Alberta Boxer Club | Code of Ethics

INTRODUCTION

The Alberta Boxer Club Code of Ethics (the "Code of Ethics") are established in accordance with the objectives of the Alberta Boxer Club (the "ABC"). Adherence to the Code of Ethics is required of all ABC members. As a precondition for applying for ABC membership, the applicant acknowledges that he/she has read and will adhere to the Code of Ethics for the duration that he/she is an ABC member. This Code of Ethics is set forth as a guideline to protect and advance the interests of Boxers. In addition, it is a guideline for Alberta Boxer Club members to follow when promoting, breeding, buying, selling, competing or exhibiting their Boxers in any venue whatsoever. Members of the Alberta 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.

Note: This Code of Ethics constitutes the required standard of behavior expected of Alberta Boxer Club members. Any member found in breach of these recommendations could be called upon to explain their actions to the Alberta Boxer Club (Refer to Article 1, Section 8, Discipline, in the by-laws of the Alberta Boxer Club).

GENERAL

All members agree to:
1) Abide by all Canadian Kennel Club and Alberta Boxer Club rules and by-laws.
2) Provide their Boxers with the housing, food, and health care required to ensure the health and well being of the animal at all times.
3) Endeavor to enhance the role of the Boxer in the community through education and by encouraging all newcomers to the world of purebred Boxers no matter their interest: pet
owner, exhibitor, breeder or breed enthusiast.
4) Practice good sportsmanship through honesty, fairness and integrity in all activities while competing at dog shows/trials or breeding, buying, or selling boxers.
5) Not artificially alter Boxers for sale or exhibition. Acceptable alterations include cropping, docking and removal of dewclaws. All other types and forms of alterations of the dog's physical appearance are prohibited.
6) Refrain from harboring any dog that is the legal property of another individual(s) without attempting to contact the registered owner(s) of the dog's location within 72 hours.
7) Disclose the location and/or condition of any dog owned by a member in any situation that the owner(s) is not or may not be aware of.
8) Refrain from instigating or participating in any act or acts that may bring the reputation of the club or any of its members into disrepute.

BREEDING

All members agree to:
1) Include in their breeding programs only CKC registered or registerable stock.
2) Breed only with the intention of improving the breed and not for commercial gain or as a commercial venture.
3) Breed only healthy Boxers who possess both structure and temperament consistent with the CKC Boxer Standard and who are free of known disqualifying faults.
4) Ensure that all breeding stock is free from canine brucellosis and any other communicable diseases.
5) Not permit breeding stock to be used by and shall not use breeding stock owned by a pet store, chain or commercial kennel, puppy mill, or any commercial enterprise whose
business is involved in similar activities.
6) Keep accurate breeding records, pedigrees, contracts, and shall not deliberately falsify the pedigree or health results of any boxer offered for sale, breeding or exhibition.
7) Ensure that tail docking, dewclaw removal, and ear cropping is done under the most humane circumstances.
8) Consider the maturity level of bitches and when used for breeding, it is recommended that bitches should only be bred between the ages of eighteen months and 6 years.
9) Consider the maturity level of stud dogs and when used for breeding, it is recommended that stud dogs should only be bred from eighteen months of age until they are no longer physically able.
10) Consider the long-term health of the breed and by doing so, it is recommended that breeders test for health conditions, which have proven to be problematic in the boxer. These tests include but are not limited to, auscultation, echo with doppler, holter monitor, thyroid panels, and hip x-rays (certified through OFA/Pennhip/OVC) and should be performed by a qualified technician or veterinarian.

SALES

All members agree to:
1) Ensure that any puppy that is not to be included in a breeding program is placed with a spay/neuter contract and registered with a CKC non-breeding agreement.
2) Screen buyers for their ability to provide a safe and loving home as well as determining their ultimate intent for purchasing a boxer.
3) Not knowingly sell to anyone or to any entity who engages in any activity that exploits the breed including puppy mills, commercial kennels, research facilities, retail or other businesses or agents thereof.
4) Provide new owner(s) with a copy of the boxer's pedigree, all health records, diet information and guidelines for future care.
5) Evaluate Boxers offered for sale or placement honestly and in accordance with the CKC Boxer Standard and state clearly to the buyer the quality of any Boxer sold or placed.
6) Take into consideration the stages of puppy development and refrain from placing puppies earlier than seven weeks of age.
7) Endeavor to help new owners in every reasonable way.
8) Boxers shall not be given as prizes, offered in raffles nor sold at auction.