~ ~ CODE OF ETHICS ~ ~

1. 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. There exists a constant danger that disreputable or uninformed breeders may, by improper practices, produce physically, mentally, or temperamentally poor specimens to the detriment of the breed as a whole. It is mandatory that a Code of Ethics be subscribed to by those who are concerned with the legacy and that measures 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 will agree to breed with discrimination and only upon strong evidence of the possibility of finding suitable homes for the resultant puppies. I understand and agree that to breed inadvisably may lead to over-population and contribute materially to the deterioration of the Rottweiler breed.

2. I agree, if I breed my bitch or use my stud in service, to keep accurate record of stock, matings and pedigrees, and to register my breeding stock with the American Kennel Club.

3. I agree to use for breeding only those Rottweilers which have OFA Normal hip x-rays with certification number, no disqualifying faults and no radical departures from the official AKC Rottweiler Standard (A Rottweiler dog or bitch, x-rayed HD Free by Utrecht, Glessen or Gottingen at 2 years of age or older, may be used for breeding for the first 6 months 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: undershot 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.

As owner of a bitch: I will only breed OFA normal, healthy, mature dogs which have reached two years of age. I will not permit my bitch to produce litters in three consecutive seasons. I further agree to cull deformed puppies. I will breed only those bitches that have been tested and found free of Brucellosis. A bitch may be bred to only one stud dog during any one estrus cycle.

As owner of a stud dog: I will only breed OFA normal, healthy, mature dogs which have reached two years of age, and I will refuse stud service to any bitch under two years of age or which is not OFA certified or which has serous faults. 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 mutually agreed to by the owner of the bitch and myself. I will encourage bitch owners to breed only if they have facilities, time, and resources to adequately care for a litter. I will breed only those males who have been tested and found clear of Brucellosis. I will refuse stud service to breeders who do not conform to the Code, or to dog wholesalers or retailers.

4. 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.

5. Sales. I will knowingly refuse to sell to, or recommend, breeders who do not conform to this Code, or to dog wholesalers and retailers or to donate a Rottweiler for raffle purposes, or to sell to any home where I have reason to believe that the puppy or dog will not be properly cared for, or to sell by litterlots.

I will use a sales contract or written agreement with any sale or purchase involving a dog. I will clearly state to the buyer of a puppy or dog whether the sale is of a potentially showable or pet-type puppy.

I will pass on to the buyers of puppies or adult dogs, accurate health, breeding, and registration records and a four-generation pedigree. Registration papers may be withheld on a dog which may be suspect of carrying a serious fault, making it detrimental for breeding purposes, until proven otherwise, or has been rendered incapable of reproducing (as per veterinarians letter). Then, and only then, will I issue the papers or endorse them "Not for Breeding".

I will adhere to the terms of the sales contract (or written contract with the buyer) following 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 be returned to the breeder; or (3) the buyer's money be refunded to the extent of the difference between the price paid and 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 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, and will further try to recommend suitable trainers in their area.

I will further recommend to my puppy purchasers that they render incapable of reproducing any dog which for any reason is not suitable for breeding.

I will not sell Rottweilers at prices substantially below or above market prices asked by reputable breeders in the area for comparable quality.

6. 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.

7. General Conduct and Sportsmanship. I shall conduct myself at all times in the manner which will reflect credit upon me and upon the breed, regardless of the location or circumstances, but especially when attending dog shows or trials, whether as an exhibitor or a spectator. It is recommended that this conduct follow through at club meetings.

I further agree that I will not have any members of my household, including children under 18 years of age, participating in activities that are contradictory to the principles of this Code.

Should I become aware of the maltreatment, misuse or need for relocation of any Rottweiler, I will notify a member of the Board of Directors for action toward a solution to the problem.

 Leases. Any breedings which involve leased animals must be done in compliance with the Code of Ethics; a member of any orginization cannot circumvent the Code of Ethics by being either a lessor or lessee.