This Code of Ethics is established to provide guidelines for members of the Potomac Valley Shetland Sheepdog Club in the course of breeding, selling, exhibiting, and advertising Shetland Sheepdogs.

This Code, moreover, shall be a reference for the Board in undertaking any disciplinary action in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws, and for any member in initiating complaints concerning ethical conduct intended to lead to such disciplinary action.

I. General

(a) Each member of the Club should consider the welfare of the breed when engaged in any activities involving the ownership, breeding, exhibiting, and selling of Shetland Sheepdogs, and should refrain from any actions which would be prejudicial to the best interest of the breed and the Club.

(b) Each member of the Club should become familiar with the official standard and use it as a guide in striving toward the improvement of the breed.

(c) Each member of the Club is expected to comply with the regulations of the American Kennel Club relating to the members activities. The ethical standards of this Code shall not be interpreted in any manner to be in conflict with those of the American Kennel Club.

II. Ownership

(a) Each member should maintain high standards of health, care, and treatment for any Shetland Sheepdogs owned, whether maintained in residence or kennel, and shall give due regard to both housing and adequate socialization.

(b) Each member should maintain high standards of animal control, and should duly respect the rights of others by responsible dog ownership.


III. Breeding


(a) All breeding stock should be in good health, free from parasites internal and external, and free from communicable disease. Health or disease problems determined following a breeding should be discussed with all parties to the arrangement immediately thereafter.

(b) Dogs know to be sterile, monorchid, or cryptorchid will not be offered at stud.

(c) Dogs and bitches with genetic defects or which are physically or temperamentally unsound should not be used in breeding.

(d) A conscientious breeder will eliminate from his/her program any dog or bitch that consistently produces puppies of inferior quality or with genetic defects.

(e) A bitch shall be bred only to one stud during any one estrous cycle. Breedings should be witnessed; the owner of the stud or bitch may be considered a witness. A bitch should be bred only to the selected stud, and the owner of the bitch must be consulted before any other stud is used. Any misinating should be fully disclosed, and litter registrations should not be signed in the event of a dual mating.

(f) Either party to a proposed breeding should fully disclose (as known) pertinent information and any requested details on what the dog or bitch has produced. Unproven studs should be represented as such.

(g) Each member is obligated to maintain adequate health, breeding and pedigree records on breeding stock and puppies.

(h) All breedings should be selective, discouraging indiscriminate breeding of inferior individuals for purpose of puppy sales.

(i) A Shetland Sheepdog without registration papers will not be used for breeding, nor shall a registered Shetland Sheepdog be offered at stud for unregistered bitches.

(j) It is highly recommended that breeding stock be Xrayed for Hip Displasia and have eye checks by certified veterinarians.

(k) It is recommended that stud service contracts be made in writing.

IV. Sales

(a) No member of the Club will engage in wholesaling of litters of Shetland Sheepdogs or individual sales of puppies or adults to pet shops, pet dealers, catalog houses or other commercial establishments, nor will Shetland Sheepdogs be given as prizes in contests nor exploited to the detriment of the breed. A member should also decline dealings with unethical breeders or any buyer when there is reason to believe that improper care would be given to a dog.

(b) All Shetland Sheepdogs sold will be in good health and condition. Any puppy or adult sold will have adequate immunization against disease according to its age. Puppies should not be sold under six weeks of age.

(c) Prices of puppies and adults shall be based on individual quality. Pet stock shall not be misrepresented as show prospects.

(d) All financial arrangements should be made in advance of sales and should be agreed to in writing.

(e) Prices for puppies and adults, and stud fees, should normally fall within a range established by general practices of reputable local breeders. Individual discretion in pricing may be exercised, but with respect for the welfare and reputation of the breed.

(f) It is advised that the seller of pets with serious faults recommend spaying/neutering for the comfort and convenience of both dog and owner.

(g) It is recommended that any puppy sold as a show prospect which develops a congenital defect or disqualifying fault (except accidents) be: 1) replaced by the breeder with another show prospect puppy, or 2) the money refunded and the dog returned to the breeder, or 3) the buyers money refunded to the extent of the difference between the price paid and the price of pet puppies sold from the same or similar litters, the buyer retaining the dog.

V. Exhibiting

(a) All members of the Club should conduct themselves at all times in a manner which will reflect credit upon themselves and upon the breed, regardless of the location or circumstances, but especially when attending dog club meetings or shows, whether as an exhibitor or a spectator.

(b) All members should demonstrate good sportsmanship in all shows, trials, and matches in which they participate.

(c) All members should assist in assuring that exhibitions, matches, trials, shows or seminars supported by this Club are conducted in an atmosphere of courtesy, fairness, and good spirit.

VI. Advertising

All advertising shall be of an honest and straightforward nature and shall not in any way be misrepresentative or fraudulent.