee Members including one Officer shall form a quorum
    5. Meetings can be by any means: On Line, Face-to-Face or in any combination
    6. The Members may attend by Skype, Zoom or other web-based means if the venue can accommodate it, and 7 days notice of their intention is received by the Secretary
    7. All Committee Members must take part during at least one Committee meeting a year
    8. If a Committee member is absent from three (3) consecutive committee Meetings and fails to offer a satisfactory explanation, shall be deemed to have resigned and shall not be eligible for election to any Committee post for a further two year period following the next AGM
  1. Amendments to Rules:
    1. The rules of the SWRA may not be altered except at an AGM or SGM, the NOTICE for which contains specific proposals to amend the rules
    2. Any proposed alteration to the rules may not be brought into effect until the Kennel Club has been advised and approved the alteration
    3. New rules or amendments introduced specifically to meet the Kennel Club requirements shall be adopted immediately
  1. Annual Returns to The Kennel Club:
    1. The Officers acknowledge that during the month of January each year, the Maintenance of Title fee will be forwarded to the Kennel Club by the Secretary for continuance of Registration and that by 31st July each year, other returns, as stipulated in Kennel Club Regulations for the Registration and Maintenance of Title of Societies and Breed Councils and the Affiliation of Agricultural Societies and Municipal Authorities shall be forwarded to the Kennel Club
    2. The Officers also acknowledge their duty to inform the Kennel Club of any changes of Secretary of the SWRA which may occur during the course of the year
  1. Kennel Club Final Authority:

The Kennel Club is the final authority for interpreting the rules of the SWRA in all cases relative to canine or Association matters.

  1. Other Clubs or Federations:

 The SWRA shall not join any Federation of Societies or Clubs.

  1. Bankrupts:

No person whilst an undischarged bankrupt may serve on the Committee of or hold any other office or appointment within a Kennel Club Registered Association.

  1. Breed Club Judges Lists:
    1. The SWRA (via The Breed Council) will produce a list of Judges each year, which must be submitted to the Kennel Club as part of the Club’s Annual Returns. The purpose of Breed Club Judges Lists is to indicate to interested parties those persons a Breed Club would support at differing levels of judging. Membership of the SWRA is not a prerequisite for inclusion in the list
    2. Judges will be divided into five parts namely, A1, A2, A3, B and C, and must indicate the date on which the list will expire. On expiry, a new list will be completed:
      1. A1 list: Judges who have previously been approved to award CCs in Rottweilers and have carried out the appointment
      2. A2 list: Judges who, if invited to judge by the SWRA, would in principle be approved by the Kennel Club to award CCs in Rottweilers for that occasion
      3. A3 list: Judges who are recommended by the SWRA as being suitable to award CCs in Rottweilers, but not yet approved by the Kennel Club for inclusion on an A2 list
      4. B list: Judges who have been approved by Breed Clubs to judge at Shows without CCs or at Open Shows
      5. C list: Aspiring judges who do not fall into any of the above categories
    3. These lists will actually be prepared by a CC judge for Rottweilers, appointed by the SWRA. This person need not be a Members of the SWRA
    4. The lists compiled are not subject to ratification by the Committee nor the Membership of the SWRA

CODE OF ETHICS OF THE SOUTH WESTERN ROTTWEILER ASSOCIATION

All members of The South Western Rottweiler Association (SWRA) undertake to abide by the KC imposed general Code of Ethics:

  1. Breeders/Owners:
  1. Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required
  2. Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon who performs an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who performs a caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operation to the Kennel Club
  3. Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the breed standard should be placed in suitable homes
  4. Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act
  5. Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally
  6. Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed
  7. Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties
  8. Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home
  9. Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited
  10. Will only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change
  11. Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home
  12. Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available
  13. Will not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind
  14. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as standalone items (not accompanying a dog)
  15. Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog

Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from Club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.

As a member of The South Western Rottweiler Association you further agree:

  • Breeding Ethics:
  1. HIPS: All dogs and bitches used for mating in your breeding programme or used for stud by you must have been X-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia and the scores must be received back under the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club (BVA/KC) scheme prior to mating taking place. As a Member, you agree any dog or bitch you use for mating must not have a combined hip score of more than the current BVA breed mean average (currently “13” as at December 2021).  For example, a score of 3:4 (meaning one hip is scored a 3 and one hip is scored a 4) added together gives a score of 7 which is under the breed mean average as at December 2021.  More information on the BVA hip scheme can be found at:

See www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/hip-scheme

  • ELBOWS: The BVA score elbow dysplasia as follows:

0 = Normal elbow joint

1 = Mild arthrosis or suspect primary lesion

2 = Moderate arthrosis

3 = Severe arthrosis or evident primary lesion

Each elbow is scored individually and can appear on a dog’s records.  It is the highest score of both elbows that is the mechanism for reporting the overall score for the dog. For example, a score of 1:2 (meaning one elbow is scored a 1 and one elbow is scored a 2) gives a score of 2 (the scores are not added together as with hip scores)

As a Member of the SWRA, we recommend you only breed from animals with the lowest possible elbow scores

See www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/elbow-scheme

  • EYES: Breeders are recommended to also test their dogs’ eyes for Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia (MRD)

See      www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/eye-scheme/find-an-eye-panellist

See      www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/eye-scheme

See      www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/getting-started-with-health-testing-and-screening/eye-screening-scheme/multifocal-retinal-dysplasia-mrd

  • HEART: The BVA often run heart test screening via a panel of approved heart specialists.  Additionally, Clubs or Shows will run heart screening or you can find out more by contacting one of the heart testing panel of vets. As a member, we recommend you screen your breeding dog’s/bitch’s heart prior to mating and where a condition is identified, agree not to breed from that animal

See      www.vet-cardio.co.uk/heart-testing

  • OTHER HEALTH TESTS: All dogs and bitches must undergo the following further DNA health tests, prior to mating:
    • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)
    • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)

The SWRA also highly recommend the following DNA tests are undertaken:

  1. Degenerative Myelopathy/ Radiculomyelopathy (DM Exon 02)
    1. X-linked Myotubular Myopathy (XLMTM)
    2. Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD)
    3. Long Coat (hair) length

For all DNA tests, as a Member, you agree to only ever mate a carrier of any of the above to an animal which has tested clear and NEVER to mate carriers to carriers or carriers to untested animals

See www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/getting-started-with-health-testing-and-screening/dna-testing

As a member of the SWRA, you can receive a discount for testing bundles (please ask our Secretary for information). See:   

www.laboklin.co.uk/laboklin/GeneticDiseases.jsp?speciesID=Rottweiler&catID=DogsGD

Or

www.animaldnadiagnostics.co.uk/breed/dog/186

  • Only hips, elbows, JLPP and LEMP are mandatory and recorded automatically once vets inform the Kennel Club.  Other results can be requested by the breeder to be uploaded onto the dogs KC record but are not uploaded automatically.  As a member, we would advise you to make checks on the health test results of any dogs you are considering mating via the Kennel Club Health Test Finder.  We recommend you always ask to see original copies of health test results from the breeder/owner.  To confirm the health tests recorded under the exact KC Registered name:

See      www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/health-test-results-finder

  • If the owner of a bitch: you will breed only from healthy, mature bitches, conscientiously planning each litter. Bitches shall not be mated prior to two years of age nor whelp after their 8th birthday, and shall not be bred from more than once in any period of 12 months, with a maximum of 4 litters in her lifetime
  • If the owner of a stud dog: will only use healthy, mature dogs which have passed their first birthday. You will refuse a stud service to any bitch that has not reached her 24th month or has passed her 8th birthday.  Additionally, you will refuse a stud service if you know the bitch has already had 4 litters or which you consider to be in poor health. You will satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the bitch for breeding and will only advocate bitch owners to breed if they have the facilities, time and resources to adequately care for a litter
  • Will keep accurate records of matings, litters, sales and registrations. When advertising or selling puppies, you will be extremely cautious to describe your puppies accurately, especially with regard to potential prospects of young puppies in order to avoid inadvertently implying a guarantee of show success
  • Selling Ethics:
  1. You will remember that your prime concern of breeding is to produce healthy, sound dogs which will be a credit to the breed. You will be honest in dealings with buyers and fellow breeders and endeavour to co-operate towards an improvement of the breed
  2. You will, to the best of your ability, attempt to help prospective buyers and be available to answer their questions and provide assistance whenever possible
  3. You will only sell puppies of at least eight weeks of age. To the best of your knowledge, they will be sold in good health and of sound temperament
  4. Puppies highly benefit from a full veterinary health check prior to sale.  We recommend Members obtain a Certificate or letter from their vet for each puppy to be sold, proving the puppy has received a full vet check up in the week or so prior to sale at 8 weeks.  Any such certificate or letter should include the microchip number of the puppy, the age of the puppy at the date of the check up, its weight and any issues identified and be available for puppy buyers to view
  5. For each puppy sold you will provide at the time of sale:
    1. A Kennel Club Registration or Application Form
    2. A Three-Generation Pedigree (at least), satisfactory Diet Sheet, Inoculation detail and worming record
    3. Microchip details
    4. Confirmation the puppy has been health checked and is sound
  6. Links to “MY KC” and general information available from: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/health-test-results-finder
  7. You will clearly explain to every purchaser of your puppies what breeding restrictions apply and their implications (if breeding restrictions are used), including any Kennel Club Endorsements or Export Restrictions. Examples of breeding endorsements are:
    1. R – Progeny Not Eligible For Registration (new puppy owners will not be able to breed from their puppy and register their offspring with the Kennel Club)
    2. X – Not Eligible For Export (their puppy will not be able to be registered by a foreign Kennel Club if exported)
  8. Puppies sold over the age of 12 weeks will have commenced an Inoculation program
  9. If KC Registration is to be withheld, it must be by mutual agreement in writing between yourself and the purchaser
  10. You will refuse to recommend breeders who do not conform to the obligations expressed in this Code. You will not sell dogs, bitches or puppies to dog wholesalers, retailers, pet shops or laboratories and will not donate a Rottweiler for raffle or similar purposes
  11. When a puppy or puppies are taken in lieu of a stud fee, or as part of breeding terms, you understand that the vendor is fully responsible for the condition of the puppy or puppies at the time of sale, and that their puppy or puppies should not be sold unseen
  12. You will use a written agreement upon any sale, and shall exercise every possible care as to the suitability of your Rottweiler’s future home
  13. You understand that “Breeding Terms” must not be used as a means of foisting puppies onto those persons unable to afford the price of a puppy. Such arrangements should only be used to place bitches in homes where their welfare and furtherance of the breed will have been fully investigated

As a member of The South Western Rottweiler Association, you further agree to abide by our Code of Conduct:

  • SWRA General Code of Conduct:
  1. To co-operate and participate with The SWRA, and other show-giving clubs, to share aid and information with those interested in the breed
  2. To read and familiarise yourself with, and abide by, the Kennel Club Standard for the Rottweiler
  3. To maintain good standard of the physical and mental wellbeing of your dogs and to care for them properly, obtaining professional veterinary care whenever necessary
  4. Good mental health of your dog includes regular contact with people and exposure to the outside world. All new puppy owners should provide obedience training at the appropriate age
  5. As a member, you have a responsibility to represent our Club in a good light. You will not verbally in person, or through the use of Social Media in any form, act in a way that reflects badly on the SWRA: you are expected to address any concerns you have with the Club Chairman directly
  • SWRA Code of Conduct At our Shows:
  1. No-one should be subject to intimidation or made to feel alarmed or distressed or put in fear of reprisal.  Harassment is a criminal offence and to that end, The South West Rottweiler Association adopts the Kennel Club’s own zero tolerance approach towards all type of harassment activity
  2. You will conduct yourself at all times (whether as exhibitor or spectator) in a manner, which will reflect credit upon you, The SWRA and the breed regardless of location or circumstances
  3. You will ensure your dogs are properly taken care of throughout the period of the event and do not become a nuisance to other dogs, other attendees or the general public
  4. To abide by the rules (including consideration for the “spirit” of the rules) of our Show venue
  5. Conduct: Participants have a duty both to their dogs and to others to make our events friendly and welcoming, and are expected to be co-operative and above all to create a safe environment
  6. Sportsmanship:  Participants should conduct themselves at all times in an appropriate fashion and should display good manners and respect towards other participants, show officials and to the judges
  7. Any verbal communication with a judge should take place after judging has finished and must be conducted in a polite and professional manner
  8. Abusive or aggressive behaviour towards anyone at the show – including the judge, other participants, show management or other officials and ultimately, the dog itself – will not be tolerated under any circumstances
  9. Do not interfere with any dog whilst it is being judged
  10. Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere within the Show venue’s grounds, other than in the designated area
  11. Mobile phones should be turned off whilst exhibiting or whilst your dog is under test
  12. If you have children, do not allow them to touch any dogs unless you have the permission of the owner for them to do so. Be aware of where your children are, and what they are doing, at all times. Take special care around created areas where dogs may react to an unexpected approach
  13. All dogs must be of the correct temperament to enable the judge to examine the exhibit, independently of the exhibitor’s assistance
  14. Sparring between dogs is discouraged
  15. Dogs are not permitted to wear muzzles of any kind whilst being judged