Code of Ethics

I.  GENERAL

Each member of the Club will consider the welfare of the breed when engaged in any activities involving the breeding, exhibiting and selling of Bouviers, and will refrain from any actions which would be prejudicial to the best interest of the breed and the Club.

Every dog should be provided with humane living quarters and personal care as well as adequate veterinarian-supervised health care.

II.  BREEDING

a) All breeding stock shall be in good health and free from communicable disease.

b) All breeding animals will be checked for heart murmurs and cardiac cleared as well as OFA or PennHip cleared before they are bred.

c) A bitch shall be bred to only one stud dog during any one estrus cycle.

d) No bitch shall be bred more often then two out of three heat seasons (and then only if in excellent health), and never at the time of her first season unless this occurs after 12 months of age.

e) Full disclosure, when requested by either party to a proposed breeding, of what the dog or bitch has previously produced and background details as known.

f) To breed carefully and with discrimination for the purpose of improving the breed, not just for profit.

g) It is recommended that, to protect all parties, stud service contracts be made in writing, executed by both parties.

h) A Bouvier without registration papers shall not be used for breeding.

III.  SALES

a) No member of the Club shall engage in wholesaling of litters of Bouviers or individual sales of puppies or adults to pet shops, pet dealers, catalog houses or other commercial establishments, nor shall they be given as prizes in contests nor exploited to the detriment of the breed or of pure-bred dogs.

b) All Bouviers sold shall be in good health and condition, free from communicable disease.  No adult or puppy shall be sold without adequate immunization against disease in terms of its age.

c) Prices of puppies and adults shall be based on individual quality.  Pet quality stock shall not be misrepresented as show prospect.  All pet quality puppies will be sold with a limited registration and spay or neuter requirements.

d) Club members will clearly state in a written agreement any implied warranties on show prospect puppies that do not mature to meet expectations.

e) Any condition to a sale should be clearly spelled out in a written agreement so that there will be no misunderstandings.

f) All members marketing any Bouvier puppy or adult will agree to provide a return policy to the Kennel of origin if for any reason, the buyer cannot keep his dog, the breeder will clearly state in a written agreement remarketing fees which will be applied against the refund at the time the dog is remarketed.

IV.  EXHIBITING

All members of the club shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner which will reflect credit upon themselves and upon the breed, regardless of the location or circumstances, but especially when attending dog club meetings or shows, whether as an exhibitor or a spectator.

V.  ADVERTISING

All advertising shall be truthful and ethical.