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 review and possible 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 Bylaws 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, Dogs 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,
  Dogs 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 for
  sale, or as a prize, in any form of auction, raffle, contest or like activity. 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.
  A stud service agreement or semen sale should be entered into by 2 private
  parties for the betterment of the breed and not acquired through an auction,
  raffle, contest or like activity.
• 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 conduct breed appropriate health testing, certification and open
  databases listings like that of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
  Recommended minimum testing prior to breeding may be found at
  https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=ACD.* COE
  breeders must disclose these and any other canine disorder known to them in
  the Australian Cattle Dogs that they sell or place.
• 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)
*Currently includes screening for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia; Eye exam by certified canine ophthalmologist; DNA
tests for prcd-PRA and Primary Lens Luxation (PLL); BAER testing for deafness. Optional but recommended: exam
for Patellar Luxation; DNA test for rcd4-PRA; cardiac evaluation.
September 2023