This code of ethics is presented as a guide for members whose foremost aim should be the welfare, improvement and advancement of the Bichon Frise breed, in accordance with the Standard as approved by the Bichon Frise Club of America and the American Kennel Club. It is difficult to cover all situations, and for this reason members should follow THE INTENT of this code even when specific areas are not covered. Every member of the Bichon Frise Club of Western Pennsylvania will be required to sign an acceptance of the Code of Ethics, yearly. Anyone applying for membership in the Bichon Frise Club of Western Pennsylvania is expected to review and to comply with the following Code of Ethics. A signed application for membership in and of itself will be considered as an agreement to do so.
1 Members will become familiar with and abide by the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club, the Bichon Frise Club of America and the constitution and by-laws of the Bichon Frise Club of Western Pennsylvania. Members shall be familiar with the AKC standard of the Bichon Frise.
2 Members are expected to observe the highest standards of sportsmanship, conduct themselves in a manner which will reflect positively on the sport of showing dogs. They shall exhibit good will at all dog-related events including All-Breed shows, Specialties and Obedience and Agility Trials. Members will not engage in false statements regarding, nor malign, judges, other exhibitors, or their dogs.
3. Members are expected to provide the best standards of health care for the physical and emotional well-being of their dog(s). This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate food, shelter, sanitation, immunizations, regular health checks, medical care as needed, attention, exercise and affection always. No dog will suffer abuse and all local municipal ordinances will be followed.
4 Members shall make every effort to educate any new owner or interested person, and to be both instructive and constructive in their comments.
5 Breeder-Members shall be familiar with AKC rules concerning record keeping, registration, sale and transfer of dogs and abide by these rules.
6 Breeder-Members shall use for breeding only those dogs which are healthy, and free from serious congenital and hereditary defects, and cease breeding any animals which have been found to produce such defects in their offspring. Every breeding will be done from the standpoint of bettering the breed. Only Bichon Frise that are physically and temperamentally sound and free of disqualifying faults will be used for breeding. All Bichon Frise used for breeding should be examined by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist and Cerf'd to rule out known or suspected hereditary eye disease. Also all Bichon Frise used for breeding should be examined, x-rayed and OFA'd for hips, knees and elbows. (It is also suggested their hearts be OFA'd)
7 Breeder-Members shall breed only when they have the time and facilities to provide adequate attention to the physical and emotional development of puppies, and shall provide this attention until such time as the puppies are sold. Nor shall breeders engage in the over breeding of bitches for profit, with no regard for quality.
8 Breeder-Members must be concerned with the proper placement of their puppies, both pet and show potential. It is recommended that breeders do a thorough background check of prospective buyers to insure they will provide a good home and proper care. Breeder-Members shall make it clear that the new owners shall be responsible for getting their puppy/dog checked by their own vet within 72 hours of taking possession of the puppy/dog. Breeder-Members will not sell their puppies to pet dealers, pet stores, pet wholesalers or pet brokers either singly or in litter lots. Nor will Breeder-Members offer their dogs or puppies as raffle or contest prizes, or any other type of giveaway or auction.
9 Breeder-Members shall make it clear that they are prepared to take the dog back at any age in the event that the new owner is unable to keep, care for or find a good home for the dog.
10 All puppies and adults shall be placed in a clean and healthy condition and shall be old enough to make the necessary adjustment to a new home safely. No adult or puppy shall be placed without proper protection against disease.
11 In the event of a complaint lodged against me with the Bichon Frise Club of Western Pennsylvania, I agree to extend my cooperation in the resolution of said complaint.
It is recognized that legitimate exceptions to this Code of Ethics will arise from time to time. Any member with a possible ethical problem may, at their request, have that problem reviewed by the Board for its recommendations. Furthermore, the Board of Directors may, upon sufficient evidence and under certain conditions where the good of the breed is protected, waive any of the foregoing provisions.
© 2005 bfcwpa@durendal.org
