HELDERBERG BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB of NY CODE OF ETHICS
The Helderberg Bernese Mountain Dog Club of NY in keeping with its aims of breeding the best possible dogs while preserving their unique type and character and promoting the best possible care and training of these dogs, adopts the following code:
Breeders shall strive for perfection of the Bernese Mountain Dog in accordance with the official standard set forth by the American Kennel Club.
In regard they shall:
A. Maintain high standards of health, safety and care of their dogs.
B. Use only physical and temperamentally sound stock, and will refuse stud service to any bitch that is unregisterable, shows obvious defects or does not have clear hips, elbows and eyes. They shall study and learn the good and bad points within their own stock, never doubling up on a known and visible fault.
C. X-ray for evidence of hip and elbow dysplasia at the age of two years or older, and exclude from breeding programs dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia.
D. Refrain from breeding the bitch until at least 24 months of age and has OFA or GDC certification. A bitch shall be bred no more than every other season. It is suggested that in most cases a period of one year lapse between litters.
Breeders will not sell dogs without true representation to the purchaser nor use misleading or untruthful statements in selling or advertising. No member shall sell adults or puppies to any known broker, retail, or wholesale pet outlet.
A buyer should be supplied with a four-generation pedigree, with information on inoculations and training of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
A breeder will guarantee the health of his/her stock subject to a veterinarian's examination within 48 hours of the sale.
A breeder should try to keep in touch with the progress of dogs of their breeding in order to better analyze their program and assume lifetime responsibility of any puppies bred.
Breeders shall exhibit at dog shows and matches where feasible.
Members shall at all times exhibit good sportsmanship related to the club and dog shows.
Members shall not slander or degrade any other member or kennel.
In applying for membership in the Helderberg Bernese Mountain Dog Club of N.Y. I agree to comply with all the American Kennel Club rules and regulations and the rules and by-laws of the Constitution of the Helderberg Bernese Mountain Dog Club.
SIGNED:____________________________________________________________________________
DATE: ___________________________________