The Code of Ethics is
established in accordance with the objectives of the PWCCA to protect and
advance the interests of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It is written to provide guidelines for
responsible ownership and ethical breeding practices, and it is dedicated to
the preservation and welfare of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
All Members:
1.
PWCCA and Affiliate Club members shall be responsible for adherence to
the Code of Ethics.
2.
Individual members of the PWCCA and an Officer of each Affiliate Club
shall re-affirm acceptance of the Code
of Ethics on an annual basis, by written confirmation accompanying the PWCCA
dues notice.
3.
Shall maintain the best possible standard of health, cleanliness, safety
and care of their Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
4.
Shall consider breeding a litter only if the breeder is prepared to keep
the resultant offspring for as long as it takes to suitably place each puppy.
5.
Shall take lifetime responsibility to ensure that Pembrokes of their breeding
are cared for in a safe and healthy environment.
6.
Shall not release Pembroke Welsh Corgi litters, puppies or adults to pet
dealers, commercial retailers or distributors or to any party for the purpose
of resale, auction, lottery or raffle prize.
7.
Shall sell puppies and adults in a manner that reflects the member’s care,
concern and integrity, by selling puppies or adults in good condition, good
health, and of sound temperament.
8.
Shall display good sportsmanship and conduct at all times and in such
a manner as to reflect credit upon themselves, the PWCCA, and the breed.
9.
Shall bear responsibility for truth and accuracy of any photographs or
information personally used for breeding or advertisement.
10.
Shall be accountable for the
actions of a handler in their employ as they pertain to the Code of Ethics.
11.
A Pembroke bred by a member
of the PWCCA or sired by a stud dog owned by a member of the PWCCA that is
turned into rescue shall be provided for, financially or in fact, by the breeder or stud dog owner.
Breeders and Owners of Bitches and Stud Dogs, Alike, Should:
1.
Agree that the prime objective for breeding the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is
to produce animals of exceptional quality.
To that end, only breed dogs and bitches of sound temperament and structure,
good health, and characteristic type as described in the American Kennel Club’s
(AKC) approved Official Standard for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
2.
Be informed of and work diligently toward the elimination of hereditary
health problems of the breed by refraining from breeding a dog or bitch if
they have, in 2 litters to different partners, produced offspring with the
same serious genetic defect, such as: blindness, deafness, PDA, lameness,
or impairment of vital functions which prevent these offspring from living
a normal, healthy life without major surgical or significant medical intervention.
3.
Ensure that bitches and dogs to be bred are in robust health. Eyes and hips should be checked by accredited
veterinarians and declared to be within normal limits. Members should make
an effort to submit all health tests performed to the Canine Health Information
Center (CHIC), for inclusion in their database.
4.
Not breed a bitch prior to 1 year of age or older than 8 years; not permit
more than 6 litters in her lifetime; not breed a bitch more than 2 out of
3 consecutive seasons.
5.
Not breed to an unregistered Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
6.
Honor all contracts regarding sales, co-ownerships, breeding rights, agreements,
compensations, leases, stud service and/or any other written agreements set
forth.
7.
Acknowledge that the owner of the sire is as responsible as the owner
of the dam in all matters of the welfare of the offspring. Anyone standing a Pembroke at stud bears great
responsibility to the future of the reed; therefore, a stud owner should use
the dog discriminately and with the paramount intention of advancing and protecting
the breed.
8.
Release puppies only at or over the age of 10 weeks.
9.
Furnish written instructions on the care, feeding and health care to the
new owner, as well as a written health record of immunizations or medical treatments.
10.
Sell puppies and adults with
a Health Certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within a month prior
to sale or request that the puppy or
adult be examined by the new owner’s veterinarian within two weeks of the
transfer.
11.
Provide accurate and valid documentation
of the AKC registration and pedigree.
12.
Use a spay/neuter contract in
the sale of a puppy or adult that shows a health issue or very serious fault
as described in the Standard. Members
are encouraged to use the limited registration option offered by the AKC.
13. Be prepared to accept and provide care for
any puppy/adult returned directly to the
breeder.
It Is Strongly Recommended That:
1. Written agreements be used in all practices
of co-ownerships, breeding and/or selling of Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
2.
PWCCA members serve as ongoing ambassadors to all individuals interested
in our breed.
3.
A copy of the Code of Ethics be given to each buyer at the time of sale.
Violations of the Code of
Ethics shall be considered prejudicial to the best interest of the Club or the
breed. As such, charges are addressed in
Article VI – Discipline, Section 2, of the PWCCA Constitution and By-Laws.
Voted and Accepted by PWCCA
Membership , March 4, 2007
Effective January 1, 2008