BCOE Application Process

BCOE Application Process
A step by step guide for applying to become a
NEMDA Breeder Code of Ethics member
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What is the NEMDA BCOE?
BCOE is the Breeder Code of Ethics.
The BCOE is the written document outlining minimum
standards of values, conduct, and ethics within a breeder’s
breeding program to be affiliated with the Entlebucher
Mountain Dog parent club, NEMDA.
A NEMDA COE breeder is a member in good standing with
the National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association
(NEMDA), and also voluntarily signs the written document
agreeing that as an Entlebucher breeder they will adhere to
the parent club’s approved Breeder Code of Ethics.
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The Breeder’s Code of Ethics (BCOE) is a program facilitated by the Breed
Committee to provide breeder information, education, support, networking and
to promote quality breeding practices to preserve the health and breed standard
of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
To become a BCOE breeder, a breeder must adhere to the NEMDA Code of Ethics
(COE) and to all requirements set forth in the Breeder Code of Ethics. Breeders
submit specific documentation that supports their adherence to the BCOE
standards in their initial application, as well as in their annual reports to the Breed
Committee.
Being a BCOE NEMDA breeder is voluntary and speaks to an individual
breeder’s level of personal pride, conviction, and commitment to adhere to the
Code Of Ethics standards and ideals in their own Entlebucher breeding programs
(as outlined in the document). The NEMDA Breeder Code of Ethics are currently
the most strict ethical and health guidelines available regarding the breeding of
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs in North America. The Breeder Code Of Ethics
document is meant for the vitality, vigor and diversity of the breed. BCOE
Breeders have a common goal of betterment for the Entlebucher breed’s future.
There may be NEMDA members who choose not to become BCOE breeders,
again it is a voluntary program.
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Are you ready to become an official
NEMDA BCOE Breeder?
Please Answer Yes or No to the Following Question:
Do you have an intact male or female Entlebucher over 18
months of age?
If Yes, please continue to the next page for steps to become
a BCOE Breeder.
If No, skip to page 20 to find out if you are eligible to
become a BCOE Partner!
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Please Answer Yes or No to the Following Questions:
Have you read the NEMDA Breeder Code of Ethics (BCOE)?
If Yes, Congratulations! If you agree, please sign & date
your copy to submit.
If No, please read:
NEMDA Breeder Code of Ethics
Have you read the AKC Entlebucher Breed Standard?
If Yes, Congratulations! Continue to the next page.
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Please Answer Yes or No to the Following Questions:
Has your Entlebucher been evaluated for how their traits fall within the
Breed Standard?
Is your Entlebucher physically and temperamentally sound?
Do you understand the good and not-so-good points of your
Entlebucher?
If Yes, Congratulations! Continue to the next page.
If No to any of the above, you might want to discuss how your Entle
conforms to the Breed Standard with your own breeder, discuss with
other trusted knowledgeable Entle breeders, consult the Entle judge’s
education handout, participate in CEBA or conformation show
opportunities and contact breeding@nemda.org to help you find
evaluators, judges or other resources to help you learn more.
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Please Answer Yes or No to the Following Questions:
Is your Entlebucher registered as purebred from an official registry
such as AKC, CKC, or FCI?
If Yes, make a copy of their registration certificate to submit with
your application.
If No, contact breeding@nemda.org for verification.
Does your dog have a DNA certificate on file with an official registry?
If Yes, you will need your dog’s DNA number to submit with your
application. Continue to the next page.
If No, go to the AKC DNA Resource Center link to find out how to
get a DNA number for your Entle:
AKC DNA Resource Center
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Please Answer Yes or No to the Following Question:
Does your Entlebucher have a registered Microchip?
If Yes, Congratulations! You will need this number to submit on
your application. Continue to the next page.
If No, contact your veterinarian to get your dog microchipped
from a nationally recognized manufacturer.
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All current Entlebucher breeding stock must be evaluated by
a Canine Ophthalmologist annually and receive a passing
eye exam report. The report needs to be submitted to OFA to
receive an updated certificate number.
After you submit your breeding dog/bitch’s initial health
documentation, you will be submitting annual updates to the
Breed Committee which cover your previous year’s breeding
activities and provide current health documentation by July
1st of each calendar year. You will receive a notification
reminder within 30 days of the Annual paperwork due date.
It will be helpful to keep an electronic file copy and a back up
electronic or hard copy (in case anything happens to your
computer) of all your paperwork in an easily accessible
location.
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Please answer Yes or No to the Following Question:
Has your dog received a Fair, Good, or Excellent hip score from
OFA if they are over 2 years of age? Or, has your dog received
a preliminary hip score from OFA if they are between 18
months and 2 years of age?
If Yes, Congratulations! Make a copy of your dog’s OFA hip
certificate to submit with your application. Continue to the
next page.
If No, go to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website
to learn about the hip exam then schedule an appointment
with an experienced veterinarian for this exam.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
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Please answer Yes or No to the Following Question:
Has your dog received a passing eye report (within the last year)
from a Canine Ophthalmologist and an official eye certificate from
OFA? (Please note: An OFA certificate will not be issued to dogs with posterior
polar cataracts, retinal folds, or PRA, but the exam report must still be submitted
to the Breed Committee since they are still eligible for breeding with clear dogs.
If Yes, Congratulations! Make a copy of your dog’s eye report
and OFA eye certificate to submit with your application.
Continue to the next page.
If No, go to the American College of Veterinary
Ophthalmologists to find a qualified Canine Ophthalmologist
and schedule an OFA eye exam.
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
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Please Answer Yes or No to the Following Question:
Has your dog received a letter from Optigen indicating the
PRA status?
If Yes, Congratulations! Make a copy of the Optigen letter
to submit with your application. Continue to the next
page.
If No, go to the Optigen website to get instructions on
how to send in either blood or a cheek swab to get the
PRA status of your dog.
Optigen
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If you are interested in health testing beyond the minimums required for
BCOE application, here is a list of additional optional exams:
PennHip
Gonioscopy
Heart
Elbow
Patella
Semen Evaluation for Stud Dogs are highly recommended.
Note: Depending on age of dog, the OFA Hip, Elbow, and Patella can
be done at the same time. Please contact breeding@nemda.org to let
us help you research more information about these exams.
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Do you have 3 letters of reference from people that would
recommend you to become a BCOE breeder?
These references can be from veterinarians, trainers, other BCOE
breeders, or the breeder you got your Entlebucher from.
If Yes, Congratulations! Make copy of all 3 letters of
reference to submit with your application. Continue to the
next page.
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Include your “BCOE Breed Book Data Form” so that other BCOE
Breeders will see photos and learn about your Entlebucher for
breeding decisions.
Download, fill out, and submit with your application:
BCOE Breed Book Data Form
Please refer to the separate handout entitled:
“How to take photos of your breeding dog”
Available upon request from the
Breeding Committee at:
breeding@nemda.org
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BCOE Checklist:
I have read the Breeders Code of Ethics.
I have read the Entlebucher Breed Standard.
My Entlebucher has been evaluated for how their traits fall within the Breed Standard.
My Entlebucher is physically and temperamentally sound.
I understand the good and not-so-good points of my Entlebucher.
My dog has a DNA certificate.
My dog is microchipped.
My dog has an OFA hip certificate.
My dog has an Ophthalmologist eye report.
My dog has an OFA eye certificate.
My dog has a letter from Optigen for the PRA status.
I have 3 letters of reference.
I have 3 high resolution photos (head, side, and front) of my dog.
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Congratulations!!
You are ready to submit your paperwork
to apply as a BCOE member!
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You may either submit your NEMDA BCOE application online
or hardcopy via regular mail.
To submit your application online, go to:
NEMDA BCOE Online Application
OR
To submit a hard copy application, download and print the
application to send either scanned copy email or postal mail
to the address on the PDF form below:
NEMDA BCOE Hard Copy Application
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Congratulations!
A Breed Committee representative will soon touch base with
you regarding your completed application.
Verification of your application will take approximately 30
days at which time your application will be forwarded to the
NEMDA Board for approval. Please allow 60 days for the total
process.
Contact breeding@NEMDA.org with questions
about the BCOE or to request breeding information.
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What is a BCOE Partner?
The NEMDA Breed Committee has expanded the BCOE program to include the BCOE
Partners. The BCOE Partner level is intended for:
1). Any NEMDA member interested in breeding Entlebuchers, but who does not
currently have an Entlebucher that is of breeding age.
2). Any NEMDA breeder (past or retired) in recognition that there are many members
with value to offer.
The BCOE Partners Program fills an important role that offers opportunities for education
and learning before one begins breeding Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. Another vital role of
the BCOE Partner Program is to benefit from the insights and experience from past breeders
while providing continuity of sharing knowledge acquired from those who may have
retired or taken a break from actively breeding Entlebuchers.
All BCOE activities are focused on breeding quality Entlebucher Mountain Dogs that are
mentally and physically healthy and everything an Entlebucher Mountain Dog should be,
whether that Entle is a winning show dog, talented sports competitor, or simply the best pet
an owner can have!
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How to become a BCOE Partner:
If your male or female Entlebucher is under 18 months of
age, or if you are a past or retired breeder, you are eligible to
become a NEMDA BCOE Partner!
Go to the following link to find out how to become a BCOE
Partner:
NEMDA BCOE Partner
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Thank You!
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