Code of Ethics

Reason for a Code of Ethics

The Tibetan Spaniel Club of America, Inc. (TSCA) is the Parent Club for the breed, and recognizes its responsibility as guardian of the standard, chief advocate for the welfare of the Tibetan Spaniel, and leader in improving breed health and controlling overpopulation. This responsibility calls for the establishment of standards for responsible practices, which insure the lifelong well-being of the breed, and future protection of the standard.

Purpose of a Code of Ethics

The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to set forth principles for TSCA members to use as a guide when confronted with decisions and courses of action that will impact on the lifetime well-being of dogs under their care, and the preservation and improvement of the breed as a whole.

Membership Obligations

Members are individually granted membership in the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America, Inc. because of their commitment to the protection, preservation and promotion of the breed. Each member of the Club has an obligation to protect the interests of the breed by conducting him- or herself in a manner designed to reflect credit on the member, the Tibetan Spaniel, and on the TSCA. Violations of the Code of Ethics will be examined by the Ethics Committee and Board of Directors. Failure to comply may result in suspension or termination of membership.

Ethical Breeding Practices

1. Each breeder will agree to have a lifelong obligation to each puppy produced through their breeding efforts by offering to take back to help to re-home any dog of their breeding. To this end, each breeder will keep complete records of all dogs owned and/or bred by them, and of any placements, as are required by the AKC.
2. When planning their breeding program each breeder will consider using only mature, healthy dams and sires that possess breed type as set forth in the standard, and are temperamentally and physically sound with no known or suspected serious inheritable defects or diseases as determined by appropriate screening protocols.
3. No member will provide stud service to unregistered bitches, or breed bitches to unregistered dogs. All breeding will be done with the improvement of the breed as its purpose.
4. No breeder will intentionally breed a bitch before she is 12 months old.
5. Each member will raise puppies in a healthy environment with socialization and training appropriate to the puppies’ developmental stages and will provide appropriate inoculations and all other appropriate veterinary care.
6. No member will offer stud service to holders of USDA licenses for dog breeding, brokers, agents who resell dogs, pet shops, or bitches who have not be properly screened for health disorders.

Ethical Placement Practices

1. Each prospective buyer will be carefully screened with the intent of placing the puppy in a permanent home. No placements will be made to holders of USDA licenses for dog breeding, brokers, pet shops, or agents who resell dogs nor shall the breeder place an intact dog in a pet home without a spay/neuter agreement. The breeder will be prepared to keep every puppy for as long as it takes to find the right home.
2. Each breeder will supply each purchaser with (1) an AKC registration application certificate (see C below when selling an intact pet), (2) 3-generation pedigree, (3) complete medical records which show the dog’s health status (4) diet information, (5) care and maintenance information, and (6) a completed contract for the sale of the dog or puppy. That contract shall include a restriction on the new owner reselling or otherwise transferring the dog or puppy without the breeder’s consent, and an agreement by the breeder to take back the dog at any time during its life and should also include whether the dog is approved for breeding. The breeder/seller will be available to assist in any way to promote the successful transfer and ongoing adjustment of the puppy (or older dog)in the new home.
3. Each breeder will ensure that the intact Tibetan Spaniels sold as pets are not used in breeding by registering them using the AKC limited registration. If an intact pet is sold, the breeder will use a written agreement requiring the new owner to spay or neuter their pet at an appropriate age, but in no case later than 9 months. Breeders may withhold AKC registration papers until proof of spay/neuter is supplied by the owner.

Ethical Ownership Practices

1. Each member will provide proper care for their own dog(s) including, but not limited to, proper living conditions, proper grooming, nutrition, veterinary health care, socialization, training and exercise.

Ethical Behavior Promoting The Sport of Purebred Dogs

1. Each member will at all times, while at dog shows, in the show ring, or traveling and staying at hotels or motels conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect positively on the sport, the Club, the breed, and the reputation of pure-bred dogs.
2. Each member will refrain from malicious remarks, or false statements about the breed or any other breeder or exhibitor, or about any Tibetan Spaniel whether living or deceased. Each member may reveal to the proper authorities, or to the Board, any action of any person which may be harmful to the breed, the Sport, or the Club. Such action is not to be taken lightly, nor without being prepared to submit proof to support any allegation of misconduct.
3. Each member shall refrain from making untruthful or misleading statements in advertising.
4. Each member who is an experienced owner, breeder and/or exhibitor should willingly mentor novice owners, exhibitors and/or breeders, offering advice, constructive criticism or assistance with problems when requested to do so.