An ethical breeder should: 
 

• Not engage in false or misleading advertising.  False or misleading advertising means but is not limited to statements of percentage that haven’t been verified through a reputable wolf dog registry * or through documentation from all breeders involved throughout the lineage for at least three generations of Sire and Dam.

• Breed only to quality non-aggressive lupine-type canines or “northern breed” dogs to produce offspring complimentary to the "breed".  Lupine type or Northern Breed dogs are generally considered to be AKC registered malamutes, huskies or German Shepherds or a verifiable combination there of.

• Breed animals of sound temperament that are free from known genetic defects that might impair the health and/or quality of life of the offspring.

• Place each animal with a breeder’s contract that guarantees it to be free of known genetic defects and offering a replacement animal or reimbursement should any genetic defects be found within 2 years of whelp date.  Veterinary documentation should be provided to the breeder of any genetic defect.

• NWA recommends genetic testing such as OFA or Penn Hip and CERF (Canine Eye Registration).  Results of these tests should not be used in lieu of a written guarantee.

• Have a written breeding contract outlining the stipulations and concerns of both  parties, such as first choice of litter, fees, transportation, containment, feeding, veterinarian fees/costs, animal health, genetic testing of animals and pup placement. 

• Verify that breeding service animals are in excellent health, genetically sound and are of good temperament (not consistently aggressive towards humans or animals) and that the lineage of the male/female are verifiable.

• Refuse breeding services to any animal whose owner is known to sell to wholesalers, puppy mills, brokers, unethical buyers, or anyone convicted of animal abuse or to zoophiles.

• State within the Breeding contract the means by which a repeat stud service would be allowed and the conditions that would warrant it if at least one live offspring is not produced within seventy (70) days of the actual breeding and should provide stipulations for the mutual satisfaction of both parties for another stud service or refund of monies. 

In the area of sales, an ethical breeder should: 
 

• Sell animals under a detailed contract that includes but is not limited to feeding, training and containment.  Contract should state first right of return be granted to the seller if owner relinquishes rights to the animal for any reason.

• Refuse to sell to or recommend any known unethical or irresponsible breeders, wholesalers, puppy millers, collectors, or brokers. Provide information to facilitate registration to all buyers of his/her puppies or adult animals with reputable registries * and would cooperate fully in assisting reputable registries * when registering animals produced by him/her.  It is strongly recommended that an animal that does not phenotypically meet or exceed its purported percentage/content should not be bred.  Additionally, if an animal is not registered or is not able to be registered with a reputable registry *, it should not be bred. 

• Maintain accurate health records of all his/her animals and their litters. 

• Give vaccinations and worming at appropriate ages and any other necessary veterinary care to pups before placing them and would deliver only pups of sound health.  A Veterinary Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian should accompany each pup, for the protection of the seller, buyer and the pup.

• Refuse to sell an animal for resale.

• Refuse to sell to anyone who does not have minimal containment facilities suitable for the age/size/sex and number of animals in each containment area. 

• Reclaim any pup that must be relinquished by buyer or assist in the placement of said pup.

• Place any puppy which breeder considers being less than “breeding quality” under a spay/neuter contract.  Reputable registries * should be informed of all animals sold, transferred or released from breeder’s ownership under a spay/neuter contract. 

• Encourage all buyers to have their new animal(s) examined within 48 hours of leaving breeder’s facility by a licensed veterinarian and ask that the results of that examination be reported to breeder. 

• Recommend to all buyers who purchased an animal with the intention of breeding that the animal be tested for any known congenital health problems in the breeds involved.