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This Code of Ethics is established to provide guidelines for members of the Shetland
Sheepdog Club of Greater Detroit, Inc. in the course of breeding, selling, exhibiting, and
advertising Shetland Sheepdogs. This Code, moreover, shall be a reference for the Board in
considering any disciplinary action in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws, and
for any member in initiating complaints concerning unethical conduct intended to lead to
such disciplinary action.
I. GENERAL
(A.) Each member of the Club should consider the welfare of the breed when engaged in any
activities involving the ownership, breeding, exhibiting, and selling of Shetland
Sheepdogs, and should refrain from any actions which would be prejudicial to the best
interest of the breed and the Club.
(B.) Each member of the Club should become familiar with the official standard and use it
as a guide in striving toward the improvement of the breed.
(C.) Each member of the Club is expected to comply with the regulations of the American
Kennel Club relating to the member's activities. The ethical standards of this Code shall
not be interpreted in any manner to be in conflict with those of the American Kennel Club.
II. OWNERSHIP
(A.) Each member should maintain high standards of health, care, and treatment for any
Shetland Sheepdogs owned, whether maintained in residence or kennel, and shall give due
regard to both housing and adequate socialization.
(B.) Each member should maintain high standards of animal control, and should duly respect
the rights of others by responsible dog ownership.
III. BREEDING
(A.) All breeding stock should be in good health, free from internal and external
parasites, and free from communicable disease. Health or disease problems determined
following a breeding should be discussed immediately thereafter with all parties to the
arrangement.
(B.) Dogs known to be sterile, monorchid, or cryptorchid will not be offered at stud.
(C.) Dogs and bitches with genetic defects or which are physically or temperamentally
unsound should not be used in breeding.
(D.) A conscientious breeder will eliminate from his/her program any dog or bitch that
produces puppies of inferior quality or with genetic defects.
(E.) A bitch shall be bred only to one stud during any one estrus cycle. Breedings should
be witnessed; the owner of the stud or bitch may be considered a witness. A bitch should
be bred only to the selected stud, and the owner of the bitch must be consulted before any
other stud is used. Any mismating should be fully disclosed, and litter registrations
should not be signed in the event of a dual mating.
(F.) Either party to a proposed breeding should fully disclose (as known) pertinent
information and any requested details on what the dog or bitch has produced. Unproven
studs should be represented as such.
(G.) Each member is obligated to maintain adequate health, breeding and pedigree records
on breeding stock and puppies.
(H.) All breedings should be selective, discouraging indiscriminate breeding of inferior
animals for purpose of puppy sales.
(I.) A Shetland Sheepdog without AKC registration papers will not be used for breeding,
nor shall an AKC-registered Shetland Sheepdog be offered at stud for unregistered bitches.
The responsible breeder should determine, through inspection of AKC papers, prior to an
actual mating, whether the stud/bitch is fully registered, or is of an AKC Limited
Registration. Bitches/studs with AKC Limited Registration must not be bred.
(J.) It is highly recommended that breeding stock be X-rayed for Hip Dysplasia and have
heart and eye checks by certified veterinarians. Tests for VWD and or timed clotting tests
is recommended prior to the use of any dog/bitch as breeding stock.
(K.) It is recommended that stud service contracts be made in writing, and clearly state
all obligations and circumstances of all parties.
IV. SALES
(A.) No member of the Club will engage in wholesaling of litters of Shetland Sheepdogs or
individual sales of puppies or adults to pet shops, pet dealers, catalog houses or other
commercial establishments, nor will Shetland Sheepdogs be given as prizes in contests nor
exploited to the detriment of the breed. A member should in all good conscience also
decline dealings with unethical breeders, or any buyer, when there is reason to believe
that improper care would be given to a dog.
(B.) All Shetland Sheepdogs will be only offered in good health and condition. Members of
the Club should, always offer a written Health Guarantee to the buyer. Any known health
defects should be noted at the time of sale. Any puppy or adult sold will have adequate
immunization against disease according to its age. At a minimum, all puppies sold should
have had at least one puppy vaccination and have been wormed at least once, if necessary.
Puppies should not be sold under the age of 7 weeks.
(C.) Prices of puppies and adults shall be based on individual quality. Pet stock shall
not be misrepresented as 'show' prospects. A responsible breeder may select the AKC
Limited Registration process to be used in the sale of puppies which are determined to be
of pet quality.
(D.) All financial arrangements should be made in advance of sales or breedings and should
be agreed to in writing.
(E.) Prices for puppies and adults, and stud fees, should normally fall with a range
established by general practices of reputable local breeders. Individual discretion in
pricing may be exercised, but with respect for the welfare and reputation of the breed.
(F.) It is advised that the seller of pets with serious faults recommend spaying/neutering
for the comfort and convenience of both dog and owner.
(G.) It is recommended that any puppy sold as a show prospect which develops a congenital
defect or disqualifying fault (except accidents) 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 buyer's money refunded to the extent of the difference between the
price paid and the price of pet puppies sold from the same or similar litters, the buyer
retaining the dog.
VI. EXHIBITING
(A.) All members of the Club should conduct themselves at all times in a manner which will
reflect credit upon themselves and upon the breed, regardless of the location or
circumstances, but especially when attending dog club meetings or shows, whether as an
exhibitor or a spectator.
(B.) All members should demonstrate good sportsmanship in all shows, trials, and matches
in which they participate.
(C.) All members should assist in assuring that exhibitions, matches, trials, shows or
seminars supported by this Club are conducted in an atmosphere of courtesy, fairness, and
good spirit.
VII. ADVERTISING
All advertising shall be of an honest and straight forward nature shall not in any way be
misrepresentative or fraudulent.