Breeder Recognition Scheme
Policy
This policy outlines the standards, criteria, responsibilities and expectations for breeders seeking recognition by the British Cane Corso Society (BCCS) in the United Kingdom. It explains eligibility, ethical breeding practices, health testing requirements and the obligations of recognised breeders.
1. purpose
1.1 The Breeder Recognition Scheme (“the Scheme”) supports the improvement of Cane Corso
breeding in the UK by recognising and encouraging responsible practices.
1.2 The Scheme provides a structured pathway for breeder development without excluding new or inexperienced breeders.
1.3 Tier participation is voluntary and open to any current member who breeds Cane Corso.
2. ELIGIBILITY
2.1 Applicants must be members of the Society in good standing.
2.2 Breeder Members must comply with:
a) The Society’s Constitution
b) The Code of Ethics
c) UK legal requirements for breeding and animal welfare
2.3 Initial tier status is granted on application and may be adjusted annually or following
Committee review.
3. TIER STRUCTURE
Breeders may be recognised at one of three levels:
a) Foundation Breeder Member
b) Responsible Accredited Breeder
c) Prestige Accredited Breeder
4. Foundation breeder member (baseline)
Foundation Breeder Members must:
4.1 Follow all legal requirements for dog breeding and puppy transfer.
4.2 Microchip puppies prior to sale and provide accurate written care advice.
4.3 Maintain honest and transparent communication with owners.
4.4 Provide puppies with safe housing, basic early socialisation and veterinary care appropriate to age.
4.5 Make reasonable effort to support owners after sale.
4.6 Avoid selling to:
• pet shops
• commercial dealers
• third-party traders
• homes with clear welfare concerns
Recognition: Listed as Foundation Breeder Member.
Promotion: Not recommended publicly by the Society.
5. Responsible accredited breeder
Responsible Accredited Breeders commit to an elevated Foundation including:
5.1 Core Health Testing
a) Hip scoring
b) Elbow scoring
c) DRSA (Degenerative Rotating Shoulder Atrophy) DNA test
5.2 Written Contracts
Use of a written puppy sales contract outlining responsibilities.
5.3 Owner Education
Provision of a Puppy Pack including care, feeding, training and welfare information.
5.4 Lifetime Support
Reasonable lifetime support to owners and willingness to assist with rehoming when needed.
5.5 Socialisation
Documented socialisation beyond minimal exposure (e.g. checklist or progress notes).
5.6 Transparency
Honest representation of health testing results and breeding decisions.
Recognition:
• Listed publicly as Responsible Accredited Breeder
• Eligible for referral on enquiry
• May use Responsible badge in accordance with Badge Use Policy
6. Prestige accredited breeder
Prestige Accreditation acknowledges consistent best practice.
Prestige Breeders must meet Responsible requirements plus:
6.1 Extended Health Testing
a) Hip scoring
b) Elbow scoring
c) Eye examination (where available)
d) DNA testing where breed-relevant schemes exist
6.2 Structured Socialisation
Use of structured socialisation and enrichment (e.g. Puppy Culture, ENS or equivalent).
6.3 Contractual Protection
Inclusion of return-to-breeder or rehoming support clauses in contracts.
6.4 Recordkeeping
Maintenance of outcome records to inform future breeding decisions.
6.5 Temperament Priority
Prioritise stable, breed-typical temperament and avoid knowingly perpetuating hereditary concerns.
Recognition:
• Listed publicly with priority
• Promoted first for puppy enquiries
• May use Prestige badge under Badge Use Policy
• Eligible for breeder advisory input to the Committee (non-voting unless elected)
7. evidence & assessment
7.1 Annual renewal is required for all tiers using the Society’s attestation form.
7.2 The Committee may request:
a) Copies of health results
b) Sample contracts (with redacted buyer details)
c) Puppy pack examples
d) Socialisation evidence
7.3 Evidence requests will be proportionate and not burdensome.
9. downgrading, suspension & removal
8.1 A breeder may be downgraded if:
a) Tier criteria lapse
b) Evidence is not provided when reasonably requested
c) Welfare or ethical concerns are raised
8.2 Membership suspension or removal will follow the Society’s disciplinary procedure.
8.3 Members may appeal in writing to the Committee.
9. reinstatement
9.1 Breeders may request reinstatement or upgraded tier status once criteria are met.
9.2 The Society encourages continued development rather than exclusion.
10. promotion & public listing
10.1 Only Responsible and Prestige Accredited Breeders may be promoted by the Society.
10.2 Foundation Breeders may request education and mentoring opportunities but shall not be publicly recommended.
10.3 All promotion is at the discretion of the Committee.
11. review of policy
11.1 The Committee may review and update this policy periodically to reflect new health testing, science, or Kennel Club guidance.
11.2 Changes will be notified to members and take effect on the next renewal cycle unless urgent welfare reasons require immediate adoption.