Introduction
The board members who have written these Rules and Regulations have a lot of experience with dogs as well as with dog breeding, some of them have been living for more then 40 years with a pack of dogs. Their knowledge of the canine world and watching the changes over the years which led among others the BBC documentary: "Pedigree exposed" have inspired the founders of ALFA-Europe to set up Breeding rules and a registration system that enables the foundation to check the breeder in every step of his breeding program. Links to pedigrees exposed and similar Dutch and German documentaries can be found on the link page.
By implementing compulsory Breeding Rules and Registration Regulations for every breeder who has registered their dogs with ALFA-Europe, we are putting into practise the principle "trust is good but control is better". A principle that has been proven to be right considering all the scandals on all levels in our society.... and unfortunately dog breeding was and still is no exception.
Of course, the Board of ALFA-Europe keeps up with the newest scientific insights within the canine world as well as the latest developments regarding law about the wellbeing of dogs. ALFA-Europe appreciates the opinion of experienced breeders who have registered their dogs with ALFA-Europe.
CONTENTS
1. General provisions
1.1 Breeding
1.2 Health and responsibility
1.3 Processing forms – true copies
1.4 Administrative costs
1.5 The puppy buyer and the breeder
1.6 Violations
1.7 Unforeseen
2. Basic registration provisions
2.1 Application and Registration
(2.1e Buying a non-registered breeding puppy or dog)
2.2 Identification and Registration
2.3 The microchip
2.4 Collecting DNA samples
2.5 The sample submission form
2.6 The analysis certificates (the DNA test results)
3. Health provisions
3.1 General health requirements
3.2 The general health certificate
3.3 The hips and elbows certificate - The X-rays
3.4 DNA prcd-PRA certificate - Clear by parentage
3.5 Additional health tests
3.6 Reporting health issues
4. Animal welfare provisions
4.1 The stud
4.2 The bitch
4.3 Number of litters
4.4 Care and sozialisation of litters
5. The registration of breeding dogs
5.1 The application form to register an Australian Labradoodle as an AES Australian Labradoodle
6. Breeding
6.1 Breeding with registered breeding dogs
6.2 The stud certificate
6.3 Breeding with an unregistered stud dog
6.4 The use of frozen / chilled semen of a registered stud dog
6.5 The use of frozen / chilled semen of an unregistered stud dog
6.6 The use of frozen semen of a deceased unregistered stud
6.7 The use of frozen semen of a deceased registered stud
6.8 Giving a stud service to an unregistered bitch
6.9 Breeding rules concerning hereditary diseases
6.10 Breeding rules concerning inbreeding
7. Litter registrations
7.1 Litters of registered parents
7.2 Registration of a litter of an unregistered stud dog
8. De-sexing
8.1 Neutering / spaying
8.2 The de-sexing form
9. The pedigrees
9.1 The ALFA-Europe pedigree
9.2 Presentation of the pedigrees to the puppy buyer
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1 Breeding
1.1a By signing the code of ethics of ALFA-Europe, the breeder promises that he shall only breed with ALFA-Europe registered Australian Labradoodles (AES Australian Labradoodle).
Note: AES stands for ALFA-Europe Studbook
1.1b The breeder is not allowed to have any other (Australian) Labradoodle breeding program of lookalikes besides his AES Australian Labradoodle breeding program. But the breeder is allowed to breed with another FCI recognized breed if he is also member of that particular official breed club in his country and he breeds according to the rules of this breed club.
1.1c The breeder shall breed the AES Australian Labradoodle breed in a responsible way.
1.2 Health and responsibility
1.2a The breeder will ensure that the soundness and the health of the AES Australian Labradoodle breed is a crucial matter of his breeding program.
1.2b The breeder will carefully gather information about genetic abnormalities and he shall report this to ALFA-Europe.
Note: This information will be for ALFA-Europe's records only and will not be made public, but this information can be discussed among breeders at their meetings. An overview of the general health survey(s) will be published on the website of ALFA-Europe as well as on the website of the IEALB.
The IEALB is the Club of breeders of Australian Labradoodles which are registered with ALFA-Europe.
1.3 Submitting and processing forms - true copies
1.3a ALFA-Europe will be able to control the whole process of breeding by using forms, which can be downloaded from the ALFA-Europe website.
Note: It is compulsory to use the mutation form if the breeder changes of address, email address, the breeding dog retires, change of ownership and so on.
1.3b The breeder is always responsible for completing and submitting the forms correctly according the instructions given on each form. Forms must be accompanied with the required documents. The breeder has to submit the forms and other documents digitally (see 1.3e and 1.3f).
1.3c In case documents (this includes photographs or other attachments) are missing or illegible (determined by the secretary of ALFA-Europe), the breeder will be informed of this fact by email. New forms or documents have to be sent in within 4 weeks.
Note: Please resize pictures; use one of the suggested free image resize programs on our download page.
1.3d If ALFA-Europe doesn't receive the documents mentioned in art. 1.3c within 4 weeks the application will be rejected unless the applicant has a reasonable explanation at the discretion of the board.
1.3e The breeder should always submit true copies. Modified ALFA-Europe forms are not allowed.
Note: The owner of the dog must possess all relevant original documents. This means that when the breeder sells a breeding puppy/dog to another breeder, he must hand over the original documents to the new owner. The original documents must be send by registered mail.
For transportation procedures, the breeder can make use of true copies of the original documents.
1.3f True copies can be made in two different ways. ALFA-Europe defines a true copy as follows:
- True copies are signed paper copies of the forms with an original signature of the breeder. With his signature, the breeder confirms that the signed document is a true copy of the original document. These true copies have to be scanned in order to make true digital copies and send it by email to ALFA-Europe.
- The second method is to make a copy of the original (made by a scanner, please use 300 dpi) and make a PDF of it, add an electronic signature on the PDF and send the flattened PDF-file by email to ALFA-Europe.
Exception: The breeder has to print the Code of Ethics first, sign it and send it by post to the ALFA-Europe office (the breeder will receive the signed Code of Ethics back digitally (as an acknowledgment of receipt).
1.3g ALFA-Europe is entitled to check each application and the presented data at all relevant levels of authority.
1.3h The administrative costs or fees must be met before any application for registration (including printing the pedigrees) can be processed.
1.3i The breeder should always be able to show ALFA-Europe or its representative (e.g. a veterinarian in your country) the original documents.
1.4 Administrative costs
1.4a The required fee has to pay on the same day that the breeder submits his application form.
1.4b The relevant fees are mentioned on the website of ALFA-Europe.
Note: Breeders will be informed about price changes by email first before it will be published on the website.
1.5. The puppy buyer and the breeder
1.5a The breeder must work with a selling contract specifying the rights and obligations of the buyer and seller and in which the characteristics and special qualities of the parents and the pup are described.
ALFA-Europe strongly advises to make use of the selling contract made by ALFA Europe.
Note: If the breeder has a serious disagreement with a puppy buyer, the puppy buyer has the right (as laid down in the buying/selling contract, version 2014) to have his case viewed by the board of ALFA-Europe.
1.5b In case of delayed castration or sterilization (for medical reasons), the breeder should temporarily stay (co-)owner of the puppy (the puppy buyer will get a contract that is adapted to this situation).
ALFA-Europe strongly advises to make use of the adapted selling contract made by ALFA Europe.
Note: The breeder may choose to keep the puppy until the puppy has been neutered.
1.6. Violations
1.6a If the breeder violates the Code of Ethics and/or the Breeding Rules and Regulations of ALFA Europe the violation could be published on the ALFA-Europe website. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, the breeder could be banned from registering future breeding dogs and litters in future.
1.6b Disciplinary measurements as well as appealing procedures are laid down in a separate attachment to this Breeding Rules and Registration Regulations.
1.7. Unforeseen
1.7a If exceptions are made to the Breeding Rules and Registration Regulations, due to necessity of genetic diversity, this will be always based on a decision of the board of ALFA-Europe, advice will be asked from experienced breeders.
1.7b If a situation arises where the breeding rules and regulations have not been foreseen, then the Board of ALFA-Europe will decide.
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2. Basic registration provisions
2.1a Offspring of already with ALFA-Europe registered breeding dogs can be
registered as a breeding dog when they pass their health tests (see capital 3 Health
provisions) after submitting the application form for a breeding dog.pplication and Registration
2.1b ALFA-Europe will always take a decision concerning each registration based on the submitted application form and the required documents.
2.1c Only approved applications of breeding dogs will be registered as AES Australian Labradoodles.
2.1d Progeny of registered breeding dogs will be registered with their litter registration number (See for progeny of a non-registered stud dogs art. 6.3c and 7.2a).
2.1e Buying a breeding puppy or breeding dog who's parents are not registered with ALFA-Europe.
To prevent buying a breeding puppy that cannot be registered, it is compulsory to use the assessment form and send this form to ALFA-Europe together with as much as information you can submit. The information you need is mentioned in the instructions on the assessment form.
ALFA-Europe will look at all the submitted documents and will inform you as soon as possible if this breeding puppy or breeding dog will be eligible.
Note: breeding with non-registered breeding dogs is according art. 1.1a, b not allowed. (see also art.5 of the Code of Ethics).
2.2 Identification and Registration
2.2a Proper identification and registration is necessary in order to get true pedigrees, prevent fraud, avoid inbreeding or avoid the chance of hereditary diseases.
DNA analysis enables to "DNA-fingerprint" each examined dog. By linking the DNA-profile to the ISO-microchip of the dog, identification will be easy and beyond any doubt. If the parents have a DNA-profile and a microchip, the laboratory will be able to verify the parentage of the presented offspring.
2.3 The microchip
2.3a All dogs must be provided with a microchip existing of 15 numbers according to the latest ISO standard. In case an imported dog does not have a correct microchip implanted, the dog must get an additional ISO-microchip.
2.3b When the puppies are 6 weeks old, they receive their first vaccination, this would be also the best opportunity to get their microchip implanted. At the same time they could be swabbed by the veterinarian as well.
Note: Depending on the country in which the breeder lives, the vaccination protocol can be different.
2.4 Collecting DNA samples
2.4a From all puppies of each litter must be collected DNA material in order to get their own DNA-profile and have their parentage verified.
2.4b The DNA samples (taking blood or cheek swabs) have to be collected by a veterinarian after the puppy or dog has got his microchip. Each bag or container, in which the sample is stored, must bear the full name and microchip number of the puppy or dog in question.
2.4c In case a new breeding dog has not got the DNA-profile according to ISAG 2006 this breeding dog has to get a new DNA-profile by Dr. Van Haeringen Laboratory in order to make it possible to verify the parentage of future offspring.
2.4d In case a DNA-sample is insufficient to make a reliable DNA profile or the parentage verification is questionable, the appointed laboratory will ask ALFA-Europe if the breeder submits new DNA samples. The breeder will be asked to submit new samples. The breeder has to use the sample submission form regarding submitting new DNA samples. When it concerns a pet dog, it is not compulsory to have the new DNA samples taken by a veterinarian.
2.4e If you want to order a DNA-test for a dog or puppy, other then the tests listed in the price list, this test has to be ordered with the help of an ALFA-Europe sample submission form (Order form aditional DNA test). In this way we avoid an administrative confusion between the involving parties.
2.5 The sample submission form
2.5a In order to send in the samples, the breeder has to use the sample submission form of ALFA-Europe. After analyzing the DNA-samples, the laboratory will use the data from the samples submission forms in order to be able to produce the certificates of the canine identity (with the markers) and the parentage verification.
2.5b After the full names of the puppies are known, the sample submission form has to be filled in twice and has to be completed according to the instructions mentioned on the form. To prevent any mistakes please use one of the microchip stickers.
2.5c The veterinarian has to confirm the whole procedure with his signature and a stamp of his praxis on the sample submission form. The breeder has to sign this form as well.
ALFA-Europe may not recognize the test-results if the sample submission form has not been completed according to the instructions on the form.
2.5d One of the completed forms accompanied by the sealed bags of swabs must be sent to the Dr. van Haeringen Laboratory. The other completed form or true copy must be sent to ALFA-Europe.
Note: The address of the laboratory can be found in the instructions on the form.
2.5e There are seven different sample submission forms:
- 1) an individual sample submission form in order to become a DNA-profile including parental control;
- 2) a sample submission form concerning prcd- PRA;
- 3) a Litter sample submission form;
- 4) a combination pack concerning Coat Colour variations
- 5) Improper Coat / Furnishings
- 6) an order form (for another) DNA test from VHL-genetics
- 7) a sample submission form in case a new DNA sample is asked by the laboratory.
2.6 The analysis certificates
2.6a The test results (regarding a DNA-profile) are described in two analysis certificates:
- an analysis certificate in which all the data of the tested dog as well as the 18 DNA markers (the DNA profile) are mentioned.
- an analysis certificate in which is stated that the parentage of the dog based on the DNA profiles has been verified.
2.6b Copies of the certificates will be stored in ALFA-Europe's database.
2.6c The original certificates together with the pedigrees will be sent to the breeder.
2.6d The breeder has to hand over the certificates and the pedigrees to each puppy buyer.
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3 Health provisions
3.1 General health requirements
In order to be eligible for registration the breeding dog must have:
- a valid general health certificate;
- a valid hip and elbow certificate;
- a valid DNA prcd-PRA certificate
3.2 The general health certificate
3.2a A general health certificate is a form filled in by the vet or clinic where of the breeder normally goes to for medical treatment, vaccinations etc.
The general health certificate is only valid for maximal 18 months. However, in case the bitch will be mated for the second time within this period, she needs a new health certificate in which the veterinarian states that he has no objections that the bitch will be mated.
3.3 The hips and elbows certificate / the X-rays
3.3a Breeding dogs that are born after July 1 2008 must be at least one year old when the X-rays are made.
3.3b The hips and elbows X-rays have to be taken by a specialized clinic or by a veterinarian who has experience in taking X-rays of breeding dogs. ALFA Europe accepts tests reports from OFA, Pennhip ™, BVA (or similar) and from an experienced veterinarian.
3.3c When the X-rays and examination are done by an experienced vet, the breeder and the veterinarian has to complete the Hips an Elbows form of ALFA-Europe.
3.3d The owner of the breeding dog must be in the possession of the original examination report and the X-rays (this can also be a digital recording).
3.3e The breeder has to submit a true copy (according to art.1.3e - f) of the examination report to ALFA-Europe.
3.4 DNA prcd-PRA certificate - clear by parentage
3.4a Each (future) breeding dog must have a valid DNA prcd-PRA certificate.
Test report result affected/sufferer is not accepted (see art. 6.9b).
3.4b When both parents have a valid DNA prcd-PRA certificate in which both test results stated “normal” the breeder has the possibility to leave out testing.
The offspring is called "Clear by parentage".
3.4c In case one or both parents of the dog are not in our database the DNA prcd-PRA test is compulsory and has to be carried out according to the instructions on the sample submission form for an additional test.
3.4d Offspring intended for breeding from one parent who is clear by parentage (no certificate) have to undergo DNA prcd-PRA testing.
3.5 Additional health tests
3.5a As soon as a serious health problem within the AES Australian Labradoodle population arises, additional tests will be made compulsory.
3.5b If you want to DNA-test a dog or puppy for other tests, then listed in article 2.5e.
please use the Order Form DNA-test (which are offered by the Dr. van Haeringen Laboratory)
Note: consult the forms which has been sent to you.
3.6 Reporting health issues
3.6 The breeder is obliged to report serious health problems to ALFA-Europe. The breeder must ask the puppy buyer to report a health problem to ALFA-Europe as well ( related to art. 1.2 ).
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4 Animal welfare provisions
4.1 The stud
4.1a The breeder will ensure that a stud shall not be used before he is one year of age and has been registered.
4.2 The bitch
4.2a The breeder will ensure that a bitch is not mated before the age of 16 months.
4.2b The breeder will ensure that the bitch is not older than six years on the day she gets her first litter.
4.2c The breeder will also ensure that the bitch is no longer mated after the day she has become 8 years old.
4.3 Number of litters
4.3a The breeder will make sure that the bitch will not get more than two litters in a period of 24 months. The period between the litters should not be less than 10 months. The period of 24 months starts on the date that the mating for the first of the two litters, born within these period took place.
4.3b The breeder will ensure that the bitch does not get more than 5 litters during her life, litters born abroad included.
4.4 Care and socialization of the litter
4.4a The breeder will ensure that the puppies and the bitch will get all the medical care they need. The puppies will grow up within the family of the breeder and they will be socialized with children and other dogs or other pet animals. Puppies will not leave the premises of the breeder to go to their new owners before they are at least 8 weeks old.
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5 Registration of breeding dogs
5.1 Register an Australian Labradoodle as an AES Australian Labradoodle
5.1a Authentic Australian Labradoodles which have a 100% RM /TP pedigree and their proven progeny are eligible for registration with ALFA-Europe.
5.1b Australian Labradoodles from broken lines could be eligible if they meet all other registration criteria as written in art. 5.1d (see also art. 1.7a, 2.1a and b).
5.1c An application form for registering a breeding dog from registered parents must be filled in and submitted by the breeder before the age of 24 month. The application form must be accompanied by all the required documents stated in this form.
Any dog that has been sold and that has not been neutered (including sold male dogs from which the breeder has the stud rights), must follow the same procedure as a future breeding dog concerning his health tests.
5.1d Requirements for dogs that are going to be assessed if they are eligible for registration have to submit the following documents:
- a signed pedigree (mentioning his microchip number as well)
- a DNA profile including parentage verified;
- valid health papers (hips/elbow certificate; prcd-PRA certificate; as well as a health certificate)
- a picture in show position as well of the front (in sitting position)
5.1e ALFA-Europe publishes all relevant main data of breeding dogs on her website after checking and approving the submitted application form and the required documents.
5.1f After registering the dog, ALFA-Europe provides the breeder with a unique registration logo with an AES-registration number which the breeder has to place on his website beside the main picture of the registered dog.
5.1g The main picture of any future breeding dog / puppy that hasn't been registered yet (because he/she is still too young) must be marked with the text "To young for testing".
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6 Breeding
6.1 Breeding with registered breeding dogs
6.1a The breeder breeds only with registered dogs unless the breeder makes use of the provisions made in art. 1.1b, 6.3., 6.5 and 6.6.
6.2 The stud certificate
6.2a After mating (including artificial insemination), the breeder and the owner of the stud dog (even if the stud dog is deceased) have to fill in the stud certificate. This certificate has to be handed in with the litter application form. Both animals must have a valid General health certificate.
Note: It is not allowed to use more then one stud for one litter. If it turns out that after extensive examinations of the DNA markers the laboratory concludes that different studs have been used for one litter, it will be published on the ALFA-Europe website (after a disciplinary procedure has been followed).
6.3 Breeding with an unregistered stud dog
6.3a If a breeder wants to use an unregistered Australian Labradoodle stud dog, the breeder must obtain permission in advance. In order to get permission the breeder has to present the stud dog as if he wants to register this dog by using and submitting the assessment form. Of course the stud dog will not be
registered. The breeder is responsible for providing all the documents in time.
Note: The breeder must also submit a completely filled in stud certificate which has been signed by both breeders.
6.3b After examining the presented information, ALFA-Europe decides whether the stud dog can be used. Within three weeks after his request by email, the breeder will get an written response to his request.
Before ALFA Europe takes a decision, the dog may not be used as a stud dog.
6.3c If the stud dog may be used, the breeder receives by email the stud certificate with a signed permission by the board of ALFA-Europe.
6.3d The owner of the unregistered stud dog must submit a new DNA-sample using the ALFA-Europe sample submission form, carried out by VHL, in order to enable parentage verification for his offspring before mating.
Note: The owner of the bitch is responsible for the payment of the DNA-test to ALFA-Europe.
6.4 The use of frozen or chilled semen of a registered stud dog
6.4a The same rules apply as with a normal stud service. The breeder may use frozen semen of a registered dog if he has fulfilled the requirements as described in art. 6.1a and art. 6.2a.
6.5 The use of frozen semen of an unregistered stud dog
6.5a The breeder may use frozen semen of a non registered stud, provided that all registration requirements for breeding have been met in accordance with these breeding rules as described in art. 6.2a, art. 6.3a, b, c and d.
As far as a valid health certificate is concerned: a stud that has produced offspring with proven heredity life threatening diseases is not allowed.
6.6 The use of frozen semen of a deceased registered stud
6.6a The breeder may use frozen semen of a deceased registered dog if he has fulfilled the requirements as described in art. art. 6.2a. As far as a valid health certificate is concerned: a stud that has produced offspring with proven heredity life threatening diseases is not allowed.
6.7 Use of frozen semen of a deceased unregistered stud
6.7a The breeder may use frozen semen of a deceased unregistered stud, provided that all requirements for breeding have been met in accordance with these breeding rules as describe in art. 6.2 and 6.3a, b and c. As far as a valid health certificate is concerned: a stud that has produced offspring with proven heredity life threatening diseases is not allowed.
6.8 Giving a stud service to an unregistered bitch
6.8a Giving a stud service to an unregistered bitch is not allowed.
6.9 Breeding rules concerning hereditary diseases
6.9a Recessive hereditary diseases:
Breeding with two carriers of a proven hereditary disease is not allowed.
6.9b Dominant hereditary diseases:
Breeding with an affected/sufferer or even with a carrier of any autosomal dominant hereditary disease is not allowed.
6.10. Breeding rules concerning inbreeding
6.10a The following combinations are not allowed:
Mating between brother and sister
Mating between father and daughter
Mating between mother and son
Mating between grandfather and granddaughter
Mating between grandmother and grandson
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7 Litter Registrations
7.1 Litters of registered parents
7.1a Litters of registered breeding dogs automatically qualify for registration if they meet these Breeding Rules and Registration Regulations. The breeder has to submit per email the litter registration form within 4 weeks after the birth of the litter.
7.1b Each puppy will get an individual litter registration number. After receiving the DNA-test results from the laboratory, the Laboratory ID number (representing the DNA-profile) of each puppy will be added to the individual litter registration. This will be included in our database.
7.2 Registration of a litter of an unregistered stud dog
7.2a The breeder has to fill in a litter registration form, including the required documents and submit the stud certificate (art. 6.3c.) in which ALFA-Europe gave permission to use the unregistered stud for this mating.
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8 De-sexing
8.1 Neutering / spaying
8.1a The breeder guarantees that all puppies that are not used for breeding will be spayed or neutered before they leave the house / family of the breeder before they go to their new owners.
There will be an exception made for puppies who cannot be operated due to medical reasons. The breeder will stay owner/co-owner until the puppy is neutered.
8.1b In some cases, the breeder could get permission to sell puppies with a postponed neutering contract when the breeder informs the board of ALFA-Europe that early neutering is forbidden in his country.
The breeder must hand over the website address of the publication of such law before the breeder gets permission.
8.1c The castration of a male always means a complete castration and the sterilization of the bitch means that the ovaries are removed, consequently "clipping" is not allowed.
8.2 The de-sexing form
8.2a The ALFA-Europe de-sexing form has to be completed by the breeder, stamped and signed by the vet who performed the operation. The de-sexing form lists all pet puppies, possible breeding puppies and puppies who have not been operated yet for medical reasons.
A true copy has to be sent to ALFA-Europe.
Note: In case a puppy cannot neutered due to medical reasons, the breeder must submit a statement from the vet with the reason why the puppy cannot be operated.
8.2b There are two different de-sexing forms depending on the situation.
A Litter de-sexing form and an Individual de-sexing form.
The Individual de-sexing form must be used in case of a postponed operation, when the dog retires or fails the health test.
8.2c If a future breeding dog fails the health testing it has to be spayed or neutered. An Individual de-sexing form has to be sent to ALFA-Europe.
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9 The pedigrees
9.1 The ALFA-Europe pedigree
9.1a There is only one true and valid pedigree and that is the pedigree as submitted by ALFA-Europe.
Note: If a breeder wants to give the puppy buyer an overview of the parents and ancestors of the puppy (it is not allowed the word "pedigree" ), he must mention on that overview: "This is not a pedigree: only ALFA-Europe provides the official pedigree".
9.1b Only offspring of registered parents with ALFA-Europe are entitled to get an ALFA-Europe pedigree or when a non-registered stud dog has been used after written permission of the board.
9.1c Pedigrees can be obtained by filling in the pedigree application form and sending the form to ALFA-Europe. Based on the DNA-test results (the analysis certificates) from the laboratory and the pedigree application form, ALFA-Europe prints the pedigrees.
9.2 Presentation of the pedigrees to the puppy buyer
9.2a Puppy owners are entitled to get the original documents (the pedigree and the certificates, DNA-profile and Parentage verifying). The breeder must keep copies of these original papers.
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