Code of Conduct
Preface
As a member of the Mount Rainier Yorkshire Terrier Club, Inc., I agree to uphold
the principles of the Club's Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Ethics and Code of
Conduct and will protect the interests of the Yorkshire Terrier in a manner
reflecting credit to myself, the Breed, and the Club. While understanding that
the circumstances facing each individual member are different, the Codes set
forth a standard of canine husbandry all Club members should strive to achieve.
The Code is intended to provide each member fundamental behavior principles
which will guide the Club, the Yorkshire Terrier breed and each member well
in nearly all situations.
1. Assistance and
encouragement shall be willingly offered by members to show novices and others
needing advice and guidance. The welfare of the breed will be in their hands
in the future.
2. All dogs will
be kept under safe and sanitary conditions, be given maximum health care and
protections, including regular inoculations and proper nutrition.
3. Healthy spacing
between litters will be a priority and unspayed bitches will be protected from
unplanned mating. Bitches will in no case be bred before their second heat or
before they are at least 18 months of age, whichever comes first, nor be placed
at risk by an unreasonable number of Cesarean sections and then only with the
concurrence of a veterinarian.
4. Puppies will
not be sold or consigned to pet stores, agents, or other commercial enterprises
nor sold to disreputable breeders, and neither puppies nor stud services will
be offered as prizes or for raffles.
5. Prospective
buyers will be screened as thoroughly as possible to determine their intent
as well as their ability and interest in providing a safe, adequate, loving
environment and a long term relationship with a puppy or adult dog.
6. All puppies
and dogs offered for sale will be sold with written sales agreements to include
clear terms and conditions and be signed by the seller and buyer. The contract
will request that the seller be contacted in the event that at any time the
owner is unable to keep the dog, it will be the obligation of the seller to
assist in the placement of the dog in question.
7. Purchasers will
be required to neuter/spay all puppies sold as pets. If specified in the written
sales contract, the seller will promptly release limited registration forms
upon receipt of a veterinarian's certification of such spaying or neutering.
8. All puppies
leaving the breeder's possession will be a minimum of twelve (12) weeks of age
to facilitate adequate socialization as well as appropriate emotional and temperament
development through interaction with siblings, dam and other dogs.
9. Breeders will
provide puppy buyers with written details of feeding, general care, date and
types of a minimum of two (2) inoculations, as well as dates of worming, grooming
instructions, etc. and be available to offer future advice as needed.
10. Stud service
will be offered only by and to AKC Full Registered, healthy, mature dogs and
bitches, respectively, and only of sound temperament. The dogs and Bitches should
be free of serious congenital and hereditary defects. Stud service will be refused
for any mating which is considered to not be I the best interest of the breed.
11. Animals recently
exposed to the risks of infectious diseases and bitches with nursing whelp will
not be exhibited.
12. Members realize that they represent the dog fancy in general and Yorkshire Terriers specifically to the general public. Members will act in a professional and good sportsman-like manner at all times and respect the rules of hotels/motels, other show sites and of all show sponsors.
13. A member shall sponsor an applicant for membership only if the member has
personally known the applicant for a period of time to assure fellow members
of the applicant as a MRYTC Member, will be an asset as a Club member. At least
one of the sponsoring members must have visited the applicant's home at least
once preceding the application date.
CONFORMANCE
Factually based charges of violations of the principles of the Codes will be reviewed under the provisions of Article VI of the Mount Rainier Yorkshire Terrier Club, Inc. By-Laws. Each member is expected to be familiar with these provisions concerning Suspension, Charges, Board Hearings, and Expulsion.