The Löwchen (Little Lion Dog) Club

GENERAL CODE OF ETHICS

All members of ‘The Löwchen (Little Lion Dog) Club undertake

to abide by its General Code of Ethics

Club Members

1. Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.

2. Will agree, without reservation, that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.

3. Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled.  Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.

4. Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.

5. Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.

6. Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.

7.  Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.

8.  Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.

9.  Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.

10. Will only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change.

11. Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.

12.  Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing to forward any relevant documents at the earlier opportunity, if not immediately available.

13.  Will not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind.  Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).

14.  Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs not mislead any person regarding the health or   quality of a dog.

Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from Club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.

Breeders

15. No Löwchen puppy should leave its maternal home under 8 week of age

16. No false information regarding the sire, dam or date of birth shall be given to the KC when applying for registration.  All registration papers must be applied for before a puppy is offered for sale, and handed over as soon as possible, any KC endorsements and a sale without papers must be clearly marked on the receipt.

17.  Stud dog owners must give the breeder an accurately completed KC form. Should no puppies result from the first mating/s a repeat mating is considered good practice, this will be at the stud dog owners discretion.

18. Notify the Officers of the Club and no one else, if a pattern starts to emerge that gives cause for concern, the Health Officer will be advised of a possible problem and they will seek assistance from the KC Scientific Committee.

Owners

19. All premises housing Löwchen shall be well fenced, clean and warm.  They will be provided with adequate food, water and clean dry bedding. They must be allowed adequate exercise and must not be restricted to a cage seven days a week.

20. Regular grooming and bathing is essential to a dogs well being and will be considered as essential as exercise.

21. Veterinary assistance must be sought without hesitation when necessary, the welfare of the animal must come before any monitory consideration.

22.  Dogs must be regularly wormed.

Exhibitors

23. No Löwchen Club Member will ever behave in a way that would bring the breed into disrepute.  Good manners and sportsmanship must be exhibited at all times.

24. No private disputes to be voiced at any Show, not support sought from other exhibitors on matters that do not concern them.

25.  All exhibits to be present in good health and clean.  If an exhibitor feels that they must show an in season bitch, the animal must be kept away from males dogs and deodorised.

Judges

26. The future well being of the breed is dependant on good breeding and judging, therefore all judges must make every effort to fully understand the Löwchen, its conformation and what is meant by “type”.

27. All judges are expected to judge without fear or favour to the best of their ability.  Exhibitors have the right to expect courtesy, consideration and concentration as well as ability.  Judges have the right to courtesy from  exhibitors.

28.  All judges must produce a critique after each appointment.  Critiques are    important to exhibitors in understanding placements and they also assist the   Committee in assessing the judges understanding of the breed.

NB Rule 8.  The Club shall have a Code of Ethics and members must abide by the terms of the Code.  If thought to be in breach of this they will explain to the Committee.  If the explanation is not thought to be satisfactory the Member may be subject to the Clubs Disciplinary procedure or report to the KC.

(Code of Ethics as submitted to/accepted by KC 4/02/2009