Code of Ethics

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of the Western Reserve (PWCCWR) Code of Ethics

Updated 10/2014 Effective 1/1/2015

The Code of Ethics is established in accordance with the objectives of the PWCCWR to protect and advance the interests of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It is written to provide guidelines for responsible ownership and ethical breeding practices, and it is dedicated to the preservation and welfare of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

All Members:

  • PWCCWR members shall be responsible for adherence to the Code of Ethics.
  • Individual members of the PWCCWR shall re-affirm acceptance of the Code of Ethics on an annual basis, by written confirmation accompanying the PWCCWR dues notice.
  • Shall maintain the best possible standard of health, cleanliness, safety and care of their Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • Shall consider breeding a litter only if the breeder is prepared to keep the resultant offspring for as long as it takes to suitably place each puppy.
  • Shall take lifetime responsibility to ensure that Pembrokes of their breeding are cared for in a safe and healthy environment.
  • Shall not release Pembroke Welsh Corgi litters, puppies or adults to pet dealers, commercial retailers or distributors or to any party for the purpose of resale, auction, lottery or raffle prize.
  • Shall sell puppies and adults in a manner that reflects the member’s care, concern and integrity, by selling puppies or adults in good condition, good health, and of sound temperament.
  • Shall display good sportsmanship and conduct at all times and in such a manner as to reflect credit upon themselves, the PWCCWR, and the breed.
  • Shall bear responsibility for truth and accuracy of any photographs or information personally used for breeding or advertisement.
  • Shall be accountable for the actions of a handler in their employ as they pertain to the Code of Ethics.
  • A Pembroke bred by a member of the PWCCWR or sired by a stud dog owned by a member of the PWCCWR that is turned into rescue shall be provided for, financially or in fact, by the breeder or stud dog owner.

Breeders and Owners of Bitches and Stud Dogs, Alike, Should:

  • Agree that the prime objective for breeding the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is to produce animals of exceptional quality. To that end, only breed dogs and bitches of sound temperament and structure, good health, and characteristic type as described in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) approved Official Standard for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • Be informed of and work diligently toward the elimination of hereditary health problems of the breed by refraining from breeding a dog or bitch if they have, in 2 litters to different partners, produced offspring with the same serious genetic defect, such as: blindness, deafness, PDA, lameness, or impairment of vital functions which prevent these offspring from living a normal, healthy life without major surgical or significant medical intervention.
  • Ensure that bitches and dogs to be bred are in robust health. Eyes and hips should be checked by accredited veterinarians and declared to be within normal limits. Members should make an effort to submit all health tests performed to the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), for inclusion in their database.
  • Not breed a bitch prior to 1 year of age or older than 8 years; not permit more than 6 litters in her lifetime; not breed a bitch more than 2 out of 3 consecutive seasons.
  • Not breed to an unregistered Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • Honor all contracts regarding sales, co-ownerships, breeding rights, agreements, compensations, leases, stud service and/or any other written agreements set forth.
  • Acknowledge that the owner of the sire is as responsible as the owner of the dam in all matters of the welfare of the offspring. Anyone standing a Pembroke at stud bears great responsibility to the future of the breed; therefore, a stud owner should use the dog discriminately and with the paramount intention of advancing and protecting the breed.
  • Release puppies only at or over the age of 10 weeks.
  • Furnish written instructions on the care, feeding and health care to the new owner, as well as a written health record of immunizations or medical treatments.
  • Sell puppies and adults with a Health Certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within a month prior to sale or request that the puppy or adult be examined by the new owner’s veterinarian within two weeks of the transfer.
  • Provide accurate and valid documentation of the AKC registration and pedigree.
  • Use a spay/neuter contract in the sale of a puppy or adult that shows a health issue or very serious fault as described in the Standard. Members are encouraged to use the limited registration option offered by the AKC.
  • Be prepared to accept and provide care for any puppy/adult returned directly to the breeder.


Social Media

  • The PWCCWR asks that all members refrain from making derogatory or disparaging remarks regarding the Club Bylaws and conduct of the PWCCWR Officers, Board of Directors, individual PWCCWR members, PWCCWR activities, or any other member of the community on Social Media (such as, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Community Blogs in Dog Fancy, such as, but not limited to ShowPemL.)
  • It is expected that any comments made on Social Media referring to PWCCWR or it’s members be made in a sensible, responsible, and respectful manner.
  • Resolving disputes amongst individual members or the PWCCWR should be conducted privately amongst concerned parties, never on Social Media.
  • If a satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved privately, members are to bring their concerns to the Officers and Board of Directors of the Club.
  • PWCCWR Officers and Members are expected to conduct themselves and any disputes or grievances they may have in a manner that reflects the AKC Code of Sportsmanship at all times when commenting in Social Media.

AKC CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP

PREFACE: The sport of purebred dog competitive events dates prior to 1884, the year of AKC’s birth. Shared values of those involved in the sport include principles of sportsmanship. They are practiced in all sectors of our sport: conformation, performance and companion. Many believe that these principles of sportsmanship are the prime reason why our sport has thrived for over one hundred years. With the belief that it is useful to periodically articulate the fundamentals of our sport, this code is presented.

Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.

Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace.

Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitment and obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by injecting personal advantage or consideration into their decisions or behavior.

The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.

The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.

The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge’s placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs.

The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.

The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport of purebred dogs.

Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the merit of their competition and the effort of competitors.

Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport.

Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them.

Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.

Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.

Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog.

Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in the sport.

It Is Strongly Recommended That:

  • Written agreements be used in all practices of co-ownerships, breeding and/or selling of Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
  • PWCCWR members serve as ongoing ambassadors to all individuals interested in our breed.
  • A copy of the Code of Ethics be given to each buyer at the time of sale.

Violations of the Code of Ethics shall be considered prejudicial to the best interest of the Club or the breed. As such, charges are addressed in Article VI – Discipline, Section 2, of the PWCCWR Constitution and By-Laws.

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