Southern California Rat Terrier Club

Codes of Ethics and Sportsmanship

Below are the SCRTC Code of Ethics and the AKC Code of Sportsmanship.
The SCRTC Code of Ethics sets forth an ideal toward which exhibitors, breeders, and pet owners may aspire. It attempts to educate members, especially those new to the breed and to the club, about desirable standards of behavior in canine matters. It also includes statements about general care of dogs, records and transactions involving dogs, adherence to AKC and Club By-Laws, sportsmanship, and guidelines for breeding and selling dogs.
The AKC Code of Sportsmanship sets forth the major principles involved in maintaining a high degree of sportsmanship for the various participants in the sport of dogs.

THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RAT TERRIER CLUB
CODE OF ETHICS

As a member of the Southern California Rat Terrier Club, I abide by the following:
* I will abide by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Southern California Rat Terrier Club and the rules of the American Kennel Club.
* I will keep accurate breeding records, registration papers and pedigrees.
* I will furnish accurate records to each buyer of all shots and worming, pedigree, and AKC registration or transfer documents, unless written agreement is made at time of sale that papers will be withheld.
* I will have all services and sales agreements, mutually agreed upon, stated in writing, and signed by all parties involved. Contracts covering the sale of intact male dogs should include language prohibiting the sale of the dog’s frozen semen at auction by the buyer of the dog.
* I will maintain the best possible standards of canine health, cleanliness and care.
* I will conduct all advertising in an honest manner that will not, in any way, misrepresent, defraud, or mislead.
* I will offer only dogs for stud or bitches for breeding that are in good health and free from communicable diseases and disqualifying genetic faults.
* I agree that I will not breed any stud dog to any bitch whose owner is directly involved with any puppy broker, puppy mill, litter lot sales or any other commercial enterprise whose business is involved in like activities.
* I will breed a bitch only with the intent that this particular breeding will improve the breed.
* I will not sell a Rat Terrier to any commercial facility, puppy brokers, pet shop, puppy mill or agent thereof.
* I will conduct myself at all times in such a way as to reflect credit on the sport of purebred dog showing in general and Rat Terriers in particular.


THE AKC CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP

PREFACE: The sport of purebred dog competitive events dates prior to 1884, the year of AKC’s birth. Shared values of those involved in the sport include principles of sportsmanship. They are practiced in all sectors of our sport: conformation, performance and companion. Many believe that these principles of sportsmanship are the prime reason why our sport has thrived for over one hundred years. With the belief that it is useful to periodically articulate the fundamentals of our sport, this code is presented.
* Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.
* Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace.
* Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitment and obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by injecting personal advantage or consideration into their decisions or behavior.
* The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.
* The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.
* The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge’s placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs.
* The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.
* The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport of purebred dogs.
* Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the merit of their competition and the effort of competitors.
* Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport.
* Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them.
* Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.
* Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.
* Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog.
* Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in the sport.