Ethics
Ethically breeding to the Breed Standard
What is a Breed Standard?
A Breed Standard is a detailed description laid down at the beginnings of development of a breed, outlining what the perfect specimen of that breed should look like in character and physical confirmation. Breeders breed to emulate this blueprint of perfection, and judges look for that perfect specimen that fits the breed standard best when judging at confirmation exhibitions and shows.
At Mirribandi Belgian Shepherds, we breed to aim towards the FCI Country of Origin Breed Standard from Belgium, adopted by the Dogs Australia (Previously known as Australian National Kennel Council). Click on this link to read the description of the perfect Belgian Shepherd. Note that the four varieties of Belgian Shepherd are all exactly that same, expect for coat colour, length and texture.
A Breed Standard is a detailed description laid down at the beginnings of development of a breed, outlining what the perfect specimen of that breed should look like in character and physical confirmation. Breeders breed to emulate this blueprint of perfection, and judges look for that perfect specimen that fits the breed standard best when judging at confirmation exhibitions and shows.
At Mirribandi Belgian Shepherds, we breed to aim towards the FCI Country of Origin Breed Standard from Belgium, adopted by the Dogs Australia (Previously known as Australian National Kennel Council). Click on this link to read the description of the perfect Belgian Shepherd. Note that the four varieties of Belgian Shepherd are all exactly that same, expect for coat colour, length and texture.
Ethically breeding healthy dogs
While being 2021-22 Secretary of the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of NSW, we introduced the Breed Health Plan.
At Mirribandi Belgian Shepherds, we fully support health certification of all breeding stock, and the publication of all health results. We know that the breed is healthy to begin with, and will do all we can to ensure that only healthy dogs are bred on with, to keep the breed healthy into the future.
At Mirribandi Belgian Shepherds, we fully support health certification of all breeding stock, and the publication of all health results. We know that the breed is healthy to begin with, and will do all we can to ensure that only healthy dogs are bred on with, to keep the breed healthy into the future.
Dogs QLD's Responsible Dog Breeding ethics
Each year when we renew our Dogs Qld membership, we agree to abide by their Rules, Regulations, Ethics, Code of Practice for breeders and owners.
At Mirribandi we strive to achieve this.
At Mirribandi we strive to achieve this.
State Government Dog Breeding ethics
As dog owners and breeders, it is imperative that we at Mirribandi Belgian Shepherds follow state laws and Codes of Practice. On 01/10/2018, the QLD Government introduced the Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for breeding dogs and their progeny. The Standards listed in the document are mandatory, and at Mirribandi Belgian Shepherds we go above and beyond standard and aim to abide by each and every Guideline as well.
Local Government Dog Breeding ethics
Mirribandi Belgian Shepherds is located in the Ipswich City Council shire area. As such, we are bound to comply with breeding and dog ownership requirements set down in the local town plan and planning scheme.
All breeders of dogs, be they Dogs Australia pedigree purebred dog breeders, or back yard Mum & Dad type oodle breeders, all are lumped together and must have a Material Change of Use applied to their property for Intensive Animal Husbandry purposes before being granted a Kennel Licence to legalize even just one litter in a lifetime. Crazy, as we do not consider our dogs, raised in our home, to be "intensive" in any way. So, to comply, we recommend other breeders appoint a private Town Planner to assist us through this red tape minefield of Council blockages, as we have done.
All breeders of dogs, be they Dogs Australia pedigree purebred dog breeders, or back yard Mum & Dad type oodle breeders, all are lumped together and must have a Material Change of Use applied to their property for Intensive Animal Husbandry purposes before being granted a Kennel Licence to legalize even just one litter in a lifetime. Crazy, as we do not consider our dogs, raised in our home, to be "intensive" in any way. So, to comply, we recommend other breeders appoint a private Town Planner to assist us through this red tape minefield of Council blockages, as we have done.
Club Code of Ethics
Additionally, our personal conduct is ethically managed. We strongly support anti bullying, and abide by the conduct code introduced while I was 2021-22 Secretary of the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of NSW.