The Rottweiler Club of Canada
Code of Ethics
(Revised January 2007)
This Code of Ethics is established in accordance with the objectives of The Rottweiler Club of Canada. By joining the Rottweiler Club of Canada, our members agree to abide by the following items:
Section 1: Purpose
To study and strive to conserve and improve the breed in structure, temperament and working ability, never sacrificing one for the others.
Section 2: Ownership
Members will follow the Canadian Kennel Club (hereafter referred to as the CKC) by-laws, and any federal, provincial, or local laws.
Members shall provide the highest possible standard of care, focusing on health and husbandry. Rottweilers shall be housed securely at all times, ensuring the safety of the public and the dog.
All Rottweilers shall be raised with the highest possible level of human interaction and socialization possible in the circumstances to encourage the development of proper temperament.
Section 3: Breeding
A) Breed only dogs and bitches, who have reached their 24th month, who are properly registered (by the CKC or CKC recognized agencies, ie. ADRK, AKC, FCI countries).
B) i: Breed only dogs whose hips have been certified clear by the OVC, OFA or an FCI-recognized authority and, if born after Jan 1st, 2005, whose heart has been OFA certified.
ii: In addition, the RCC strongly suggests that breeders xray elbows and test for genetic ocular (eye) defects, and encourages breeders to utilize available genetic testing for Hypothyroidism and vWD (a bleeding disorder).
Anyone found to be in violation of Section 3: A and or B.i will be subject to immediate disciplinary action by the Board.
C) Further recognize that merely obtaining the necessary certification does not warrant breeding a particular animal.
D) 1: Breed only dogs of stable temperament
2: Breed only dogs free of communicable diseases
3: Breed only dogs with no disqualifying physical faults according to the CKC standard.
Exceptions:
i. missing teeth.
Only dogs born on or after January 1st, 2006 shall be subject to the CKC Standard dated January 1st 2006. All dogs born on or after this date shall require a Veterinarian's letter as proof of full dentition, should a dog lose a tooth due to injury, disease or age.
ii. testicles
A Veterinarian's letter shall be required should a dog lose a testicle due to injury or disease
iii: foreign dogs
Any foreign dog used by a Member of the RCC shall be subject to the Breed standard (and disqualifications) of it's country of residence.
Definition: Veterinarian Letter, shall be on Veterinarian letterhead and include the full name, address, and contact information of the Veterinarian. The full name, age, sex, tattoo or microchip information and the CKC registration number of the dog must also be included. The letter should also indicate the Board of Directors of the RCC may contact the said Veterinarian for verification of the document.
E) Offer at stud only dogs who meet this criteria, and refuse stud service to any bitch not meeting the same requirements. Breed only bitches who meet the above noted criteria, and never more than two out of three consecutive seasons.
F) Members who choose to dock tails on Rottweiler puppies shall do so within 7 days of birth. No member of the RCC shall permit docking of a "natural tailed" Rottweiler purchased, owned or co-owned after 7 days of birth.
G) Supply the necessary time and resources for the ongoing care of any litter whelped, including, but not limited to, proper shelter/facilities, good health, proper nutrition, fresh water and adequate protection against known diseases.
H) As a breeder, I will urge my puppy purchasers to provide obedience training at the proper age. As a breeder I will make a sincere effort to se that every dog will have an adequate home and be properly cared for.
I) The owner of a bitch or stud dog shall assist in the recovery and/or relocation of all progeny produced as a result of any mating of that bitch or stud dog which, for any reason cannot remain with the original purchaser.
J) Any provisions for refunds or reimbursement of expenses shall be included in the contract between breeder and purchaser.
F) No puppy or adult dog bred or owned by an RCC member shall be disposed of in a Rottweiler Rescue, animal shelter or pound unless required to do so by law.
Section 4: Sales
Evaluate honestly according to the CKC Rottweiler Standard, and state clearly to the buyer the quality of any Rottweiler sold. The buyer will be informed in the case that a dog or puppy has a physical condition or serious deviation from the standard, and the sale will be made with an agreement in writing signed by both the buyer and the seller that the dog is not to be bred. All advertising shall be honest and informative and shall in no way misrepresent the stock offered.
Sell only to responsible persons and not knowingly sell to pet shops, commercial brokers or any entity who engages in any activity which might exploit the breed. Rottweilers shall not be given as prizes, offered in raffles, or sold at auctions or for medical research.
Release puppies to their new homes only after they reach seven weeks of age and only after they have been properly identified (by means of CKC recognized tatoo or microchip).
Section 5: Documentation
Whether offering a male at stud, breeding a female, arranging a lease, selling or placing a dog, records of all matings & transactions will be maintained. All matings involving dogs owned by different individuals (immediate family members exempt) will include a contract outlining the details of the agreement. Signed copies of all contracts will be maintained by both parties.
Sales contracts will be prepared for all transactions involving the transfer of ownership. All dogs/puppies sold or placed must be guaranteed to be in healthy condition, including adequate protection against known diseases. Keep and pass on to buyers accurate health, breeding and registration records and pedigree records of at least three generations. All puppies will be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club and registration papers will be provided to the buyer within 6 months from the date of sale. All puppies NOT purchased as show and breeding stock will be registered with the CKC NON-BREEDING contract. The sales contract will also outline the expectations of the parties involved and should encourage (as appropriate) the spaying/neutering of the animal.
Section 6: Communication/Behavior
It is expected that all members will conduct themselves with the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship at any event involving Rottweilers. Assist all newcomers to the breed so that they may be guided in the ways that can best conserve and improve the Rottweiler. In addition, all communication (whether written or oral) are to be factual (to the best of the members knowledge). Special consideration should be given to any advertising to ensure that it is not misleading.
Section 7: Complaints and Discipline
The Board of Directors will appoint a three member Complaint/Discipline Committee, the Vice-President will act as alternate in the event that any member of the committee is unable to "hear" a particular complaint (i.e. conflict of interest, illness etc...). Complaints must be in writing and can be forwarded to any member of the Executive or Directors. The individual receiving the complaint will forward same to the committee within two weeks. The committee will then review/investigate the allegations and provide their report in writing to the board within three months of receipt of the charges. Disciplinary actions are suspension or expulsion (as per the club's By-Laws). Unsubstantiated repeat complaints against the same individual(s) will not be tolerated. A fee of $25 shall accompany all charges. If the charges are upheld, the fee will be refunded.