CBdFC Code of Ethics
Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the club's Code of Ethics.
I. Conduct
Members of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club shall strive to conduct themselves in a manner which reflects positively upon themselves and the Bouvier des Flandres. The actions and behavior of members of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club, Inc., reflect directly on the organization and on the breed. It is, therefore, imperative that all members conduct themselves in a manner which reflects a high regard for good sportsmanship, responsible dog ownership, integrity and respect for others. Members shall:
1.1 Offer assistance and support to other Bouvier owners, (especially novices), and encourage basic training and the earning of titles.
1.2. Maintain all areas in a condition which encourages a positive attitude toward Bouviers and their people. This includes but is not limited to cleaning up and disposing properly of dog's waste.
1.3. Notify a board member of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club, the breeder of the Bouvier (if known), or proper authorities in the area if aware of possible maltreatment, misuse or need for relocation of any Bouvier.
1.4. Advertise and represent Bouviers and related activities honestly and factually.
1.5. Exhibit only Bouviers which are healthy, clean, groomed and well-behaved (not a danger to other dogs or people).
II. Care
Members of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club shall adequately provide for all dogs under their care.Members shall:
2.1. Provide the physical requirements which include appropriate food, water, basic grooming and a sanitary & safe environment.
2.2. Provide appropriate veterinary care and have knowledge of canine contagious diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, (Adenovirus 2), leptospirosis, parvovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza, bordetella, and rabies.
2.3. Have or seek clear understanding of canine health and nutritional requirements in all stages of development.
2.4. Provide for the mental & emotional needs of a Bouvier which include affection, training and social interaction throughout any Bouvier's life so they do not become a nuisance or a danger to others.
2.5. Be encouraged to obtain health screening or certificates (OFA hips, elbows, heart, thyroid, PennHip, CERF-eyes, etc.), and provide that information to their Bouvier's breeder.
2.6. Microchip or tattoo each Bouvier.
III. Breeder/Seller Conduct
Members of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club who breed (stud dogs and/or brood bitches) or sell Bouviers shall do so carefully and knowledgeably. A breeder's primary- goal should be the improvement of the breed.Members shall:
3.1. Be prepared to be fully responsible for all offspring produced or Bouviers sold. It is incumbent on the breeder/seller to keep track of each Bouvier throughout its lifetime and to endeavor to ensure that it leads a quality existence.
3.2. Become knowledgeable about the structure, temperament and the mental stages of development of the Bouvier.
3.3. Be familiar with heritable disabilities and problems which are known to occur in the breed (hip and elbow dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, cataracts, etc.)
3.4. Be aware of growth and nutrition-related diseases (osteochondritis dissecans, panosteitis, etc.).
3.5. Clearly outline in writing the terms of the breeding.
3.6. Breed only dogs/bitches that are at least 24 months old and registered by the AKC or its foreign equivalent.
3.7. Breed and/or sell only Bouviers that are in good health (i.e. fully immunized, free from communicable disease and internal or external parasites, etc.) All known health problems of the individual dog, its parents, littermates or full siblings from previous litters must be disclosed in writing.
3.8. Only allow a bitch to produce puppies during non-consecutive heat cycles.
3.9. Maintain complete and correct breeding records and pedigrees, and strictly comply with AKC requirements for registrations and transfers of ownership.
3.10. Provide immunizations and parasite control.
3.11. Breed only Bouviers that are healthy as evidenced by formal testing as listed below:a). Have been x-rayed and evaluated by OFA, PennHip, or their foreign equivalents, and determined to be free from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.b). Have been certified by OFA or equivalent foreign agency to be free of cardiac defects (preferably by a certified veterinary cardiologist).c). Are CERF certified clear of eye defects within one year prior to breedingd). Have been thyroid tested within normal levels within one year prior to breeding.If a dog can not be certified due to injury or non-heritable defect, a statement from the appropriate veterinary specialist shall be obtained and provided as evidence the condition causing failure to certify is not inheritable.
3.12. Breed only dogs/bitches that have sound temperaments, (i.e. are NOT inappropriately aggressive, shy, or unstable etc.)
3.13. Be familiar with genetic strengths and weaknesses in the lines bred or sold and be prepared and able to objectively evaluate those progeny for which he or she is responsible.
3.14. Should be familiar with aptitude testing, temperament and puppy development in order to match buyer's needs and expectations with Bouvier suitable for their situation.
3.15. Personally place their Bouviers in appropriate homes. They shall not allow them to be wholesaled, placed in pet shops, sold by litter, made available as prizes or premiums, sold for laboratory experimentation or sold to catalog houses, commercial distributors, brokers, auctions etc.
3.16. Discuss with potential buyers both the negative and positive aspects of the breed so that they may make an informed decision in selecting a Bouvier. Temperament, exercise requirements, grooming and coat care, size, and possible heritable conditions should be especially emphasized.
3.17 Ascertain that the prospective buyer is aware of the needs of the Bouvier, and has the knowledge and facilities to care properly for a growing or grown dog.
3.18. Place puppies no sooner than 49 days of age (7 weeks).
3.19. Provide a written contract including terms of the sale, health status of dog sold, parents and littermates, and any genetic guarantees and remedies.
3.20. Sell under limited registration with a spay/neuter contract all Bouviers evaluated to be non-breeding ( i.e. pet) quality by the breeder/seller.
3.21. Provide to the buyer:
a) Four-generation pedigree.
b) AKC Registration or foreign equivalent in a timely manner.
c) Copies of all health certifications or veterinarian statement of health status of Sire and Dam of puppies or individual Bouviers.
d) Health, immunizations, and worming records.
e) Breeding history for adults being sold.
f) A copy of this Code of Ethics
g) Written instructions for feeding and general care.
3.22. Be available to buyers for advice, support, reasonable aid, and assistance for the life of any Bouvier sold.
IV. Implementation
If any member or nonmember is aware of a possible violations of this code he/she will refer the matter to a board member for review at the next meeting or a member may file a complaint under Article VI section 2 of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club by-laws. Violations of the Code of Ethics shall be construed to be misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the breed.
This Code of Ethics has been published in the CBdFC May 1998 Newsletter prior to membership adoption by majority vote May 16. 1998 at the Cascade Bouvier des Flandres Annual Picnic General Meeting.