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Black Russian Terrier Club of America |
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BRTCA Code of Ethics |
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Guidelines for Ethical Behavior These recommendations are meant as guidelines for what the Black Russian Terrier Club of America, Inc., considers ethical dog related practices in the areas of breeding, selling, buying, and exhibiting the Black Russian Terrier. Responsibilities of breeder/seller 1. The ultimate goal of the responsible breeder should be to improve the breed by producing attractive, healthy puppies with good temperaments, whether for pet or show. 2. Breeders should have a basic knowledge of genetics, the breed, dog breeding in general, and the specific faults and virtues of their chosen genetic lines. They should also be aware of potential health problems associated both with the breed itself, and the specific line. This is to encourage improvement of the breed by using top quality stock, along with extensive researched knowledge. 3. A breeder should be discriminating in the placement of his/her stock. A breeder should not sell to, or aid in selling a Black Russian Terrier to any person who he/she has reason to believe will not provide proper care and environment or who may use the dog in a fashion which is detrimental to the dog itself or to the breed. 4. It is recommended that breeders not sell puppies under the age of eight (8) weeks and/or without proper documented immunization and health protection for their age. 5. Breeders should be honest and forthright in answering questions pertaining to their Black Russian Terriers. 6. Breeders should recommend future immunization and worming schedules, as well as ways to deal with various health or behavioral problems that might occur. Breeders should also inform new owners of any health clearances that have been performed on one or both of the parents. 7. The BRTCA encourages all Black Russian Terrier owners that breed Black Russian Terriers to assume more responsibility for dogs produced throughout their lives rather than just until the sale. 8. Breeders should maintain the best possible health, safety, cleanliness and veterinary care for their animals as well as proper nutrition and socialization; and should pass these recommended measures along to new owners. 9. All agreements should be in writing and be clearly understood by all parties. 10. Breeding arrangements should never be established which would encourage the pet buyer to undertake a breeding program. If a breeder does not have the time, facility or desire to themselves have a litter out of a particular brood matron, that dog should not be passed to a pet buyer just to produce puppies. 11. Responsible breeders should require the spaying/neutering of all non-breeding animals and follow-up should be done to ensure that this aspect of the contract has been fulfilled. 12. Breeding animals should be screened and clear of discoverable genetic defects prior to breeding. The following is a partial list of possible screening recommendations: · Eyes Certified Normal · Hips Certified by the OFA as passing · Thyroid Tested · Males entire (monorchids and/or cryprorchids should not be used) · Dogs with questionable temperament should not be used for breeding · Dogs on medication intended to alter the dog’s physical or mental condition should not be used for breeding. NON COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY 1. A responsible breeder prohibits the sale of animals or the provision of stud services/brood matrons to commercial operations, including puppy mills, pet shops, brokers, laboratories, auctions, raffles or contest give-a-ways. 2. Motivation for breeding the Black Russian Terrier should be the creation and improvement of the breed, rather than solely for financial gains. BRTCA RULES COMPLIANCE 1. Complete and accurate records must be kept, and those necessary forwarded to new owners. 2. Breeders agree to abide by all BRTCA rules and regulations, whether pertaining to breeding, exhibiting, record-keeping, or any other aspect of purebred dog ownership. 3. Breeders will breed only registered BRT dogs. EDUCATION 1. Black Russian Terrier owners should encourage public education, represent the breed honestly to prospective buyers, and help people make informed canine related decisions. 2. Breeder should make themselves available to the purchaser after the sale has been consummated to help with education, counseling, grooming and other care questions as well as solving behavioral problems. 3. Breeders should make available to fellow breeders any information they have that might aid in that breeder’s efforts to improve the breed. 4. BRTCA members should be an example of leadership and reach out to encourage proper ethical behavior. SPORTSMANSHIP 1. Maligning of others or others’ dogs is inappropriate. Good sportsmanship is appropriate at all times.
In general, all dog owners have a responsibility to their canine companions to provide proper care and humane treatment at all times, whether a multiple or single dog household. Proper care and humane treatment includes an adequate, nutritious diet, clean water, clean comfortable living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind and responsive human companionship, and training for appropriate behavior. Dogs should not be kept in circumstances or numbers where all of these needs cannot be adequately fulfilled.
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