Code of Ethics Borzoi Club of California

Established 1948 Approved by:       Borzoi Club of America       American Kennel Club

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.. From the Constitution and By-Laws:

I.  "TO ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE THE PRESERVATION OF PUREBRED BORZOI AND TO DO ALL POSSIBLE TO BRING THEIR NATURAL QUALITIES TO PERFECTION."

(a) Be familiar with the current AKC Standard for Borzoi; use for breeding only dogs which are, to the best of my knowledge, physically and mentally sound, and registered with the American Kennel Club.

(b) Neither use drugs for show purposes, nor after for cosmetic purposes, by surgery or orthopedic means, the natural physical characteristics of any Borzoi.  (Reasons of health excluded.  refer to Chapter 16, Section 9 of the AKC rules.)

(c) Produce puppies only when there are the time, facilities and financial circumstances to provide attention to proper physical and emotional development.

(d) Consider the fact that the average Borzoi is not fully matured until approximately three years of age.  The minimum breading age is 18 months.  Bitches shall not be bred on consecutive seasons except under extraordinary circumstances.

(a) Take extraordinary measures to prevent a bitch in season from being misbred Should a bitch be cross-bred, or bred by two dogs, I pledge to destroy all such puppies at birth.

(f) Be apprised of the latest medical findings regarding inherited disorders, including hip displasia and progressive retinal atrophy.  It is recommended that all breeding stock be certified clear of hip displasia and PRA.

(g) Never sell to any pet shop or any wholesale dealer in dogs or to knowingly sell to any breeder who sells to pet shops or in any way to aid or abet the sale of Borzoi through a pet shop.

(h) As a Stud owner:

1. not offer a dog at stud with a recent history of frequent misses without veterinary evidence that the dog is fertile and free from brucellosis;

2. not accept a bitch for servicing without adequate facilities for her care and safe-keeping;

3. accept for servicing only those bitches which are free from major faults and defects as specified in the Standard.  Bitches shall be veterinarian certified as in good health, free from internal and external parasites and brucellosis, with recorded shots or boosters;

4. expand every effort to successfully bread a visiting bitch to the stud or acceptable substitute agreed upon;

5. be under no obligation to effect service if the visiting bitch has hereditary defects and is not as represented by the owner.

.. From the Constitution and By-Laws:

II.  "TO URGE MEMBERS AND BREEDERS TO ACCEPT THE STANDARD OF THE BREED AS APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB AS THE ONLY STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE BY WHICH BORZOI SHALL BE JUDGED".

(a) Be familiar with the AKC rules governing record keeping, registration, and sale and transfer of dogs, and abide by these rules.

(b) Forward registration papers promptly to a purchaser.  It shall be unethical to fail to inform the purchaser of any possible delay or difficulty In registration.  Include with the registration papers a four (4) generation pedigree and a complete medical record.

(c) See to it that terms of refund or replacement of a Borzoi puppy or grown dog, if any are to be offered, are clearly agreed upon IN WRITING at the time of sale, in the event undetected congenital defects should occur.

(d) Provide limited registration papers on any unaltered Borzoi that, in the judgement of the breeder, has obvious defects of a nature that will make the animal unsuitable for breading and so inform the purchaser in writing.

(e) Negotiate a written contract for stud fees, leasing arrangements, sales and breeding conditions for all pet and show stock,

(f) Keep advertising factual.  Avoid high-powered phraseology which promotes one's own stock at the expense of another's.  Misleading exaggeration or implications of superiority without factual basis will be considered unethical.

.. From the Constitution and By-Laws:

III.  "TO DO ALL IN ITS POWER TO PROTECT AND ADVANCE THE INTERESTS OF THE BREED BY ENCOURAGING SPORTSMANLIKE COMPETITION.."

(a) Speak publicly in a constructive manner, never maliciously, of the BCOC, Club Members, fellow brooders, exhibitors, judges and any Borzoi.

(b) In all public appearances, whether casual, in the show ring or for publicity purposes, present both myself and my Borzoi in such a manner of health, grooming and conduct that will be a credit to the broad and equal to the dignity of my Borzoi.

(c) Accept defeats as courteously as wins.

(d) Refrain from the use of abusive methods in training.

(e) Enter in competition only mentally and physically sound Borzoi.

(f) Actively discourage unethical and unsportsmanlike behaviour when such conduct exists, especially at the show ring.

IV.  CLUB MEMBERS' RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Give help in promoting Club activities whenever possible.

(b) Strive to give, when requested of me, whatever advice or help I can.

(c) Hold the well being of my Borzoi above financial gain.

(d) Strive to place puppies or adults in the hands of those who will provide a proper home and care.

(e) Give all help possible to owners reporting the loss of their Borzoi and in finding desirable homes for those reported found and unclaimed.

V.  ENFORCEMENT

(b) If the report of the infraction is not true, the member who forwarded the information shall be so notified.

(c) If information indicated that an infraction has been committed, the Board of Directors shall act as provided in Article 6 of the Club's Constitution.

(d) Any member who is convicted by any official animal welfare organization (such as SPCA, Humans Society or Police or Fire Department) for reasons of filth or inhumane treatment shall be subject to expulsion from the Club, after a hearing.  All documented finds shall be forwarded to the Parent Club (Borzoi Club of America, Inc.) and the American Kennel Club for further discipline.

Accepted and Approved November 2, 1991

Revised January 23, 1993

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