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The Medallion Rottweiler Club Code of Ethics |
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(a) to encourage and promote the breeding of pure-bred Rottweilers and to do all
To elaborate on those three Constitutional statements, this Code of Ethics is drawn up and subscribed to in the section and paragraphs that follow: I. Purpose. In Rottweiler breeding, the emphasis shall be placed upon working ability and other outstanding qualities of character of this breed, as well as upon appearance. Consistent with the aforementioned, I will agree to breed discriminatingly and only upon strong evidence of the possibility of finding suitable homes for the resultant puppies. I understand and agree that to breed unadvisedly may lead to overpopulation and contribute materially to the deterioration of the Rottweiler breed. II. Records. I agree, if I breed my bitch or use my stud in service, to keep accurate records of stock, matings, and pedigrees, and to register my breeding stock with the American Kennel Club. III. Breeding. I agree that only those Rottweilers will be used for breeding which have OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified hip x-rays (or certified by foreign counterparts of the OFA B imported Rottweilers must have OFA certification within six months after arrival in U.S.A.). At this time, the Board of Directors strongly recommends and suggests that all breeding be permanently identified by one or all of the following: tattoo, microchip, DNA markers, prior to health certifications being obtained from the OFA. If frozen or chilled semen is used, the dog must be x-rayed and certified by the OFA or foreign counterpart at no less than 24 months of age, no disqualifying faults as listed in the 1990 Official AKC revised standard, such as: Entropion, ectropion. Overshot, undershot (when incisors do not touch or mesh); wry mouth; two or more missing teeth. Unilateral cryptorchid or cryptorchid males. Long coat. Any base color other than black; absence of all markings. Excessive temperament exhibited as consistent. I will further agree that, should I breed from lines in which I am knowledgeable that any of the above occur, I will disclose this to my buyers. As the owner of a bitch: I will only breed normal healthy, mature bitches which have reached their 24th month. I will not permit my bitch to produce litters in three consecutive seasons. I further agree to cull deformed puppies. As the owner of a stud dog: I will only breed healthy, mature dogs which have reached their 24th month, and I will refuse stud service to any bitch who has not reached her 24th month, or which I consider in poor health, or which has disqualifying faults or radical departures from the 1990 official AKC revised Standard. I will follow the custom to allow one repeat service (at the bitch's next season) where a bitch has failed to conceive after being bred to one of my studs, if the stud is still in good health and available, and at such time and place as mutually agreed to by the owner of the bitch and myself. I will encourage bitch owners to breed only if they have the facilities, time and resources to adequately care for a litter. It is recommended that each member make a sincere effort to see that a reasonable portion of an anticipated litter by his bitch or that resulted from the use of his stud dog is suitably spoken for before a breeding takes place. A bitch may be bred to only one stud-dog during any one estrous cycle with the exception that a bitch may be bred to multiple sires in the same estrus cycle with strict adherence to the AKC Multiple-Sire Registration Application requirements. Breeders and stud dog owners recognize that they have a lifetime responsibility for puppies produced by their brood bitch or stud dog. Breeders must also recognize the inherent obligation to provide a stable environment that protects each puppy=s physical and emotional well being. This includes helping to relocate to a new home that puppy (or adult dog) which the owner is unable/unwilling to keep or taking that puppy (or adult dog) back. Any provisions for refunds or reimbursement of expenses shall be handled in the contract between the breeder and owner. No puppy or adult dog bred or owned by an MRC member shall be disposed of in an animal shelter or pound unless such disposal is required by law. Enforcement of this paragraph would require that both the breeder and the stud dog owner failed to respond to notification in writing of the plight of the dog/puppy in harm=s way. IV. Health. I agree to maintain good standards of health and care of my dogs including proper veterinary care. I further agree that proper mental health includes regular contact with people and exposure to the outside world. V. Sales. I will refuse to recommend breeders who do not conform to the obligations expressed in this Code, or to sell to dog wholesalers and retailers (such as pet shops), or to donate a Rottweiler for raffle purposes, or to sell or buy in litter-lots. I will use a written agreement with any sales involving a dog. I will pass on to the buyers of puppies or adult dogs accurate health breeding and registration records and a four generation pedigree. When appropriate, AKC limited registration procedures will be followed and the buyer will be advised of the restrictions of this type of registration. I will follow the general practice of breeders, that any puppy sold as a show prospect which subsequently develops a genetic disqualifying defect shall be: (1) replaced by the breeder with another show prospect puppy, or (2) the money refunded and the dog returned to the breeder or (3) the buyers money be refunded to the extent of the differences between the price of pet puppies sold from the same or similar litters with the buyer retaining the dog, or any other mutually agreeable alternative. I will further recommend to my puppy purchasers that they render incapable of reproducing any dog which has developed disqualifying and serious faults thereby rendering the dog unsuitable for breeding. I will not release puppies before they are seven weeks of age, and then only with the full knowledge that they are healthy and have had the required medical inoculations and care. I will urge my puppy purchasers to provide obedience training at the proper age. As a breeder I will make a sincere effort to see that every dog will have an adequate home and be properly cared for. VI. Advertising. I agree that my advertising, oral or written, shall be factual and not worded so as to attract undesirable buyers, or to encourage the raising of purebred Rottweilers as an easy money scheme. No price should be given in advertising Rottweilers. VII. Sportsmanship. I shall conduct myself at all times in a manner which will reflect credit upon me and the breed, regardless of the location or circumstances, but especially when attending dog shows, whether as an exhibitor or a spectator. It is recommended that this conduct follow through at club meetings. VIII. Enforcement. I understand and agree that upon receipt of sufficient written proof of violations of this Code of Ethics, the Board of Directors will proceed according to the Constitution of the Medallion Rottweiler Club, Article VII (Discipline). A Grievance Committee of three members is to be appointed by the Board of Directors as required to report their findings to the Board for a vote by the Board. IX. Special Circumstances. I further understand and agree that should I, through no fault of my own, be in violation of any of the aforementioned provisions, I shall have recourse to the Grievance Committee appointed by the Board of Directors. Revised: March 25, 2007 |