CODE OF ETHICS THE AMERICAN POLISH LOWLAND SHEEPDOG CLUB™ APONC™ CODE OF ETHICS The membership of The American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club™ (APONC™) is dedicated to: • promoting the breed standard • advancing the objectives and integrity of the club • protecting the interests of the breed and individual dogs • promoting quality and integrity in breeding programs APONC members agree to: 1. support and abide by the breed standard created by “the club” and adopted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog (PON). 2. adhere to all AKC rules, regulations and requirements pertaining to the sport of dogs, the Constitution, Bylaws and regulations of “the club” and this Code of Ethics (COE). 3. display good sportsmanship and conduct themselves in a manner that gives credit to “the club,” the AKC, and the breed. 4. encourage and promote public awareness of responsible pet ownership. 5. ensure that in all dog related activities, the dog’s welfare takes precedence over considerations of breeders, trainers, owners, organizations, sponsors, and officials. 6. share knowledge truthfully, constructively and respectfully when conveying information concerning an individual PON or member. 7. participate in and/or support events, activities and programs sponsored by “the club” to the best of their ability. 8. educate the public, interested parties and new owners on the basic traits, characteristics and breed standard of the PON. 9. keep only as many dogs for which they can provide a high standard of health care, shelter, nutrition, attention, affection, and overall care. 10. provide appropriate training, exercise, and supervision to ensure their dogs are well mannered, kept in safe conditions, and are not abused or neglected. 11. ensure to their best ability that all dogs they place are not brokered, wholesaled or consigned through a pet shop, auction or other commercial establishment; and are not offered as prizes in contests, raffles or fundraising events. 12. ensure to their best ability that no stud dog or brood bitch whose owner is directly or indirectly involved with any dog broker, puppy mill, pet shop that retails dogs auction, litter lot sales, or any other commercial enterprise whose business is involved in these activities. 13. ensure that all animals released to the care of others have received the health care appropriate for their age and needs. 14. prior to placing any PON, discuss with the prospective owner the health care and behavior management needs for the dog and provide recommendations for general care. 15. provide assistance to dogs of their breeding in need of re-homing whether through a shelter, auction, rescue organization or an individual. Stud dog owners should also assist with re-homing of dogs sired by their stud dogs. APONC members are encouraged to: 1. use a written contract detailing all guarantees, obligations, and expectations of sellers, buyers, Receivers and providers of services. 2. assure that any dog they place which is not suitable for breeding is placed with an AKC limited registration and a non- breeding contract. A spay/neuter requirement is additionally recommended. APONC members who are PON breeders agree to: 1. adhere to AKC rules applying to litter and individual registrations, ensuring that any litter they produce is eligible for AKC registration. 2. use for breeding only animals which exhibit good type, have no breed standard disqualifications, are in good health, and are physically and temperamentally sound. 3. refrain from breeding females prior to 18 months. 4. obtain an evaluation for hip dysplasia from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) of Fair or better or PennHIP showing no sign of degenerative joint disease prior to using the PON for breeding. If a dog is bred on a preliminary OFA, a permanent OFA is required for all dogs bred after 24 months of age. 5. have eyes examined and receive clear/normal rating by Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist within 24 months before breeding. 6. provide new owners the following documentation: this COE, APONC membership application, AKC registration papers for the individual dog unless a mutual contract is in place which states otherwise, health and veterinary care history, the individual’s and/or sire and dam’s health certifications or evaluations, a four-generation pedigree, and recommendations for general care and training. 7. follow up on puppies after the sale to insure their continued care and remain available for advice, when sought, for the lifetime of the dog. 8. adhere to AKC rules applying to age limitations for breeding and DNA profiles for stud dogs. 9. refrain from letting puppies go to new homes before eight weeks of age. APONC recommends that PON breeders: 1. use dogs for breeding which are at least two years old, have sound temperaments, structure, conformation and type, and who have been evaluated and are known not to be affected with a known hereditary disease for which there is diagnostic testing. 2. obtain an AKC DNA profile on all dogs used for breeding. 3. refrain from breeding dogs with abnormal thyroid. Thyroid panel should be taken and sent to a qualified individual or University for results before first breeding and repeated every two to three years for breeding stock. 4. refrain from using dogs for breeding which, although unaffected with a specific physical or temperament defect consistently produce afflicted offspring with different mates. 5. ensure a female be bred not more than two out of every three seasons 6. transfer puppies to new owners in accordance with the laws of their state and meet, at least the minimum federal standard for transporting puppies (8 weeks of age). Approved April 20, 2005 For printable version Click here: APONC Code Of Ethics