Code of Ethics

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. A breeder-member shall strive to conform to the Yorkshire Terrier Standard as approved by the American Kennel Club, to improve progeny, and to reduce faults to a minimum

2. Members shall comply with the rules of the American Kennel Club concerning record keeping and the registration, sale, identification, and transfer of dogs.

3. Members shall refer potential puppy purchasers to other reputable breeders and be helpful and courteous to those who request information about the breed.

4. All stud dogs and bitches shall be screened prior to breeding for both infectious and hereditary diseases using the then generally accepted and available techniques.

5. A breeder-member selling puppies or offering stud services shall fully disclose to potential clients any serious or disabling hereditary defects, including the reasonable possibility of such defects.

6. All contractual terms and conditions relating to Yorkshire Terriers shall be reduced to writing and shall be honored by a member.

7. An exhibitor-member shall not alter a dog's natural appearance except as provided in the Yorkshire Terrier standard.

8. A member shall not defame another member no seek to impair a member's reputation, provided, however, a member shall report any serious situation that is detrimental to the breed or is inconsistent with these principles.

9. A member's advertising:
-shall be professional in appearance and location;
-shall not refer to YTCA or MRYTC membership to attempt to enhance integrity or the quality of stock;
-shall not contain any misleading photograph or other graphic materials; and
-shall not sue terms as "teacup", "tiny specialists", doll faced , or similar terminology.

10. 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.