Member Code of Ethics

The American Rat Terrier Association requests that all breeders subscribe to the following Code of Ethics to promote and foster the highest standards among breeders, owners, and fanciers, and to encourage sportsmanship and cooperation in the improvement and advancement of UKC registered breeds.

RECORDS:   I am familiar with, and follow, the "UKC Kennel Requirements". I will keep accurate records and retain those records for a minimum of five years. These records will include: stud service contracts, pedigrees, all litters produced, and all dogs/puppies sold. I will use the "Breeder's Record" that the UKC provides to me to maintain these records. I will report to the Registration Office of the United Kennel Club, Inc. any person who falsifies a registration or knowingly misrepresents a pedigree.

BREEDING: I shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of improving the breed. I will select the stud dog and brood bitch with an eye to conformation, temperament, and working instinct and ability, with a careful study of the breed standard, and the principles of genetics. I will not breed any male or female until they are both physically and mentally mature. Before entering into any breeding arrangement, I will scrutinize the pedigree, conformation, and working potential of both the sire and dam, keeping in mind the ideal of the breed. I have an obligation to refuse the breeding if, in my opinion, it is not in the best interest of the breed. As a responsible stud dog owner, I understand that should I refuse a breeding, I will fully explain my reasons to the owner of the bitch. I believe that only those dogs known to be free of serious or disqualifying defects should be used for breeding. I will not breed monorchids, cryptorchids, dogs with vicious or shy temperaments, or dogs with serious defects or disqualifications addressed in their breed standards. As a responsible breeder, I will refrain from using a dog that, although free from serious or disqualifying defects, consistently produces afflicted puppies. I will encourage/require the buyers of pet quality puppies to spay or neuter them.

HEALTH: I will maintain high standards of health and care for my dogs and guarantee the health of my puppies at the time of sale. SALES I will be discriminating in the sales of my puppies and concerned with the type of homes in which they are placed. My dogs/puppies will not be sold to dog wholesalers/brokers or retailers. I will transfer all applicable registration papers at the time the purchase agreement is completed and is agreeable to both parties. Upon the sale of a dog/puppy, I will provide the buyer with a properly executed UKC Registration Certificate, diet record, an inoculation and parasite control record, and a health guarantee. I will refrain from releasing any puppy until it is at least seven (7) weeks old, or eight (8) weeks old if the puppy is to be shipped.

ADVERTISING:  My advertising of dogs/puppies will be factual and honest, both in substance and implication. I will avoid encouraging buyers regarding the breeding potential of a dog/puppy. I believe breeding purebred dogs involves certain responsibilities and I will not take it lightly.

EXHIBITOR/BREEDER RELATIONS:   I understand that exhibiting dogs is a sport and that I am expected to express good sportsmanship in all activities. As an exhibitor I will refrain from unnecessary criticism of other people's dogs. As a matter of ethics, I pledge to help educate the general public as well as to assist the novice breeder.

IMPLEMENTATION:  This Code of Ethics is intended as an expression of goals for breeders, exhibitors, and fanciers. It is not to be construed as a rule or regulation to be enforced by punishment. Breeders are expected to police themselves in a civil and responsible manner.

Signature:___________________________________________  Date:_____________________