CodeofEthics.htm

I will keep accurate records, and retain those records for a minimum of five years. These records will include: stud service contract, pedigrees, all litters produced and all dogs/puppies sold. I will report to the Board of Directors of AACOO any person who falsifies a registration, or knowingly misrepresents a pedigree.

Breeding

I shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of improving the breed.
I will select the stud dog and brood bitch with an eye to conformation, temperament and working instinct and ability, with a careful study of the breed standard and the principles of genetics.
I will not breed any male or female until they are both physically and mentally mature.
Before entering into any breeding arrangement, I will scrutinize the pedigree, conformation and working potential of both the sire and dame, keeping in mind the ideal of the breed. I have an obligation to refuse the breeding if, in my opinion, it is not in the best interest of the breed.
As a responsible stud dog owner, I understand that should I refuse a breeding, I will fully explain my reasons to the owner of the bitch.
I believe that only those dogs known to be free of serious or disqualifying defects should be used for breeding. I will not breed monorchids, cryptorchids, dogs with vicious or shy temperaments, or dogs with serious defects or disqualifications addressed in the breed standard.
As a responsible breeder, I will refrain from using a dog that, although free from serious or disqualifying defects, consistently produces afflicted puppies.
I will encourage/require the buyers of pet quality puppies to spay or neuter them when the pup is physically mature.

Heath

I will maintain high standards of health and care for my dogs, and guarantee the health of my puppies at the time of sale.

Sales

I will be discriminating in the sales of my puppies and concerned with the type of homes in which they are placed. My dogs/puppies will not be sold to dog wholesalers or retailers.
I will transfer all applicable registration papers at the time the purchase agreement is completed and is agreeable to both parties.
Upon the sale of a dog/puppy, I will provide the buyer with a properly executed registration certificate, diet record, inoculation and parasite control record and a health guarantee.
I will refrain from releasing any puppy until it is at least seven weeks old, or eight weeks old if the puppy is to be shipped.

Advertising

My advertising of dogs/puppies will be factual and honest, both in substance and implication.
I will avoid encouraging buyers regarding the breeding potential of a dog/puppy. I believe breeding purebred dogs involves certain responsibilities, and I will not take it lightly.

Exhibitor/Breeder Relations

I understand that exhibiting dogs is a sport and that I am expected to express good sportsmanship in all activities.
As an exhibitor, I will refrain from unnecessary criticism of other people’s dogs.
As a matter of ethics, I pledge to help educate the general public as well as to assist the novice breeder.

AACOO Requirements

Food and Water

Clean water must be available at all times. Care should be taken so that water dishes are not tipped easily and are filled several times per day in case of spilling.

A balanced diet is necessary for good health. Food containers must be cleaned regularly. Special attention to feeding times is required in a multi-dog confinement area to ensure that each dog receives adequate nourishment.

Shelter

All dogs must have access to dry, weatherproof housing. The shelter must be properly maintained in relation to weather conditions. Regular inspections of housing are necessary to ensure sanitary bedding and protection from objects harmful to pups and adults.

Whelping Area

The whelping area must be a warm, clean and roomy area segregated from other dogs, with easy accessibility for cleaning and inspection. For both pups and mother, the kennel owner must provide a healthy whelping area for maximum growth, survival, exercise and socialization with people.

Confinement

Each litter must be segregated or properly identified. Dogs must be confined in such a manner that prevents their escape yet provides adequate room for individual mobility. Crated dogs must have an exercise area and receive adequate exercise daily. Females in season must be separated from males (other than the male she is bred to) for her entire heat cycle.

Safety & Protection

The kennel owner must ensure that dogs kenneled together are compatible and not in danger of injuring one another. Dogs must be protected from stray and wild animals and from objects harmful to pups and adults. Adequate fencing is required.

Health Care

Vaccinations must be administered in accordance with local and state requirements. An internal and external parasite control program must be maintained. Sick dogs must be separated from general kennel population. Bathing/grooming should be administered as required by breed to maintain proper health conditions.

Socialization

A daily regimen of human interaction is necessary to ensure the development of good temperament for all dogs, especially for pups. Obedience training, emphasizing positive training methods, is strongly recommended.

Waste Disposal

Waste must be removed in accordance with accepted local, state and federal requirements. The kennel area must be cleaned of all feces and urine daily. Solid waste must be removed from the kennel area.

Record Keeping

Individual health records must be maintained for each dog. All breedings must be recorded as well as the resultant litters from those breedings. A sales record indicating to whom each dog is sold is necessary.

Kennel owners must meet all local, county, state and federal government requirements for kennel operations.

Implementation

This Code of Ethics is intended as an expression of goals for breeders, exhibitors and fanciers. It is not to be construed as a rule or regulation to be enforced by punishment. Breeders are expected to police themselves in a civil and responsible manner.

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