ACDCA Breeder Code of Ethics

This Breeder's Code of Ethics is established in accordance with the objectives of the ACDCA as set forth in the Bylaws. It is presented as a guideline for use of ACDCA members and the general public when buying, breeding, selling and exhibiting Australian Cattle Dogs. Alleged violators of the Breeder's Code of Ethics will be subject to discipline under Article VI of the Bylaws, or, an order to show cause issued by the Board of Directors or the Breeder's Code of Ethics Committee. The show cause order shall carry the full weight and authority of and be conducted in accordance with a full Article VI disciplinary hearing. Complaints regarding alleged violations of the Breeder's Code of Ethics from non-ACDCA members shall be directed to the Breeder's Code of Ethics Committee Chairperson.

As an ACDCA Code of Ethics Breeder, I agree:

• To abide by the ACDCA By-Laws and the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club.
• To keep accurate breeding records, registration papers and pedigrees.
• That all advertising shall be honest and not in any way misrepresentative, fraudulent, or misleading.
• To support and conduct only ethical trade practices, with all services, sales, or transfers mutually agreed upon, stated in writing and signed by all parties involved.
• To maintain the highest standards of canine health, cleanliness and care.
• That all dogs offered at stud shall be AKC registered or registered by a registry recognized by the AKC (i.e. CKC Canada, RASKC Australia, etc.), shall not be bred prior to one (1) year of age and shall be in good health and free from communicable diseases.
• That no bitch shall be bred before her second season, nor shall be bred repeatedly in such a manner as to endanger her health or the puppies and their physical and mental well-being. That bitches being bred shall be AKC registered or registered by a registry recognized by the AKC (i.e. CKC Canada, RASKC Australia, etc.), shall not be bred prior to one (1) year of age and shall be in good health and free from communicable diseases.
• That all bitches will be bred with intentions of that particular breeding improving the breed and never for purely commercial reasons.
• That no puppies will be knowingly sold to franchised commercial facilities, puppy brokers, puppy mills or agents thereof. That no dog will be offered as a prize in any form of raffle, contest or like activity, nor shall be offered for sale in a mail order catalog. That no puppies shall be sold in litter-lot sales.
• That no stud dog will be knowingly bred to any bitch whose owner is directly or indirectly involved with any puppy broker, puppy mill or litter-lot sales, or any other commercial enterprise whose business is involved in like activities. That no stud service shall be offered as a prize in any form of raffle, contest or like activity, nor shall be offered for sale in a mail- order catalog.
• To honestly evaluate the quality of all Australian Cattle Dogs sold, transferred, or offered for stud service and fairly represent that evaluation. That prices of puppies shall be based on individual quality. That substandard or inferior quality animals shall either be destroyed, sold, or transferred with written agreement to have the animal altered and papers withheld pending alteration, and/or be registered only on an AKC Limited Registration Certificate.
• To furnish accurate records to each buyer of all shots, wormings, pedigree and AKC transfer documents or necessary registration documents from country of birth, unless written agreement is made at the time of sale that states that the AKC or other country's registration papers be withheld for any reason.
• To encourage Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certification, testing for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and disclosure of any other canine disorder affecting Australian Cattle Dogs. To support research on these and other disorders affecting the Australian Cattle Dog.
• That all members shall conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as a credit to the sport of purebred dog showing, the Australian Cattle Dog, and the ACDCA, in particular.
• That puppies should not be shipped prior to eight (8) weeks of age.
  (Adopted by the Board of Directors, September 2000)