Code of Ethics for Dallas Shetland Sheepdog Club

The Code of Ethics

The members of Dallas Shetland Sheepdog Club, Inc., in order to protect and promote the advancement and proper breeding and showing of the Shetland Sheepdogs, as well as ethical kennel practices, do hereby set forth this Code of Ethics. When confronted with a situation not covered in this Code of Ethics, one shall conduct oneself as one would expect to be treated under similar circumstances.

HEALTH AND KENNEL PRACTICES

I will maintain the best possible standard of health and care for my Shetland Sheepdog and maintain accurate medical records.
At no time shall I permit the use of drugs or surgery to alter conformation, except for those surgical practices accepted by the AKC Standards.

BREEDING

I agree to conscientiously plan each litter based on the parents' appropriate temperament and qualities in relation to the Shetland Sheepdog Breed Official Standard.
I shall use only Shetland Sheepdogs which are of sound temperament and are free from congenital defects such as hereditary orchidism.
I shall breed healthy mature bitches preferably after one (1) year of age and after the first season. I shall allow proper spacing between litters.
Those males that I offer for stud shall be in good health and good physical condition adhering to the Breed Standard.
It is the resposibility of the stud dog owner to properly provide for all visiting bitches and breed them only to the stud dog specified by her owner. A change of stud dog is permitted with the express consent of the owner of the bitch.
I shall sell Shetland Sheepdogs, permit stud service and lease studs or bitches only to individuals who give satifactory evidence that they will give them proper care and attention. I shall make available to the novice the benefit of helpful information, experience and advice pertaining to the betterment of the Shetland Sheepdog.

REGISTRATION

Shetland Sheepdogs must be properly and honestly registered with The American Kennel Club and accurate records kept of all matings and pedigrees.

SELLING AND LEASING

I shall refuse to deal knowingly with unethical breeders, dog wholesalers or retailers nor to deal with any buyer where I have reason to believe that the puppy or dog will not be properly cared for.
I shall keep and pass on to the buyers of puppies or adult dogs accurate health, shot, registration and pedigree records.
I shall not sell Shetland Sheepdogs without true representation to the purchaser nor use misleading or untruthful statements in selling or advertising.
I shall guarantee that any puppy or adult dog sold by me, at the time of sale, is in good health. I shall suggest that the customer have the dog examined by his own veterinarian if he so desires.
I shall not sell or donate dogs to commercial dog wholesalers or retailers nor to laboratories for experimental purposes. Nor shall I donate any Shetland Sheepdog to be given away as an award nor any other similar purpose.

SHOWING

I shall at all times act courteously with sportsmanlike conduct inside and outside the show ring. I shall not maliciously degrade judges, their judging exhibitors, or their dogs.