The Code of Ethics is presented as a guide for members whose foremost aim should be the welfare, improvement, and advancement of the Bichon Frise breed. The intent of the Code of Ethics can apply to both the pet owner and the breeder. For this purpose, a breeder will be defined as anyone who breeds even one litter of puppies. Anyone applying for membership with the Keystone Bichon Frise Club and all members annually will be required to sign a copy of the Code of Ethics.

  1. Members will become familiar with and abide by the rules of the American Kennel Club, the Bichon Frise Club of America, and the constitution and bylaws of the Keystone Bichon Frise Club. Members shall be familiar with the AKC standard of the Bichon Frise.

  2. Members are expected to observe the highest standard of sportsmanship and conduct themselves in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of showing dogs.

  3. Members are expected to provide the best standards of health care for the physical and emotional well-being of their dogs. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate food, shelter, sanitation, immunizations, regular health checks, medical care as needed, attention, exercise, and in the case of breeder members, applicable health testing will be performed prior to any breeding. No dog will suffer abuse, and all local municipal ordinances will be followed.

  4. Members shall make every effort to educate any new owner or interested person, and to be both instructive and constructive in their comments.

  5. Breeder members shall be familiar with AKC rules concerning record-keeping, registration, sale, and transfer of dogs, and abide by those rules. All pedigree and breeding records should be accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

  6. Breeder members shall use for breeding only those dogs that are healthy and free from serious congenital and hereditary defects. Every breeding will be done from the standpoint of bettering the breed.  Applicable health testing is expected to be performed prior to any breeding. Registered purebred dogs offered as public stud shall be used only on purebred, registered bitches. Nor shall breeders engage in the over-breeding of bitches for profit, with no regard for quality.

  7. No member shall engage in the wholesaling of litters or the selling of stock to such places as pet dealers, catalog houses, or other commercial sources of distribution. No member should offer a dog as a raffle or contest prize for any organization, or in any type of giveaway or auction. No member should offer their dogs for sale through advertisement in the newspaper or on the internet.

  8. Breeder members are expected to sell all puppies and adults in a clean and healthy condition, and puppies should be old enough to make the necessary adjustment to a new home safely. No adult or puppy shall be sold without adequate protection against disease.

  9. Members should realize that by owning a Bichon Frise, they have made a commitment to that dog for life, and if circumstances dictate that the owner is no longer able to care for the dog, the dog should be placed responsibly in another home or with a reputable rescue organization. Breeder members are expected to maintain some responsibility for the dogs that they produce throughout the lifetime of the dog.

  10. In the event of a complaint lodged against me with the Keystone Bichon Frise Club, the Bichon Frise Club of America, and/or the American Kennel Club, I agree to extend my cooperation in the resolution of said complaint.

 

(Revised February 3, 2007)