Members will make every effort to adhere to the Code of Ethics set out in the following schedule. Any failure to do so may be investigated by the committee who may then, if they consider it appropriate, institute the procedure for expulsion in accordance with the Club Rules.

1. Before breeding a litter, serious and equal consideration should be given to construction, temperament, health and soundness. In the choice of breeding stock it should always be borne in mind that aggression and nervousness form no part of an English Springer Spaniel’s temperament and character.
2. No bitch should be required to have more than four litters or thirty-two progeny and no bitch should be bred from at successive seasons except under veterinary advice and unless a period of more than twelve months has elapsed. No bitch should be mated before the age of eighteen months nor after the age of seven years, except under special circumstances. Before a bitch is mated due regard should be given to her general condition and fitness and, in the case of a second or subsequent litters, her previous breeding history including ease of whelping. In all cases of doubt, veterinary opinion should be sought.
3. All breeding should be aimed at the improvement of the breed. Members should do everything in their power to discourage indiscriminate breeding from unsuitable stock.
4. No member should breed a litter unless he/she has the time and facilities to devote proper care and attention to the rearing of the puppies and to the well-being of the dam. No member should provide stud services unless he/she is fully satisfied that the owner of the bitch has such time and facilities.
5. No puppies should leave the breeder before the age of seven weeks, eight weeks of age would be preferable. Puppies should not be sold to homes where it is known that they will be left on their own all day.
6. No puppies should be exported before they are fully inoculated according to the Regulations in force in the country to which they are exported. Puppies should never be sold to countries where they are not protected by anti-cruelty laws. If doubt exists, DEFRA and/or the Kennel Club should be consulted.
7. Puppies should never be knowingly sold to laboratories, pet shops or dealers in dogs or to persons known to sell puppies to any of these outlets, nor should stud services be provided in these cases. A puppy should never be sold or offered as a prize in a raffle or any other competition.
8. Prospective buyers of puppies and/or adult stock should be carefully screened for suitability and should be fully advised of the characteristics of the English Springer Spaniel as a breed, stressing the necessity for care, grooming and ample exercise. It should also be stated whether the animal is registered with the Kennel Club.
9. No puppy or adult which has any apparent physical defect or which shows any definite departure from the Breed Standard should be knowingly sold without the buyer being made fully aware of such defect and its possible consequences. Members should only sell puppies and adults which, to the best of their knowledge and belief are in good health at the time of sale.
10. Each purchaser of an English Springer Spaniel puppy or adult should be provided at the time of sale with a pedigree, diet sheet and information about training, worming and inoculations. The purchaser should also be provided, where applicable, either at the time of sale or as soon as possible thereafter, with any necessary documentation for Kennel Club registration. No puppy should be sold without the buyer being aware that he/she will be unable to register it with the Kennel Club.
11. It should be impressed on buyers that they should contact the breeder in the event of any problem arising with the puppy or adult and the breeder to make every effort to be of assistance in these circumstances.
12. Advertising by Members should be strictly factual. Misleading exaggeration or unfounded implications of superiority should not be used. Members should also refrain from making unfair or untrue statements about the dogs or practices of others.
13. Members will be expected to be co-operative in any measures aimed at the eradicating any hereditary diseases. They shall commit themselves to a positive program of testing for hereditary defects as agreed by the ESS Breed Clubs and Societies and will make available copies of relevant documents to purchasers of their stock.
14. It would follow that it is the responsibility of all stud dogs owners to investigate the history of visiting bitches. No bitch should be mated unless she fulfils the criteria as stated in this schedule.