The Heart of Texas Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. sets forth the following precepts. They are intended to function as recommended guidelines and serve to set an example for all breeders, exhibitors and owners to follow. Any conduct deemed prejudicial to the welfare of the breed or the Club may be brought before the club to be considered under the guidelines in the constitution and by-laws.

Members have the responsibility of raising their dogs to be well-mannered representatives of the breed and maintaining their dogs health and well being.

Members have the responsibility of educating the public with regard to various aspects of the breed and of setting a positive example for the public with respect to the socializing, training, maintenance and healthcare of dogs.

Members are required to exhibit good sportsmanship in all dog or club related events and to promote the positive aspects of the sport of pure-bred dogs and the human-canine bond.

Members are expected to acknowledge that they have a life-long responsibility for the dogs they produce and that their assistance may be required should a puppy or dog they place need to be re-homed at a later date.

The Heart of Texas Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. acknowledges that each individual breeder is responsible for his or her own decisions regarding their breeding program. In order to maintain the breed’s purpose and soundness, the following guidelines are suggested:

All breeding stock should:

a.) be mentally sound, possessing the typical Labrador temperament and trainability;
b.) be old enough to be reliably evaluated for inherited defects and mature enough mentally to rear puppies successfully;

c.) be physically healthy and free of serious inherited defects;
d.) have a third party certification of quality, which indicated the dog is above average for the breed and worthy of being bred. (This may be certification(s) of performance ability, service or therapy work or point(s) earned in conformation.)

The minimum screening for inherited defects in breeding stock should include:
a.) orthopedic evaluation for hip and elbow dysplasia;
b.) eye exams and/or blood tests for inherited eye disease.

Additionally, breeding stock should be:
a.) free of heart defects;
b.) thyroid normal;
c.) seizure free.

Puppies going to new homes should have:
a.) appropriate vaccinations, wormings and vet exams;
b.) eye exams between the ages of six and twelve weeks;
c.) appropriate paperwork, contact information and educational materials.

The Heart of Texas Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. hopes that by following these guidelines members will continue their successful stewardship of the Labrador Retriever, and will increase the general public’s awareness and appreciation of this wonderful breed.