ORANGE COAST RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK CLUB CODE OF ETHICS
This Code of Ethics is presented as a guide for members of the OCRRC, whose foremost aims should be the welfare and improvement of the Breed. Members should do everything in their power to protect and advance the interests of the Breed and its Standard. They consider the Breed and the following principles when engaged in any activities involving the breeding, selling and exhibiting of Rhodesian Ridgebacks and refrain from any activities which would be detrimental to the best interests of the Breed and the Orange Coast Rhodesian Ridgeback Club. When in doubt about any of the following points, an ethical owner consults authorities, such as veterinarians, humane societies, experienced breeders and the Club.
HEALTH
1. All dogs shall be kept in a clean, healthy and safe environment.
2. Dogs will be provided with all socialization, vaccinations, worming and anti-parasite treatments necessary to provide maximum mental and physical well being.
3. An ethical owner does not allow his Ridgebacks to roam unsupervised.
4. When a Ridgeback must be euthanized the procedure should be humanely performed.
BREEDING
1. An ethical breeder only breeds purebred, AKC registered Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Members residing in countries other than the United States should follow the registration policies of their respective countries.
2. Only dogs screened and certified clear of hip and elbow dysplasia shall be bred. Breeders are encouraged to screen for all appropriate hereditary disorders.
3. When contemplating a breeding, the ethical owner directs his efforts toward breeding Rhodesian Ridgebacks of exceptional quality and considers the probability of responsibly placing the offspring. He sincerely believes his breeding stock represents the Standard and is sound mentally and physically.
4. An ethical breeder studies and weighs the faults and attributes of a stud and bitch and researches those considered genetic (inheritable). He does not intentionally breed dogs with defects that are likely to cause impairment of the health of the dogs or offspring or be a gross disregard of the Standard.
5. The ethical breeder considers the health and growth of his bitches and refrains from breeding them too early or too late in their age, or too often. An average is considered no more than 2 out of 3 heat seasons, and never at the time of the first season, unless this occurs after 18 months. After a bitch is 5 years old, her owner seeks the opinion of a veterinarian regarding her health for breeding. For any deviation, he consults with competent authorities.
6. Stud dog owners shall adhere to these guidelines and ensure that the litter owner is aware of, and agrees to abide by, this Code of Ethics. Both Breeder and Stud dog owner shall be responsible for the progeny of their dogs.
SALES
1. An ethical breeder must be particularly concerned with the proper placement of both pet and show potential puppies. Breeders shall urge purchasers to spay or neuter any dog that is not considered of breedable quality and make use of limited registrations where appropriate. The ethical breeder informs buyers of the Dermoid Sinus and how to detect it (he can refer to Major Hawley?s description in the book The Rhodesian Ridgeback). If puppies with serious defects or faults (dermoid sinus, ridgelessness) are sold rather than culled, the breeder must take the responsibility to see that the dog is neutered. Dermoid surgery should be performed prior to placing the pup in a new home.
2. An ethical breeder will not dispose of dogs or puppies by giving them to the local animal shelter, pound, humane society or any organization of that type. He does not wholesale litters or sell any dogs to such places as pet dealers, catalogs, or other sources of commercial distribution; nor does he supply puppies for raffles, giveaway prizes or similar projects. He does not display puppies in public places for the sole purpose of immediate sales.
3. An ethical breeder does not raise Ridgebacks merely as a money making scheme; nor does he engage in the over breeding of dogs for profit, with no regard for quality and health.
4. Registration papers stating the sire and dam and date of birth shall accompany puppies as they go to new homes. In addition breeders shall furnish their buyers with written details on feeding, dates of inoculations, worming and general care of the dog.
5. Responsibility of the ethical breeder does not stop with the sale. If a puppy buyer can no longer provide a home for their dog the breeder shall assist in the placement of the dog or take the dog back if such need should arise.
REGISTRATION AND RECORDS
1. All members shall keep complete and accurate records of individual dogs, breedings, litters, pedigrees and puppy sales as required by the AKC, and abide by the AKC rules and regulations.
EXHIBITION
1. Members shall abide by the rules and regulations of the AKC (or the rules of the Club under which the event is held), and exhibit in the spirit of good sportsmanship.
2. A member does not engage in false or misleading statements about a judge, an exhibitor, fellow member, another dog, or misrepresent his own dogs.
3. Alleged misconduct should be objectively and calmly presented to the proper representative of OCRRC or the AKC when appropriate,
4. Hotels and show grounds shall be treated with respect and left in a clean condition.
5. Consideration of other guests in the hotel is imperative and dogs creating a disturbance are to be attended to immediately.
6. Each member should feel obligated to protect the interests of the Breed by conducting himself in a manner reflecting credit upon himself, his breed, and the Orange Coast Rhodesian Ridgeback Club.
Revised 12/99
