Members of the All Ireland Shetland Sheepdog Club undertake to abide by the Code of Ethics. Members accept this Code in its entirety.  As you read through this Code of Ethics you will find that they have been added to for the betterment of the Shetland sheepdog.

 

Our goal is to produce dogs in conformance with the official breed standard, uniform in type, sound of mind and body and well suited to their original purpose.  The welfare of individual Shetland sheepdog and welfare of the breed are paramount and as a whole govern our behavior in all aspects of breeding, exhibition and marketing.  The Shetland Sheepdog Club endorses the following ethical standards for members and those who aspire to membership.  Each member should know that our Code of Ethics is more than a set of rules.  It is a commitment to a high standard of practice in owning and breeding Shetland Sheepdogs.

 

GENERAL

 

·        Members shall ensure that at all times all dogs under their control are properly housed, fed, watered, exercised and receive proper Veterinary attention, if and when required.

 

·        Members to have the means and the facilities to provide for the physical and emotional needs of all their dogs.

 

·        Members shall never abuse or knowingly allow abuse of Shetland Sheepdogs.

 

·         Members shall not allow any dogs under their care to roam at large and when in public places shall ensure they are leashed as required or under effectual control at all times.

 

BREEDING

 

·        The priority and motivation for breeding the Shetland Sheepdog should be with the intention of the improvement of the breed, taking into consideration matters of structure, health and temperament rather than solely for financial gain. Type, temperament, health and conformation of both sire and dam should be carefully considered in the planning of any future litter. Members shall breed in accordance with the breed standard and endeavour to improve the breed ensuring the health of the progeny.  No Shetland Sheepdog showing a serious inherited defect in type, structure, or temperament should be used for breeding.

 

·        Members shall not permit any Shetland Sheepdog to be mated except to a dog of the same breed without the consent of the Irish Kennel Club.

 

·        Members shall consider the age, health and length of time from the bitch’s last litter. Bitches should be in prime condition and mature before they breed and members should also observe the following:

 

a)     I shall not allow to be mated any bitch kept by me under one year of age.

 

b)    I shall not allow to be mated any bitch over eight years of age.

 

c)    I shall not mate dogs under seven months or over the age of twelve years.

d)    A bitch should not whelp more than six litters in her lifetime.

 

f) IN ANY THREE YEAR PERIOD NOT MORE THAN 3 LITTERS ARE TO BE BORN TO A BITCH.

 

Important: Permissions must be sought and granted by the Irish Kennel Club to exceed these provisions

  

g)      If a dog or a bitch produces an offspring with serious inherited defects that impact the animal’s well being and subsequently produces similar results with a different partner, the owner shall refrain from further use of this animal in his breeding program.

 

h)A minimum of twelve months should elapse after a Caesarian Section and not exceed two Caesarian Sections in her lifetime.

 

 

STUD SERVICE

 

·        Members contemplating providing a stud service should apply the same rules and conditions as stated above relating to Males and also observe the following rules:-

 

a)     Members shall not allow male dogs under the age of 7 months to be used at Stud.

 

b)    Members shall not allow male dogs over 12 years of age to be used at Stud without Irish Kennel Club consent.

 

c)     Males at stud should be entire.

 

d)    Members shall allow one repeat service where a bitch has failed to conceive, if the stud dog is still in good health and available.

 

SALES

 

a)     Members shall maintain prices so as not to be injurious to the breed.

 

b)    Members shall not knowingly sell or gift any dog to unethical dealers, or directly or indirectly to allow a dog to be given as a prize or donation in a contest of any kind.

 

c)     Members shall ensure that all persons acquiring dogs from them clearly understands their responsibility for the care and welfare of the animal and that they have the time and facilities to fulfil their obligations to the dogs.

 

d)    Puppies shall be at least 8 weeks of age when passed to new owners having been wormed and are in good health.

 

e)     Members shall ensure when selling or transferring a dog to another person that all documents as provided and required by the Irish Kennel Club will be supplied to the purchaser or transferee.

 

f)      Application for registration of puppies must be made before sale and all puppies shall be micro-chipped.

 

g)     Members shall provide to all purchasers of dogs or dogs placed by them written details of all dietary and immunization requirements and/or an appropriate publication relating to such and shall make them aware of their responsibilities as dog owners to the community at large.

 

h)    Members shall not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the quality of the dog.

 

i)        Members shall provide a Copy of the Shetland Sheepdog Standard to all purchasers of dogs.

 

EDUCATION

 

a)     Members shall encourage versatility of the Shetland Sheepdog through public education, breeder and exhibitor recognition programs, and equal recognition of successes in working, show, therapy and service areas.

 

b)    Members shall make available to fellow breeders any information they have that might aid in that breeder’s efforts to improve the breed.

 

c)     Members shall be an example of leadership and outreach to encourage proper ethical behavior.

 

d)    Members shall be familiar with and abide by the Irish Kennel Club Rules and regulations regarding registration of litters and individual dogs, transfer of ownership and maintenance of accurate records of breeding, pedigrees and sales.

 

 

SPORTMANSHIP

 

a)     Members to do all in their power to protect and advance the interest of the breed and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at dog shows and events.

 

b)    Members shall promote friendship and cooperation among breeders, owners and exhibitors of Shetland Sheepdogs and assist them for the benefit of the breed.

 

c)      Each member shall at all times display good sportsmanship and conduct whether at home, traveling, at shows or hotels they will treat all present including competitors, judges, officials and spectator with respect and courtesy.  Judges awards should always be accepted in a sportsmanlike manner. 

 

d)    Members shall not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, or falsely advertise, or mislead any person regarding the dog.

 

e)     No member shall maliciously malign another member by making false or misleading statement regarding a competitor’s dog, breeding practices or person.

 

Any person failing to observe any provisions of the Irish Kennel Club Code of Ethics may be dealt with under the Disciplinary Rules of the Irish Kennel Club.