Editor’s note: The ABC
membership recently passed an amendment to the COE that allows AKC
Limited Registration of a white puppy after proof of spay/neuter; and
allows the breeder to charge the new owner veterinary expenses that are
directly related to the white puppy. After the amendment passed, it
became obvious that in order to add the amendment to the "old"
COE without creating conflicting language, the entire COE needed to be
revised. Shortly thereafter, a suggested revision of the COE was
published in the ABC News Bulletin, there was a great deal of
discussion on the boxer e-mail lists, and five wannabe revisers – all
ABC members (our names are listed below) – took pen in hand and
created a different suggested revision, which follows. Your comments are
welcome!
CODE OF ETHICS
American Boxer Club
This CODE OF ETHICS is set forth to protect, advance
the interests of, and improve the Boxer breed; to maintain sportsmanlike
competition at dog shows and events; and to promote a respect for people
and dogs. American Boxer Club members are to adhere to these canons when
breeding, buying, selling or competing with and exhibiting their Boxers.
Members of the American Boxer Club will conduct
themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit on the sport of
purebred dogs and on Boxers in particular, regardless of the location or
circumstances.
AKC Rules and Regulations and THE AMERICAN BOXER CLUB
BY-LAWS should be known and adhered to at all times. It is important to
know the current Standard of the Breed.
ARTICLE I
Breeding
Breed only with the intention of improving the breed.
Breeders should encourage the OFA or PennHip
certifying of hips, blood testing for thyroid function, and screening
for heart defects and other abnormalities that would affect the health
of their dogs or the offspring of same.
Breed healthy, sound, typey dogs that display sound
temperament and qualities and are free of severe faults.
Dogs offered at stud should be in good health. They
should be free from Canine Brucellosis and other communicable diseases
as well as disqualifying genetic faults. A written Stud Contract is
essential. Monorchids are not considered breeding stock.
Bitches accepted for stud service should be at least
eighteen months of age, in good health, free from communicable diseases
and disqualifying genetic faults. A bitch must be accompanied by a
current veterinarian's certificate stating that she is free of Canine
Brucellosis. It is the responsibility of the stud dog owner to properly
provide for all visiting bitches' safety and security. Each bitch must
be bred only to the stud dog specified by her owner. A change of stud
dog is only permitted with the express consent of the owner of the bitch
and should be included as an amendment to the Stud Contract.
Bitches should be bred only between the ages of
eighteen months and six years and not more than once a year.
Breeders will keep accurate breeding records,
registration papers, pedigrees and contracts.
ARTICLE II
Maintenance
Tail docking and removal of dew claws are appropriate
for the breed; ears may be cropped or uncropped. Any surgical procedures
are to be performed humanely. Corrective cosmetic surgery will not be
performed on Boxers. When such corrective surgery becomes a necessity,
the dog will no longer be exhibited, if such alteration is not in
accordance with stated AKC policies.
Members of The American Boxer Club will maintain
their Boxers’ condition, health and quarters in a manner that is above
reproach.
ARTICLE III
Registration
There are two ways to register puppies for the first
time with the AKC registration application.
Full Registration
Boxers who are sound, healthy, typey, considered to
be of breeding quality, and who are free of disqualifying faults under
the Standard of the Breed may be provided with full registration.
Limited Registration
American Boxer Club Members are encouraged to provide
limited registration for the following:
a. Boxers being purchased only as registered
companion pets.
b. Boxers that are not considered sound, or not of
breeding quality, including monorchids.
c. Boxers of any color not allowed by the standard.
Such a Boxer will be placed on a contract, to be signed and a copy
retained by all parties, that includes the following provisions:
Limited registration will be provided upon
completion of a spay/neuter.
The new owner will give the breeder a deposit to
cover the amount of spay/neuter. This deposit will be returned upon
presentation of a certification from a veterinarian that the
procedure has taken place.
The breeder may charge veterinary expenses
directly related to the puppy.
Buyers should be informed, where limited AKC registration is
involved, that any get of their Boxer will be ineligible for AKC
registration. The breeder of the dog can cancel the limited
registration, should the puppy at maturity be considered of breeding
quality. Providing limited registration is a voluntary action;
alternatively, registration papers can be withheld entirely, and the
buyer can apply to the AKC for an Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP).
[Note: Items 2.c., i. - iii. incorporate the language
already approved by the membership in the September 2004 revision].
ARTICLE IV
Sales
All sales of puppies and adults should include:
a. AKC registration application papers
b. Signed Bill of Sale
c. An accurate three generation pedigree
d. ABC Brochure and/or copy of the Standard of the
Breed
e. Health record including shots given, diet and
care information
Note: Registration papers may be withheld at the time
of the sale in such cases of prior agreement in writing. Example:
Spay/neuter agreement; Breeding/Lease agreement; or other similar
contracted agreement that would delay transfer of ownership until
completion of contract.
If possible, puppies should remain in their litter
environment until at least 7 weeks of age. (Note: Some States have laws
that puppies cannot be separated from their mothers until 8 weeks of
age. Check your local and state regulations.)
Purchasers should be urged to spay or neuter all
pets.
Misleading or untruthful statements must not be used
in the selling or advertising of puppies. Misrepresentation of American
Boxer Club awards, AKC and/or foreign titles must be carefully avoided.
American Boxer Club members will at all times be
accurate and honest to the best of their ability in appraising the
quality of Boxers being offered for sale or placement with reference to
the Standard of the Breed.
All contracts must be clear and complete with any and
all conditions stated. A signed copy must be provided to each party
involved.
During the life of any Boxer sold or placed, the
breeder should endeavor to help the owner in every reasonable way.
Prospective buyers should be screened on their desire
and ultimate intent for each Boxer. Their interest and ability to
provide a safe, adequate and loving home should be determined. Fenced
yards and crates should be recommended.
American Boxer Club members and member clubs will
help educate the public on the Standard of the Breed and care of the
Boxer in areas where they are qualified.
ARTICLE V
Infractions
The Boxer Standard defines the following
disqualifications: "Boxers that are any color other than fawn or
brindle. Boxers with a total of white markings exceeding one-third of
the entire coat."
The following infractions are considered to be
actions contrary to the best interest of the breed and/or the American
Boxer Club.
a. Full registration with the American Kennel Club
of a Boxer of any color not allowed by the Standard adopted for the
breed by the American Boxer Club, approved by the American Kennel Club
and in force at the time of the Infraction.
b. Providing an application for full registration
with the American Kennel Club of a Boxer of any color not allowed by
the Standard.
c. Signing an application for registration with the
American Kennel Club of a litter whose sire and/or dam are of a color
not allowed by the Standard.
d. Selling, consigning or disposing of a puppy or
an adult Boxer to a pet shop, chain of pet shops or any commercial
kennel for resale.
Charges may be brought against a member or a member
club for actions listed in Section 1 of this Article, as defined in
Article VIII, Section 2 of the By-Laws of the American Boxer Club.
