Code of Ethics for Canadian Kennel Club Members
The Canadian Kennel Club is incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act to be responsible for the registration, preservation and promotion of all CKC recognized breeds of dogs in Canada.
The Canadian Kennel Club is a national membership organization representing purebred dog activities. The Board of Directors of The Canadian Kennel Club is elected from the membership representing their regional zones and is responsible to that membership.
In order to achieve the goals and objectives of The Canadian Kennel Club, its members agree to adhere to the following principles:
· All members of The Canadian Kennel Club will comply with the By-laws, rules and regulations established by the Board of Directors of The Canadian Kennel Club and the requirements of the Animal Pedigree Act;
· All members of The Canadian Kennel Club will provide their dogs with appropriate housing, food and health care;
· All members of The Canadian Kennel Club will endeavor to enhance the role of the purebred dog in society as an essential member of its communities where it functions as a companion, a guardian, a healer, a hunter, a herder, a teacher and, above all, “man’s best friend”;
· In order to preserve and enhance each breed’s characteristics, The Canadian Kennel Club supports and encourages participation in shows, trials and other events. All members, whether they are exhibitors, handlers, judges or assistants will participate in such activities with honesty, fairness and integrity, ever mindful of the practice of “good sportsmanship”;
· Except as provided in The By-laws of The Canadian Kennel Club, all members as breeders of purebred dogs, will include in their programs, only Canadian Kennel Club registered (or registerable) stock which will strengthen the genetic pool and, thus, guarantee further progression toward the ideals of the standard, keeping authentic records of their activities;
· All members of The Canadian Kennel Club will undertake the task of educating and encouraging all newcomers to the world of purebred dogs no matter their interest: pet-owner, exhibitor, trialer or breeder.
The Canadian Kennel Club is a national membership organization representing purebred dog activities. The Board of Directors of The Canadian Kennel Club is elected from the membership representing their regional zones and is responsible to that membership.
In order to achieve the goals and objectives of The Canadian Kennel Club, its members agree to adhere to the following principles:
· All members of The Canadian Kennel Club will comply with the By-laws, rules and regulations established by the Board of Directors of The Canadian Kennel Club and the requirements of the Animal Pedigree Act;
· All members of The Canadian Kennel Club will provide their dogs with appropriate housing, food and health care;
· All members of The Canadian Kennel Club will endeavor to enhance the role of the purebred dog in society as an essential member of its communities where it functions as a companion, a guardian, a healer, a hunter, a herder, a teacher and, above all, “man’s best friend”;
· In order to preserve and enhance each breed’s characteristics, The Canadian Kennel Club supports and encourages participation in shows, trials and other events. All members, whether they are exhibitors, handlers, judges or assistants will participate in such activities with honesty, fairness and integrity, ever mindful of the practice of “good sportsmanship”;
· Except as provided in The By-laws of The Canadian Kennel Club, all members as breeders of purebred dogs, will include in their programs, only Canadian Kennel Club registered (or registerable) stock which will strengthen the genetic pool and, thus, guarantee further progression toward the ideals of the standard, keeping authentic records of their activities;
· All members of The Canadian Kennel Club will undertake the task of educating and encouraging all newcomers to the world of purebred dogs no matter their interest: pet-owner, exhibitor, trialer or breeder.
Breeding Dogs
The majority of reputable breeders in Canada are members of the Canadian Kennel Club and are obligated to adhere to CKC policies and procedures, our Code of Ethics and Code of Practice. The CKC Code of Practice for Member Breeders insists that they aim to breed dogs that are healthy and sound in both mind and body, to ensure that the dogs are true to their heritage and that they meet the requirements of the CKC Breed Standards.
Every responsible breeder should be devoted to breeding away from disorders in bloodlines in order to improve the health and well being of their lines. This means having an indepth knowledge of their breeds, including health and genetic concerns, structure, temperament and type.
In order to produce the best possible offspring, both the sire and dam must be conditioned and well cared-for. Regular veterinary care, screening for genetic problems, pre-breeding health tests, exercise and good nutrition should be standard procedures.
As well, it is the responsibility of every breeder to adhere at all times to proper and ethical business practices when buying, breeding, selling and placing their dogs. Any breeder selling a dog as purebred must register the dog and provide the new owner with the registration certificate within six months of the date of sale – this is the law, as required under the Animal Pedigree Act.
Every responsible breeder should be devoted to breeding away from disorders in bloodlines in order to improve the health and well being of their lines. This means having an indepth knowledge of their breeds, including health and genetic concerns, structure, temperament and type.
In order to produce the best possible offspring, both the sire and dam must be conditioned and well cared-for. Regular veterinary care, screening for genetic problems, pre-breeding health tests, exercise and good nutrition should be standard procedures.
As well, it is the responsibility of every breeder to adhere at all times to proper and ethical business practices when buying, breeding, selling and placing their dogs. Any breeder selling a dog as purebred must register the dog and provide the new owner with the registration certificate within six months of the date of sale – this is the law, as required under the Animal Pedigree Act.
Code of Practice for CKC Member Breeders
I. Purpose
This Code of Practice shall apply to all breeders who are members of The Canadian Kennel Club. Its purpose shall be to provide breeders with a set of mandatory standards and requirements relating to the proper maintenance, breeding, selling and overall protection of their chosen breed(s).
It shall be the aim of every breeder to breed dogs that are healthy and sound in both mind and body, to ensure that the dogs are true to their heritage and that they meet the requirements of the CKC Breed Standards.
It shall also be the responsibility of every breeder to adhere at all times to proper and ethical business practices when buying, breeding, selling and placing their dogs.
II. Breeding Principles
The breeding of dogs is a serious responsibility; therefore, the decision to breed should never be taken lightly. To this end, every breeder, or prospective breeder, must be willing to embrace the following general principles:
III. General Responsibilities
The following are a set of general responsibilities that shall be understood and accepted by all CKC member breeders:
IV. Breeding Practices
In order to attain the goal of producing quality dogs that are healthy and sound in both mind and body, a breeder must give priority to the following:
V. Selling Practices
All breeders have a serious responsibility when selling dogs to purchasers, whether they are fellow breeders or members of the general public. In order to fulfill this responsibility and without limiting the specifics of the The By-laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures and the Animal Pedigree Act, all CKC breeders shall adhere to the following general sales practices:
This Code of Practice shall apply to all breeders who are members of The Canadian Kennel Club. Its purpose shall be to provide breeders with a set of mandatory standards and requirements relating to the proper maintenance, breeding, selling and overall protection of their chosen breed(s).
It shall be the aim of every breeder to breed dogs that are healthy and sound in both mind and body, to ensure that the dogs are true to their heritage and that they meet the requirements of the CKC Breed Standards.
It shall also be the responsibility of every breeder to adhere at all times to proper and ethical business practices when buying, breeding, selling and placing their dogs.
II. Breeding Principles
The breeding of dogs is a serious responsibility; therefore, the decision to breed should never be taken lightly. To this end, every breeder, or prospective breeder, must be willing to embrace the following general principles:
- Be prepared to make a serious commitment of both time and financial resources in order to ensure that a proper breeding program can be carried out.
- Be prepared to provide for the well being of the dogs, both while in your care as well as in the ultimate placement of the dogs.
- Be prepared to work hard to preserve and maintain the breed for future generations through the judicious selection of breeding stock.
- Be prepared to share knowledge that is gained through experience with fellow breeders, particularly those who are novices.
III. General Responsibilities
The following are a set of general responsibilities that shall be understood and accepted by all CKC member breeders:
- Every breeder shall be conversant with and fully adhere to the By-laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures of CKC, as well as the requirements of the Animal Pedigree Act (APA).
- All litters and all dogs in each litter shall be registered with the CKC. Litter registrations shall be forwarded to CKC as soon as is reasonably possible after the birth of the dogs. Upon the sale of each dog from any litter, breeders shall transfer ownership and register each dog in the name of the purchaser in accordance with stated requirements.
- At all times the dogs shall be provided with proper housing, nutrition, health care and necessary exercise.
- Every breeder shall make a conscientious effort to learn about structure, movement and behavior, understand and stay current with inherited traits, congenital and hereditary health problems related to their breed, and to have a basic knowledge of health care and first aid.
- Breeders are encouraged to regularly test for health and genetic problems and are encouraged to openly share the results of all such testing that is undertaken. They should also follow recommended protocols for the control of genetic disease.
- Every breeder shall maintain current and accurate records pertaining to their breeding program, the particulars of all dog registrations and all sales transactions.
- No breeder shall sell or donate dogs for the purpose of their being auctioned, raffled or to pet stores.
IV. Breeding Practices
In order to attain the goal of producing quality dogs that are healthy and sound in both mind and body, a breeder must give priority to the following:
- Select breeding stock that conforms to the approved CKC Breed Standard to the highest possible degree.
- Use dogs that are known to be of sound health and stable temperament.
- Choose both a sire and dam that have reached such maturity that they can produce and raise a healthy litter.
- Assure that all breeding documents and registrations are available for inspection and completely in order.
- As the owner of a stud dog, ensure that the owner of the dam has the ability and the necessary facilities to successfully whelp, raise and assure the future well being of any resulting litter.
- As the owner of the dam, ensure that the owner of the sire has the knowledge and experience to provide a safe and proper mating, including the diligent care of the dam.
V. Selling Practices
All breeders have a serious responsibility when selling dogs to purchasers, whether they are fellow breeders or members of the general public. In order to fulfill this responsibility and without limiting the specifics of the The By-laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures and the Animal Pedigree Act, all CKC breeders shall adhere to the following general sales practices:
- Dogs must never be sold on a “with or without papers” basis. As noted in Section III. (b) above, all dogs must be registered with CKC.
- In accordance with The By-laws, the breeder is responsible for the submission of and payment for all registration applications. Such costs may be included in the price of the dog. Under no circumstances shall the buyer be asked to submit or pay for any applications to register or transfer the ownership of a dog.
- All dogs must be uniquely and permanently identified with an approved Canadian Standard microchip transponder or a tattoo, prior to leaving the breeder’s premises.
- Potential purchasers of dogs shall be reasonably screened for their suitability and capability to own and meet the needs of the particular breed. The concept of a dog being a lifetime commitment should always be reinforced with the purchaser.
- Breeders shall represent their dogs to prospective purchasers with honesty and integrity.
- Breeders shall commit themselves to assisting novice dog owners in understanding the breed. They shall also encourage new dog owners to become involved in the activities of the sport of purebred dogs and inform them about the values in becoming a member of CKC.
- Breeders shall provide a written sales agreement containing the name of the purchaser, the date of sale, a statement confirming that the dog is purebred, the name of the breed and the dog’s unique identification number. In addition, all terms and conditions of the sale, including a return or replacement policy, shall be clearly defined. The agreement shall be properly dated and signed by all parties.
- Breeders shall provide the purchaser with a reasonable written guarantee that protects the dog, the purchaser and the seller.
- Regardless of age, sterilization of all dogs sold as companions should be actively encouraged.
- Purchasers should be provided with copies of all relevant documentation, including such things as CKC registration documentation, copies of non-breeding agreements, completed sales agreements, guarantees, health and vaccination records, and a set of instructions on the care, training and diet for the dog.