trjn - "...Of courageous determination or energy.  One who shows the pluck, endurance,

     determined energy, or the like, attributed to the defenders of Troy."

"Code Of Ethics"

A set of rules governing the behavior of members of the organization that has established the Code.

A breeder that states they are a COE breeder must have signed a Code of Ethics with their Breed Club, in most cases, their National Breed Club, and be in good standing with them.  A Code of Ethics is set of rules governing the behavior of members of the organization that has established the Code.  Most ethical COE breeders go above and beyond most club's Code of Ethics, as they have the best interest of the breed at heart.

Section 1:  Purpose

Allowing for individual focuses in conformation, temperament or working abilities, the purpose of this Code of Ethics is to ensure the improvement of our chosen breed.

Section 2:  Documentation

Whether offering a male at stud, breeding a female, arranging a lease or selling a dog, records of all matings & transactions will be maintained.

All matings involving dogs owned by different individuals (immediate family members exempt) will include a contract outlining the details of the agreement (for example; cost of service, care of the "visiting" dog, conditions required to obtain a repeat breeding at no or reduced cost, what costs regarding shipping/care etc.. will be assumed by whom,  and number of matings/attempts etc...)  Signed copies of the contract will be maintained by both parties.

All resultant offspring will be registered (in a timely fashion) and properly identified (by means recognized by the registering body). 

Recognizing the fact that the legality of the current Non-Breeding Contract is in question, those animals sold to pet homes will be registered on Non-Breeding Contracts regardless, as the majority of purchasers would still honor the intention of this document.

Sales contracts will be prepared for all transactions involving the transfer of ownership and will include a full health history (including but not limited to prior inoculation schedule), minimum three generation pedigree and registration papers.  The contract will also outline the expectations of the parties involved and should encourage (as appropriate) the spaying/neutering of the animal.  All members are encouraged to be available and supply necessary support to the new owners for the lifetime of the dog.

Section 3:  Breeding/Maintenance Practices

Only dogs/bitches that are registered (by the CKC or CKC recognized agencies) will be utilized in a breeding programme. 

No animal which possesses disqualifying faults will be used in a breeding programme.  Stud service should be refused to any female exhibiting disqualifying faults.

Only healthy animals will be bred to likewise healthy animals.  The ongoing effects of breeding a dog of any age is to be taken into consideration prior to proceeding.  Further, it is recognized that merely obtaining the necessary certification does not warrant breeding a particular animal.  Consideration as to whether or not this individual will contribute to the improvement of the breed is also necessary.

Members will maintain the health of all stock and provide adequate housing facilities.  This includes supplying the necessary time and resources for the ongoing care of any litter whelped.

Section 4:  Health Certification

While our ultimate goal is to eliminate the occurrence of genetic disorders within our breed, it is recognized that it is necessary to focus on those that are more prevalent than others within our breed and that the genetic health of our breed will be achieved one step at a time.

This club recognizes the Hip Certification procedures of the OVC, OFA and PennHip in addition to recognized agencies of FCI countries(provided that the given specimen originates and/or was purchased from that country).  As a result, all breeding stock is to have a hip status certified suitable for breeding

Further, this club encourages all breeding programmes to be aware of the level of incidents in their lines and incorporate other available genetic testing for the following disorders:

§        Sub-valvular aortic stenosis (S.A.S.)

§        VWD (a bleeding disorder)

§        Elbow Dysplasia

§        Ocular (Eye) defects

§        Hypothroidism

 Section 5:  Communication/Behavior

It is expected that all members will conduct themselves in a sportsman like manner.  In addition, all communication (whether written or oral) are to be factual (to the best of the members knowledge).  Special consideration should be given to any advertising to ensure that it is not misleading.

Section 6:  Complaints & Discipline 

The Board of Directors will appoint a three member Complaint/Discipline Committee, the Vice-President will act as alternate in the event that any member of the committee is unable to "hear" a particular complaint  (i.e.  conflict of interest, illness etc...).  Complaints must be in writing and can be forwarded to any member of the Executive or Directors.  The individual receiving the complaint will forward same to the committee within two weeks.  The committee will then review/investigate the allegations and provide their report in writing to the board within three months of receipt of the charges.   Disciplinary actions are suspension or expulsion (as per the club's By-Laws).  Substantiated repeat complaints against the same individual(s) will not be tolerated.  A fee of $25 shall accompany all charges.  If the charges are upheld, the fee will be refunded.

I AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE CODE OF ETHICS OF THE ROTTWEILER CLUB OF CANADA

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Signature(s) of Member(s)                                              Date Signed             (Ver. 01/00)