Prairie Dachshund Club

~ Code of Ethics ~

Preamble: The Prairie Dachshund Club recognizes that the responsibility to preserve and protect the Dachshund rests solely with breeders and owner-enthusiasts. In accordance with this recognition, the following Code of Ethics has been instituted both to offer guidance to members of the Prairie Dachshund Club and to assure the public that members of the PDC adhere to the highest standards of conduct in dealing with their dogs, other dachshund enthusiasts, and the general public. Membership in the club indicates acceptance of this Code and an obligation to follow its precepts.

Conduct:
1. Each member of the PDC is expected to observe the highest standards of sportsmanship and conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect positively on the sport of dogs.
2. Members must refrain from knowingly making unfair or untrue statements about the dogs or practices of others.
3. When asked by a member of the public for information about the dachshund, PDC members should strive to offer helpful assistance in the form of honest information regarding the characteristics of the breed. Rudeness to spectators or novice dog owners at shows or other public venues is unnecessary and demonstrates a lack of respect for the sport.

Breeding
1. Club members should not breed a dog or bitch which has a hereditary defect, unsound temperament, poor health, a serious deviation from the breed standard, or any other condition which indicates that breeding of the animal would be detrimental to the welfare of the breed.
2. No bitch should be bred before twelve months of age or after the bitch is too old to safely whelp a litter.
3. All PDC members must be familiar with CKC rules governing record-keeping, registration, and the sale and transfer of dogs, and abide by those rules.
4. Litters should only be produced when members have the time and facilities to devote proper care and attention to the rearing of the puppies and the well-being of the dam.
5. Breeders should be willing to take back or help place any dog of their breeding for which a new home must be found.
6. Breeders should space the litters of any bitch by allowing a maxium of two consecutive litters and a maxium of three litters within five heats.
7. Any breeding should be conducted with the aim of betterment of the breed.

Sales:
1. No PDC member will knowingl sell or give a dachshund puppy to a pet store, commercial dog broker, puppy mill, animal research facility, or for use as a prize in any contest or raffle.
2. No puppy should leave the breeder's premises before 8 weeks of age.
3. All puppies leavingthe breeder's possession should be in good health and be properly identified as required by the CKC.
4. Breeders shall provide buyers with details of feeding, general care, a certificate of all inoculations given, and a four generation pedigree. Purchaser should be made aware of and be in agreement with the immunization protocol followed.
5. Breeders should make themselves available for follow-up questions from a puppy purchaser and provide contunued guidance and support.
6. All advertising shall be factual and not worded in a misleading or exaggerated manner. A member shall not misrepresent his dogs to any individual.
7. When selling a puppy, the breeder must clearly indicate, by contract or otherwise, the right and responsibilities of the purchaser.
8. If used, a sales contract should state whether the puppy is being sold as a showable animal or as a pet. Puppies sold as pets should be sold on a CKC non-breeding contract.
9. When selling or placing a puppy or adult dog with a behavioural or physical problem or which has a serious deviation from the breed standard, the breeder is obligated to make the purchaser aware of any problems relating to the above.

Health:
A PDC member shall provide proper and humane care and attention for all animals in there care.

Discipline:
1. The executive of the PDC shall have the power to suspend, expel or reprimand any member if , in the opinion of the executive, he or she has violated ; 
(a) the constitution of the Prairie Dachshund Club
(b) the Code of Ethics of the Prairie Dachshund Club
(c) the by-laws of the Canadian Kennel Club
2. Any person so suspended or expelled shall have the right to appeal the decision of the executive to the entire membership via a notice or letter in the Prairie Patter, within two issues of such a decision. Following publication, the membership shall vote on the decision by mail-in ballot. A simple majority of the entire eligible membership shall determine the result of the appeal.
3. Expulsion shall teminate membership for all time. Suspension automatically deprives the member of the privileges of the club for the period ordered.
4. No penalty of any kind shall be imposed until such penalty has been agreed upon by unanimous vote of the executive.