The Shih Tzu Club of South Wales & Western Counties General Code of Ethics
All members of the Shih Tzu Club of South Wales & Western Counties undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.
Club members:
1) Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
2) Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.
3) Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
4) Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
5) Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
6) Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
7) Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
8) Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
9) Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
10) Will only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change.
11) Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
12) Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
13) Will not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).
14) Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.
15) Consideration should be given to type, soundness, temperament and health before breeding. Aggressive and nervous dogs should not be bred from and the stock will not be Kennel Club registered.
16) No bitch should be bred from before her third season or eighteen months of age whichever is sooner or have more than six litters in her lifetime. No bitch should be mated on every season or after eight years of age.
17) Members should only breed if they have the time and facilities to devote the necessary time and attention to the rearing and well being of the puppies and dam, likewise members should not provide stud services to the owner of a bitch who does not have time and facilities.
18) No member should allow their bitch to have a litter unless they are reasonably sure of finding good permanent homes for the puppies. No puppy should be sold under a minimum age of eight weeks or be sold or given to puppy farmers. All puppies to be Kennel Club registered.
19) To make use of the Kennel Club free endorsement scheme where appropriate.
20) To Microchip or DNA their dog.
21) Members should not sell to any country without legislation for the protection of animals from cruelty similar to such laws in Great Britain and who do not have a reciprocal agreement with the English Kennel Club.
22) We would be happy for you to follow the guidelines of the Assured Breeders Scheme. For more information contact the Kennel Club
Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.
