Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is presented as a guide for members whose foremost aims should be the welfare and improvement of the Breed. The purpose of these guidelines is to set forth minimum principles of practice to which the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Inc. (RRCUS) would have its members adhere, as they strive to accomplish the goals and purposes set forth in the constitution and bylaws of the RRCUS. These guidelines are presented with the realization that ethics are difficult to regulate and that most individuals desire and intend to do what is right.

I. HEALTH

1. All dogs shall be kept in a clean, healthy, and safe environment.
2. Dogs will be provided with all nutrition, exercise, socialization, vaccinations, deworming, and external parasite control and appropriate veterinary treatment necessary to provide maximum mental and physical well being.
3. When a Rhodesian Ridgeback (neonate through adult) must be euthanized, the procedure should be humanely performed.

II. BREEDING: A breeder's aim and foremost responsibility shall be to produce the healthiest and best representatives of the breed possible.

1. Each litter shall be the result of conscientious planning, including consideration of physical and genetic health, soundness, temperament and conformity to the official standard of the breed as established by the RRCUS and approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

a.In order to protect the health and safety of the stud dog and brood bitch (as well as resulting puppies) it is recommended that both dog and bitch have pre-breeding veterinary screenings to certify that they are in good breeding condition. Tests may include, but are not limited to: brucella test, urinalysis (dog), vaginal exam, and vaginal culture.

 

b.Only dogs screened and certified clear of hip and elbow dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Pennhip or comparable foreign registry shall be bred. Other recommended genetic testing includes a complete thyroid panel* from an OFA-approved laboratory or canine endocrinologist, cardiac certification (OFA or cardiologist evaluation) CERF* and BAER. Breeders shall endeavor to stay current in their knowledge of all known inheritable diseases present in the breed and demonstrate reasonable care in eliminating those diseases. (*indicates annual re-test requirement)

 

c.Only mature adult dogs shall be used in a breeding program. Additional precautions, including a veterinarian consultation, should be taken when breeding a bitch over seven (7) years and under 18 months of age. Dogs and bitches under 24 months of age may only be bred if preliminary genetic clearances have been obtained (see “B” above)

1. Only purebred, American Kennel Club (AKC) [or equivalent] registered Rhodesian Ridgebacks shall be used for breeding.
2. A litter should only be bred with the intention of producing conformation and performance candidates and not for the pet market alone. When entering into a breeding agreement a written contract shall be signed and dated by all owners and co-owners of the sire and dam. Full disclosure of all test results for inheritable disease shall be made available to all parties.
3. Breeders and stud dog owners are held responsible for the progeny of their dogs. Both are required to assist in the placement and care of any dog in rescue that is either bred by them or sired by a dog that is owned, co-owned or leased by them. “Breeder is defined as the owner, co-owner or lessee of the broodbitch at the time of whelp. Stud dog owner is defined as the owner, co-owner or lessee of the stud dog at the time of the breeding.”

III. SALES: Members must be particularly concerned with the proper placement of adults as well as puppies, both pet and show potential.

1. Rhodesian Ridgebacks should not be displayed in public places or on the internet for the sole purpose of immediate sale.
2. Breeders shall require purchasers to spay or neuter any dog that is not considered breedable quality and make use of limited registrations where appropriate. If puppies with serious defects or faults (dermoid sinus, ridgelessness) are sold rather than culled, the breeder must take the extra responsibility to see that the dog is spayed or neutered. Dermoid surgery should be performed prior to placing the pup in a new home.
3. Members will not knowingly furnish puppies or adult dogs for wholesale, pet shops, puppy brokers, commercial facilities, guard dog businesses or agents thereof, or dispose of them as “Give away” prizes or auction items; neither will they sell puppies to nor breed to dogs owned by those whom they have reason to believe may do so.
4. Members will not dispose of dogs or puppies by giving them to the local animal shelter, pound, humane society or any organization of that type.
5. AKC (or equivalent) Registration papers or a bill of sale stating sire, dam, and date of birth shall accompany puppies as they go to new homes.
6. Breeders shall furnish the buyer with written details on feeding, dates of inoculations, deworming, and general care of the dog and the name and address of a licensed veterinarian who has examined the puppy after the age of six weeks. Furthermore, full written disclosure of inheritable disease testing done on both sire and dam shall be enclosed in the puppy packet when the puppy leaves the breeder’s home.
7. Responsibility of the breeder does not stop with the sale. The breeder should be available for consultation and to assist in the recovery and placement of any dog sold by the breeder if such need arises at any time in the dogs’ life.

IV. REGISTRATION AND RECORDS

1. All members shall keep complete and accurate records of individual dogs, breedings, litters, pedigrees, and puppy sales as required by the AKC, and abide by the AKC rules and regulations.
2. Whenever a dog changes in ownership all parties shall enter into a signed and dated written agreement.

V.CONDUCT: Members shall do all within their power to uphold, promote and protect the interests of the breed by conducting themselves in a manner reflecting credit on the Club, its members, their dogs, and the dog world in general.

1. Members shall abide by the rules and regulations of the AKC (or the rules under which an event is held), and exhibit in the spirit of good sportsmanship, treating all present with respect and courtesy.
2. Hotels and show grounds shall be treated with respect and left in a clean condition.
3. Consideration of other guests in the hotel is imperative, dogs creating a disturbance are to be attended to immediately, and precautions taken to see that it does not happen again.
4. A member does not engage in false or misleading statements regarding a judge, official, exhibitor, fellow member, another dog, or misrepresentation of their own dogs through claims or advertising.
5. Documented misconduct or violation of this Code of Ethics should objectively and calmly be presented to the proper representative of RRCUS or the AKC when appropriate.

Education and communication are the preferred methods of obtaining compliance to this Code of Ethics; however, flagrant, serious and/or repeated disregard of this code may result in formal charges brought before the RRCUS Board of Directors by RRCUS members, nonmembers and/or the Ethics Committee. Contract violations as well as slanderous or libelous allegations between members shall be adjudicated in the courts prior to presentation to the proper representatives of the RRCUS.