This Code of Ethics is presented as a guide for members whose foremost aims should be the welfare and improvement of the breed. The purpose of these guidelines is to set forth minimum principles of practice to which GVFRRC would have its members adhere as they strive to accomplish the goals and purposes set forth in the Bylaws of GVFRRC. These guidelines are presented with the realization that ethics are difficult to regulate and most individuals desire and intend to do what is right. Education and communication are the preferred methods of obtaining compliance to this code; however, flagrant, serious and/or repeated disregard of this code may result in charges. When in doubt of any of the following points, an ethical owner is encouraged to consult with authorities, such as experienced reputable breeders of the Ethics Committee.
I. HEALTH
1. All dogs shall be kept in a clean, healthy and safe environment.
2. Dogs will be provided with all socialization, vaccinations, worming and anti-parasite treatments necessary to provide maximum mental and physical well being.
3. When a Ridgeback must be euthanized, the procedure shall be properly performed.
II. BREEDING
1. A breeder’s aim and foremost responsibility shall be to produce the healthiest and best representatives of the breed possible.
2. Each litter shall be the result of conscientious planning, including consideration of health, soundness, temperament, and conformity to the official standard of the breed.
3. Only healthy, mature adult dogs shall be used in a breeding program. Additional precautions, including a veterinarian consultation, should be taken when breeding a bitch over seven (7) years and under 18 months of age.
4. Only dogs screened and certified clear of hip dysplasia shall be bred. Breeders are encouraged to screen for all appropriate hereditary disorders.
5. Only purebred, American Kennel Club (AKC) (or equivalent) registered Rhodesian Ridgebacks shall be used for breeding.
6. Stud dog owners shall adhere to these guidelines and ensure that the litter owner is aware of, and agrees to abide by, this Code of Ethics.
III. SALES
1. Breeders must be particularly concerned with the proper placement of puppies, both pet and show potential. Puppies should not be displayed in public places for the sole purpose of immediate sale.
2. Breeders shall urge purchasers to spay or neuter any dog which is considered breedable quality and make use of limited registrations where appropriate. If puppies with serious defects or faults (dermoid sinus, ridgelessness) are sold rather than culled, the breed must take extra responsibility to see that the dog is spayed or neutered. Dermoid surgery should be performed prior to placing the pup in a new home.
3. Members will not knowingly furnish puppies or adult dogs for wholesale, pet shops, or dispose of them as "Give Away" prizes; neither will they sell puppies to nor breed to, dogs owned by those whom they have reason to believe may do so.
4. Members will not dispose of dogs or puppies by them to the local animal shelter, pound, humane society or any organizations of that type.
5. Registration papers or a bill of sale stating size, dam and date of birth shall accompany puppies as they go to new homes.
6. Breeders shall furnish the buyer with written details on feeding, dates of inoculations, worming and general care of the dog.
7. Responsibility of the breeder does not stop with the sale. The breeder should be available for consultation and to assist in the placement of any dog sold by the breeder is such need arises.
IV. REGISTRATION
1. All members shall keep complete and accurate records individual dogs, breedings, litters, pedigrees, and puppy sales as required by the AKC, and abide by the AKC rules and regulations.
V. EXHIBITION
1. Members shall abide by the rules and regulations of the AKC or the rules of the Club under which the event is held and exhibit in the spirit of good sportsmanship.
2. Hotels and show grounds shall be treated with respect and left in a clean condition.
3. Consideration of other guests in the hotel is imperative and dogs creating a disturbance are to be attended to immediately and precautions taken to see that it does not happen again.
4. A member does not engage in false or misleading statement regarding a judge, exhibitor, fell member, another dog or misrepresentation of their own dogs.
5. Alleged misconduct should be objectively and calmly presented to the proper representative of this Club or the AKC when appropriate
Members shall do all within their power to uphold, promote, and protect the interests of the breed by conducting themselves in a manner reflecting credit on the Club, its members, their dogs, and the dog world in general.
