KENTUCKIANA BULLDOG CLUB CODE OF ETHICS

This Code of Ethics is established to set a minimum standard of acceptable behavior for Kentuckiana Bulldog Club members. The code is designed to protect the integrity of the Club and to protect and enhance the Bulldog breed. It is our goal that no Bulldog ever be surrendered to a humane society or animal shelter.

A. KBC members have an obligation to protect the welfare and the best interests of the Bulldog by conducting themselves in a manner designed to reflect credit to the Club, the individual member and the Bulldog. Bulldog owners should ensure that their dogs are never a nuisance to their neighbors or community.

B. All Bulldogs should be kept in sanitary conditions and be given maximum health protection through regular inoculations, medical exams and care and proper nutrition.

C. KBC members who exhibit at shows are expected to observe the highest standards of sportsmanship, conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect positively on the sport of showing dogs and exhibit good will at shows, obedience and agility trials.

D. Breeders and pet owners of intact dogs should ensure against unwanted breeding.

E. BREEDING:

(1) Before deciding to produce a litter, breeders shall consider their responsibility for the litter: they must place all puppies they do not intend to keep, and they must be prepared to keep puppies for an extended period of time.

(2) Recognizing the extended growth pattern of the Bulldog, the breeder shall not breed the bitch prior to 12 months of age. Back to back litters are not encouraged. After a bitch is 5 years old, the owner should consult a veterinarian regarding the bitch’s health for breeding.

(3) If the stud dog is unproven or has had breeding problems in the past, this information must be given to the owner of the bitch before the bitch is bred.

(4) The owner of the stud dog is under no obligation to service a bitch that is not as represented by her owner or who presents serious hereditary defects.

(5) Owners of the stud and bitch shall sign a written agreement, stating the conditions and terms of service: the agreement shall include type of breeding to occur (natural, Al, chilled semen, frozen semen).

(6) The breeder has an obligation to honestly and fairly inform the owner of the stud dog or bitch, and all buyers of pups, of all known or suspected medical conditions and health problems.

(7) The breeder and the owner of the stud dog or bitch, shall direct their efforts toward breeding and producing Bulldogs which conform to the BCA/AKC standard and additionally are of an even temperament, vigorous, and free of health problems.

(8) Stud dog owners should permit stud service only to quality, healthy, AKC registered bitches owned by individuals who agree with this Code of Ethics and who present satisfactory evidence that they will give their Bulldogs proper care and attention.

(9) Breeding should be supervised by persons experienced with good breeding procedures to ensure the health and safety of both the AKC registered stud and bitch.

(10) Whenever possible, the stud dog owner should inspect the litter following the whelping.

(11) All breeders and stud dog owners must keep accurate and complete records of all matings and pedigrees, according to AKC rules and regulations.

(12) All puppies leaving the breeder's possession should be of an age according to applicable state law. Breeders are encouraged to not allow a puppy to leave for its new home before the age of 8 weeks.

(13) Puppies should be sold on a contract basis. The contract should benefit and protect the seller and the buyer and stipulate that the breeder/seller will be contacted whenever an owner can no longer keep a dog, at any time within the dog's life. The breeder/seller should either assist in the placement of the Bulldog, or accept return of said dog. Any stud dog owner, whose breeder has not taken responsibility of said dog, should assist in the placement of any dog sired by their stud dog, at no cost to the stud owner.

(14) Breeders should provide buyers with written instructions for the feeding and general care of their puppy and with a schedule of dates and types of inoculations and wormings received. Breeders shall be available to their buyers for whatever reasonable advice and assistance they may need.

(15) Breeders are encouraged to request their buyer to take the pup to a veterinarian (of their choice) within 10 days of receipt, and if the pup is deemed unhealthy or if the buyer is not satisfied that the pup is represented by the breeder, the buyer should receive a full refund of the purchase price paid or another pup (all shipping to be paid by the buyer).

(16) All companion pet puppies should be sold on AKC limited registration [i.e. the dog is AKC registered but no litters produced by that dog are eligible for AKC registration] and/or on spay/neuter agreements.

F. KBC members shall not engage in false or misleading advertising or misrepresentation of the Bulldog, nor shall they malign their competition by making false or misleading statements regarding their competitors’ dogs, breeding practices or person.

G. Breeders and stud dog owners should not sell or consign puppies or adult dogs to pet shops or commercial dealers.

H. Con-compliance with any aspect of this Code of Ethics may cause the offending KBC member to be expelled from the Club.

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