I believe that the welfare of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is
of paramount importance. It supersedes any other commitment to Cavaliers,
whether that be personal, competitive, or financial. Therefore I agree to
act in accordance with the following Code of Ethics at all times, and I
understand that actions contrary to the code may be grounds for disciplinary
measures to be taken by the Board of Directors of Cavaliers of Greater Houston.
Cavaliers of Greater Houston is a Club composed of members devoted to the
continued betterment of the breed who put this interest well ahead of any
commercial consideration. The following Code of Ethics is predicated upon
this fundamental philosophy.
Records & Registration
I understand that all records compiled by the American Kennel Club depend entirely
upon the accuracy of the information I provide. Therefore, I will register every
eligible Cavalier owned, bred or imported by me, in accordance with the AKC Policies
and Guidelines for Registration Matters. I will maintain complete and accurate records
of each litter I breed as outlined in the AKC Rules for Record Keeping and Identification.
Breeding
I realize that the purpose of breeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is to attempt
to bring their natural qualities to perfection in accordance with the Breed Standard.
There exists a constant danger that ignorant or disreputable breeders may, by improper
practices, produce physically, mentally or temperamentally unsound specimens to the
detriment of the breed. I will consult with the breeder of the dog I own and/or with
some other experienced breeder before undertaking any breeding.
A. If I decide to breed a litter, I will:
1. To the best of my ability be selective with respect to the conformation, physical
well being, and temperament of the pair to be mated.
2. Breed only after a careful study and understanding of the Breed Standard, as it
applies to the pedigrees of the two dogs involved and to the dogs themselves.
3. Breed only to Cavaliers registered with the AKC.
4. Be prepared to provide the proper care for both the bitch and her litter, and
to retain the puppies for as long as is necessary to assure their placement in suitable
homes.
5. Never breed from or to any Cavalier known to me to have a disqualifying or disabling
health defect. Testing for inherited diseases and health defects is strongly recommended
by Cavaliers of Greater Houston.
6. Register each litter in accordance with the AKC Policies and Guidelines for
Registration Matters.
7. Never breed, or breed to, a "Restricted from Breeding Dog or Bitch" unless the
revocation of the restriction from breeding has been recorded by the AKC.
B. As the owner of a stud dog, I realize that I must exercise exemplary conduct in
the use of my dog in order to abide by the standards set forth in this Code of Ethics.
Therefore I will:
1. Use my dog only on bitches which I feel are an asset to the breed, whose owners
agree to conform to this Code of Ethics.
2. See the bitch's pedigree and registration certificate to check ownership, age,
and restrictions and try to ascertain the number of litters, and when she last had
a litter.
3. Complete "Section A" of the Litter Registration Application when requested by owner
of bitch.
C. As the owner of a brood bitch, I realize that I must exercise exemplary conduct
in breeding from her in order to abide by the standards set forth in the Code of Ethics.
Therefore I will not:
1. Breed a bitch before she is one year old, and then only if she is sufficiently
mature and in excellent health; nor breed a bitch that has reached her eighth birthday.
2. Allow a bitch to whelp more than two litters during any three consecutive seasons.
3. Allow a bitch to carry to term and rear more than six litters in her lifetime.
Care and Transfer of Puppies and Dogs
A. I will provide all of my Cavaliers with proper veterinary and home care, which
includes:
1. Checking into the removal of dewclaws, including hind dewclaws if present.
2. The elimination of parasites, internal and external.
3. The necessary inoculations as determined by my veterinarian.
4. A properly balanced nutritional diet.
B. I will do my best to evaluate my Cavaliers objectively and to use for breeding
only those conforming closely to the Breed Standard. All others I will either have
neutered before transferring them, or will transfer with a Restricted Registration.
C. I will to the very best of my ability screen all prospective new owners acquiring
a Cavalier to determine their suitability and their motives for acquiring a Cavalier.
Special attention will be given to the necessary commitment to financial responsibility
for proper care and adequate physical facilities.
D. I will not allow any puppy to leave for its new home before the age of eight weeks.
E. I will make sure that each of my Cavaliers, upon being released to its new owner,
is accompanied by the following:
1. Feeding instructions.
2. Written medical records, which will include date of immunizations and date or worming
if any.
3. A pedigree showing at least three generations.
4. A Cavaliers of Greater Houston New Membership Application form.
5. A current Certificate of Health signed by my veterinarian.
F. I will encourage all new owners to have their Cavaliers checked by a veterinarian
within forty-eight hours of time of acquisition.
G. I will encourage all new owners to keep me informed concerning the development
of any Cavalier obtained from me, and to advise me of any problems that may develop
during its lifetime, as well as of the eventual cause of death.
H. I will ask the owner(s) of any dog acquired from me to advise me if they are ever
unable to keep their Cavalier, so that I can either take the dog back or give every
assistance in rehoming it.
I. I understand that if I co-own a dog it is wise to have a contract drawn up, signed
by both co-owners, stating the exact terms of co-ownership.
J. I will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely
advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the quality of the dog.
K. Cavaliers of Greater Houston recommends that all sales of dogs be the subject
of a written agreement.
General Conduct of Members
I will remember at all times that the Cavaliers of Greater Houston exists to protect
and improve the breed, and that these aims must be uppermost in all activities within
the breed.
A. I will:
1. Try to educate each owner or interested person, and to be constructive as well as
instructive in my comments.
2. Always demonstrate good sportsmanship both inside and outside the show ring.
3. Behave in a manner conducive to the advancement of our Breed and our Club.
4. Properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under my care and maintain
sanitary conditions for my dog(s).
5. Assure that my Cavalier has good medical care, including appropriate vaccinations,
throughout his lifetime.
6. Consider permanent identification of all dogs using a currently acceptable method.
B. I will not:
1. Knowingly falsify pedigree or breeding information.
2. Sell Cavaliers to pet shops either on consignment or outright.
3. Supply, sell or buy Cavaliers for auctions, raffles, flea markets, dealers, wholesalers,
or other such enterprises.
4. Knowingly sell to or buy from unethical breeders, or sell to persons whose intention
to resale is known or suspected.
5. Purchase any Cavalier or any litter for resale either to an individual or a commercial
establishment.
6. Intentionally and falsely degrade another member, member's Cavalier, kennel, or
practices.
C. In all questions of ethics not covered by this Code, I will act in the best interest
of the breed at all times.
Enforcement and Appeals
A. I acknowledge that a violation of the Code of Ethics may be cause for sanctions.
B. I understand that it is my responsibility to notify an Officer or a Director if I
clearly believe a violation of this Code has been committed.
C. Members of the Board of Directors may not take an active part in decisions which
personally affect them.
Exceptions
It is recognized that legitimate exceptions to this Code of Ethics may arise from
time to time. In such cases, any member may request that the problem be reviewed by
the President, or the President's designee, who will make a recommendation to the Board
of Directors. Furthermore, in certain cases, with sufficient evidence, and under
conditions where the welfare of the breed is assured, the Board of Directors may
waive any of the foregoing provisions.
