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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. It is mandatory that a Code of Ethics be subscribed to by those who are concerned with the propagation of physically, mentally, and temperamentally sound Rottweilers of proper breed type. Measures should be taken to acquaint the general public with the contents of this Code so that they may not become innocent partners in improper breeding practices.
Consistent with the above, I agree to breed discriminatingly and only upon strong evidence of the possibility of finding suitable homes for the resulting puppies. I understand and agree that to breed inadvisedly may lead to over-population and contribute to the deterioration of the Rottweiler breed.
II. RECORDS
If I breed my bitch or use my stud dog in service, I agree to keep accurate records of stock, matings, and pedigrees and to register all my Rottweilers with the American Kennel Club.
III. BREEDING
I agree to use for breeding only those Rottweilers which have Normal hip x-rays with Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certification number, no disqualifying faults and no radical departures from the official AKC Rottweiler Standard, which includes the red Rottweiler. (A Rottweiler dog or bitch, x-rayed HD free by Utrecht, Giessen or Gottingen at two years of age or older, may be used for breeding for the first six months that they are in this country. After that time, they must be OFA certified). I also agree not to use for breeding monorchid or cryptorchid dogs or Rottweilers with any of the following: under-shot or overshot bites; more than one non-eruptive or missing adult tooth; ectropion or entropion; long or curly coats; unsound temperaments such as extreme shyness, nervousness, or viciousness; excessive white markings as described in the Standard: incorrect or very pale markings.
Further, if, to the best of my knowledge, I should breed from lines in which any of the above occur, I will disclose this to my buyers.
I further agree, to be a breeder or co-breeder of not more than three Rottweiler litters during any calendar year.
As owner of a bitch, I will breed only normal, healthy, mature bitches which are OFA certified and brucellosis free. I will not permit my bitch to produce litters in three consecutive seasons. I will cull deformed puppies and spay/neuter those which deviate substantially from the Rottweiler Standard.
As owner of a stud dog, I will breed only normal, healthy, mature dogs which are OFA certified and brucellosis free. I will refuse stud service to any bitch which does not have OFA certification, which has disqualifying faults, or which I consider to be in poor health. When a bitch has failed to conceive after being bred to one of my stud dogs, I will allow one repeat service, at such time and place as are mutually agreed to by the owner of the bitch and myself, provided that the stud dog is still in good health and available.
IV. HEALTH
I agree to maintain good standards of health and care for all my animals, including proper veterinary care. I further agree that proper health includes regular contact with people and exposure to the outside world.
V. SALES
I will refuse to recommend or sell to breeders/individuals who do not conform to this Code, or to dog wholesalers and retailers. I will not donate a Rottweiler for raffle purposes or sell to any home if I have reason to believe that the puppy or dog will not be properly cared for.
I will use a sales contract or written agreement with any sale or purchase involving a dog. To the best of my ability, I will state clearly to a buyer whether the puppy or dog being sold is potentially a show or pet type.
I will not release puppies before they are seven weeks of age, and only with full knowledge that they are healthy and have had the required medical inoculations and care in writing.
I will give buyers of puppies or adult dogs accurate health, breeding and registration records, an Emerald Valley Rottweiler Club info packet , and at least a four generation pedigree. Registration papers may be withheld on a dog which is suspected of carrying a serious fault that would make it detrimental for breeding purposes, until the dog has been proven otherwise or rendered incapable of reproducing (proof required per veterinarian's letter).
I will adhere to the terms of my sales agreement or written contract with the buyer, following the general practice of breeders that any puppy sold as a show prospect, which subsequently develops hip dysplasia or a disqualifying defect shall be:
I will urge my puppy purchasers to provide obedience training and socialization at the proper age.
I will recommend to my puppy purchasers that they render incapable of reproducing any dog which has developed disqualifying or serious faults.
As a breeder, I will make a serious effort to see that every dog will have an adequate home and will be properly cared for throughout their entire life.
VI. ADVERTISING
I agree that my advertising, oral and 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 shall be given in public advertising of Rottweilers.
VII. GENERAL CONDUCT AND 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, trials or meetings whether as an exhibitor or spectator.
I agree that I will not co-own a dog and participate in the breeding of said dog with a person who does not subscribe to and support this Code.
I agree that I will not have members of my household or immediate family participating in activities that are contradictory to the principles set forth in this Code.
If I should become aware of the maltreatment, abuse or need for relocation of any Rottweiler, I will notify any or all of the following for resolution of the problem: a member of the Board of Directors, the correct authorities in my area, and/or the breeder.
VIII. ENFORCEMENT
I agree and understand that the written charges of violations of this Code may be sent to any member of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will proceed according to the Constitution of the Emerald Valley Rottweiler Club of Greater Cleveland, Inc., Article VII.
IX. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
I further understand and agree that should I have special circumstances or problems, or if through no fault of my own, I am in violation of any provision of this Code, I may have the Violations and Recourse Committee review the matter and make recommendations.
