American Tundra Shepherd Dog Association

Code of Ethics

ATSDA Copyright 2003

I. PURPOSE
The main emphasis for breeding American Tundra Shepherd Dogs will be to enhance the working ability and other outstanding qualities of character of this breed, as well as its appearance. It is mandatory that a Code of Ethics be subscribed to by those who are concerned with the propagation of physically, mentally and temperamentally sound American Tundra Shepherd Dog of proper breed type. Measures should be taken to acquaint the general public with the contents of this Code so that they may not become innocent partners in improper breeding practices.

 Consistent with the above, I will agree to breed discriminately and only upon                               strong evidence of the possibility of finding suitable homes for the resulting puppies. I understand and agree that to breed indiscriminately may lead to the deterioration of the American Tundra Shepherd Dog breed

II. BREEDING

A. In breeding, consideration will be given to both character and conformation        (working ability, stability, intelligence and proper structure according to the American  Tundra Shepherd Dog Assoc. standards).

B. I agree to breed only normal, healthy, mature dogs verified free of any communicable diseases (i.e.; canine brucellosis, giardia).

C. I agree to use for breeding only those American Tundra Shepherd Dogs which have no disqualifying faults of structure or health of a hereditary nature and no radical departure from the official standard as accepted by the American Tundra Shepherd Dog Assoc..

D. I agree that I will breed only American Tundra Shepherd Dogs that have had veterinary read hip preliminaries done prior to breeding that indicate the hips are free of dysplasia. If there is any question at all, I will not breed my dog until two (2) years of age and OFA certified & Penn Hipped tested showing no signs of CHD or DJD. And it is strongly recommended that DNA profiling & CERF certification be sought also.

E. I agree to have my American Tundra Shepherd dog OFA certified & Penn Hipp tested when twenty-four (24)months of age or older. I agree not to breed my American Tundra Shepherd Dog if it does not pass its OFA certification at "fair" or better & Penn Hipp test results showing no signs of CHD or DJD.

F. I will not breed any American Tundra Shepherd Dog which consistently produces a large percentage of disqualifying faults or serious hereditary defects, even though free of them itself. (Three (3) liters with three (3) different mates).

G. I will not allow my bitch to produce more than one (1) litter per year.

H. I will keep accurate records of all my dogs, and any litters produced. I will send my findings to the Genetic Committee, the purpose of this being to facilitate the elimination of faults from our breed.

I. As owner of a stud, I will require the same criteria as stated in this Code of Ethics of any bitches I approve for breeding to my dog.

J. Breeders must be certified by the American Tundra Shepherd Dog Assoc., as shall each mating. This is due to the rarity of the American Tundra Shepherd Dog and the necessity to further enhance and evolve the qualities of our breed. I agree to notify the officers of my intent to breed, whereupon a Genetic Committee shall be formed to review the applicants and offer its determination. Applicants shall receive more than one (1) choice in its determination if available. See Section VIII.

K. I agree to breed my bitch to three (3) studs of separate lineage before a repeat breeding.

L. I agree not to breed any American Tundra Shepherd Dog, or breed to any American Tundra Shepherd Dog, with any hereditary problems or faults which would preclude said dog from living a normal, healthy life, or prevent the animal from producing offspring which conform to the margins of ethical breeding practices.

III. RECORDS

I agree to keep accurate records of my stock, breedings and pedigrees and to register my stock with the American Tundra Shepherd Dog Assoc.

IV. HEALTH

A. I agree to maintain good standards of health and care for my dogs, including proper nutrition and veterinary care.

B. I agree that proper health includes early socialization, which means regular contact with people, exposure to the outside world, and contact with other animals.

V. SALES

A. I will refuse to sell or recommend breeders who do not conform to this Code. I will not sell to dog wholesalers, dealers, retailers or their agents. I will not sell in litter lots, or donate for raffle purposes.

B. I will use a sales contract or written agreement with any sale or purchase involving an American Tundra Shepherd Dog.

C. To the best of my ability, I will state clearly to the buyer whether the puppy or dog being sold is potentially show, working, breed or pet quality, or a combination thereof.

D. I will not release any puppies before six (6) weeks of age and only with proof of health and required inoculations.

E. I agree that my puppies should be pre-stressed in accordance with the accepted methods and techniques.

F. I will give buyers accurate health, breeding and registration records and at least a three (3) generation pedigree, and OFA & Penn Hipp results on the sire & dam.

G. Pet quality puppies of dogs will be sold on the "not for breeding" agreement, to be registered with the American Tundra Shepherd Dog Assoc. as "NFB". Only the breeder may change the "NFB" designation.

H. I will strongly urge puppy purchasers to provide "imprinting" or puppy training and to provide purchasers with the knowledge and guidance to accomplish this between six (6) and sixteen (16) weeks of age. This includes housebreaking by crate.

I. I will not release a puppy until the purchaser has acquired and adequate crate for crate training.

J. I will make and back-up an appropriate written "statement of guarantee" in each sales contract. If I sell a puppy as a show quality, and it develops a disqualifying fault or a serious hereditary defect, I will compensate the buyer according to that agreement. This agreement will clearly define the responsibilities and terms of agreement, and any guarantees or restrictions.

K. I will recommend to my puppy buyers that they render incapable of producing any American Tundra Shepherd Dog which has developed disqualifying or serious faults. (This includes bad temperament). As a breeder, I will make serious effort to see that every dog will have an adequate home and will be properly cared for.

 

 

VI. ADVERTISING

I agree that my advertising, oral and written, shall be factual and not worded to reflect "hype" to attract undesirable buyers or to encourage the raising of purebred American Tundra Shepherd Dogs as a money making scheme.

VII. CONDUCT AND SPORTMANSHIP

A. I shall conduct myself at all times in a manner which will reflect credit upon me and the breed regardless of the location or circumstances, but especially when attending dog shows or trials, whether as an exhibitor or spectator.

B. I will not co-own or participate in the breeding of a dog with a person that does not subscribe to or support this Code.

C. If I am aware of the mistreatment, misuse or need for relocation of any American Tundra Shepherd Dog, I will notify an officer or member of the Board of Directors.

VIII. CERTIFICATIONS

A. All American Tundra Shepherd Dogs which are to be bred must be OFA certified & Penn Hipp tested showing no signs of CHD or DJD.

B. See breeder and mating certification in Section I, paragraph J.

C. The American Tundra Shepherd Dog Assoc. shall certify all working dogs.

D. A mating certification is intended to legitimize the mating and further enhance the breeder's reputation as an ethical breeder. This certification applies to members only. Signators of this Code shall receive a breeder's certification upon receipt by the American Tundra Shepherd Dog Assoc.

IX. REGISTRATIONS

The American Tundra Shepherd Dog Assoc. accepts and recognizes American Tundra Shepherds Dogs registered with the American Tundra Shepherd Dog Assoc, and the Global Kennel Club.

It is the express purpose of the American Tundra Shepherd Dog Assoc. and this Code of Ethics to discourage and prohibit the American Tundra Shepherd Dog from being accepted and recognized by any organization or club promoting or recognizing completive shows which emphasize phenotypic expression (conformation) only. We encourage members to participate in events and/or join organizations which promote the working ability of dogs.

 

X. VIOLATIONS AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

A. A member who has a special circumstance or who is in violation of this Code, through no fault of his own, may have recourse to the Board of Directors.

B. A written charge, accompanied by a fee of $20.00, is required to bring charges, which will be returned if charges are upheld. The Board of Directors will determine the appropriate action in accordance with the severity of the infraction. (See By-Laws).

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, HAVE STUDIED AND UNDERSTAND THE CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN TUNDRA SHEPHERD DOG ASSOC.


I HERBY AGREE TO ADHERE TO THE PROVISIONS SET FORTH WITHIN THIS CODE AS A BREEDER CERTIFIED BY THE AMERICAN TUNDRA SHEPHERD DOG ASSOC. AND AS EVIDENCE OF MY CONCERN FOR THE BREED AND BY DEDICATION TO ADVANCE THOSE QUALITIES OF WHICH WE ADMIRE. I UNDERSTAND THAT UPON RECEIPT OF THIS DOCUMENT AND THE COMPLETION OF A BREEDERS CERTIFICATION COURSE. THE AMERICAN TUNDRA SHEPHERD DOG ASSOC. WILL ISSUE TO ME A BREEDER'S CERTIFICATE IN MY NAME WHICH SHALL BE RENEWED YEARLY.


SIGNED:_____________________________

DATE:_______________________________


STATE OF )

) ss.

COUNTY OF )


Subscribed and sworn to before me this______day of____________,20___
_________________

Notary public

My Commision Expires: