Grand Canyon State Rottweiler Club

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.

Consistent with the aforementioned, I will agree to breed discriminatingly and only upon strong evidence of the possibility of finding suitable homes for the resulting puppies.  I understand and agree that to breed unadvisingly may lead to overpopulation and contribute to the deterioration of the Rottweiler breed.

2.    Records

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

3.    Breeding

I agree that only purebred Rottweilers will be used for breeding that are registered with the American Kennel Club and have OFA certified hip x-rays (or certified by foreign counterparts of the OFA – imported Rottweilers must have OFA certification within six months after arrival in the USA.  If frozen semen is used, the dog must be x-rayed and certified by the OFA or foreign counterpart at no less than 24 months of age), have stable temperament, and no disqualifying faults as listed in the 1990 Official AKC revised Rottweiler breed standard, such as:

Entropion, ectropion, overshot, undershot, wry mouth, two or more missing teeth, unilateral cryptorchid or cryptorchid males, long coat, any base color other than black, absence of all markings.

I will further agree that, should I breed from lines in which I am knowledgeable that any of the above occur, I will disclose this to my buyers.

I will encourage the recommendation that all bitches/dogs shall be tattooed or micro-chipped in an individual and identifiable manner before having hips x-rayed.  I will also encourage that the presence of any other hereditary diseases be checked prior to breeding, this includes, but is not limited to the certifications of elbows, eyes (yearly), cardiac, thyroid, and proper blood tests.

4.    Bitches

I will breed only bitches that have reached maturity and never before the age of two years.  I will breed only bitches who have been OFA certified to have sound hips, are in good health, free of any communicable disease, sound temperament, and possess no disqualifying faults as listed above.  I further agree to not breed to more than one dog at one season and will not permit my bitch to produce litters in three consecutive seasons.  My purpose for breeding shall be for none other than to improve the Rottweiler breed.

5.    Stud

I will only breed healthy, mature dogs which have reached two years of age.  I will refuse stud service to any bitch who has not reached two years of age, is in poor health, possesses any disqualifying faults as listed above, has not possesses OFA certification, or is determined to have poor temperament.  I will follow the custom to allow one repeat service (as bitch’s next season) where a bitch has failed to conceive after being bred to my stud, if the stud is still in good health and available, and at such time and place as mutually agreed to by the owner of the bitch and myself.  I will encourage bitch owners to breed only if they have the facilities, time and resources to adequately care for a litter.  All stud services will be offered only with a written and signed service contract.

6.    Health

I agree to maintain good standards of health and care of my dogs including proper and routine veterinary care.  I further agree that proper mental health includes regular contact with people and exposure to the outside world.

7.    Sales

I will refuse to recommend breeders who do not conform to the obligations in this Code, or to sell any puppies to pet stores, puppy mills, donate any puppies for raffle or auction purposes, nor shall my puppies be sold or used in any way that may be detrimental.  I will evaluate honestly any potential buyer and refuse sale should I feel the home not adequate.

I will only sell puppies with a written and signed contract.  I will guarantee any puppy sold to be in good health and current on inoculations at the time of sale.  I will provide buyers with a pedigree record of at least three generations.  Registration papers may be withheld or breeder’s rights retained only by mutual agreement in writing, signed by both parties.  I will require that all puppies not sold as show and breeding stock be made incapable of reproducing, and require that limited registration be provided, or that registration papers be withheld until proof of sterilization be provided by a competent veterinarian.  No puppies shall be sold until at least seven weeks of age.

As a breeder I acknowledge the lifetime responsibility for any puppy produced.  I understand my responsibility to provide suitable and stable environments that protect each puppy’s physical and emotional well-being.  Should the need arise, I will help relocate to a new home any puppy or adult dog in which the owner is dissatisfied or take back any puppy or adult in a home in which I am dissatisfied.  Any provisions for refunds or reimbursement of expenses shall be handled in the written and signed contract between breeder and owner.  No puppy or adult dog bred or owned by a GCSRC member shall be disposed of in an animal shelter or pound unless required to do so by law.

8.    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 shall be given in advertising Rottweilers.

9.    Sportsmanship

I shall conduct myself at all times in a manner which will reflect credit upon The Grand Canyon State Rottweiler Club, me and the breed, regardless of the location or circumstances, but especially when attending dog shows, whether as an exhibitor or a spectator.  This conduct shall follow through at club meetings.

I will encourage working titles to retain the breed’s working temperament.  I will encourage the showing of future breeding animals in the conformation ring, keeping in mind that the purpose of such shows is to improve the breed by objective evaluation of the animals in competition according to the breed’s standard.

10.                       Enforcement

I understand and agree that upon receipt of sufficient proof of violations of this Code of Ethics, the Board of Directors will proceed according to the Constitution and Bylaws of The Grand Canyon State Rottweiler Club.

A Grievance Committee of three members is to be appointed by the Board of Directors as required to report their findings to the Board for a vote by the Board.

11.                       Special Circumstances

I further understand and agree that should I, through no fault of my own, be in violation of any of the aforementioned provisions, I shall have recourse to the Grievance Committee appointed by the Board of Directors.