General Code Of Ethics

All members of the Yorkshire Shetland Sheepdog Club undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.

Club members:

  • Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
  • Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operations to the Kennel Club.
  • Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
  • Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
  • Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
  • Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
  • Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
  • Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
  • Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
  • 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.
  • Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
  • 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 earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
  • 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).
  • Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.
  • Will abide by the Rules of the Y.S.S.C., encourage responsible ownership and ensure that all breeding undertaken is with the interests of the Shetland Sheepdog in mind. Will conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as reflects the credit of ownership of the Shetland Sheepdog, and will be honest in dealings with prospective owners and fellow breeders.
  • Will not cage or box their dogs for long periods. Will not keep more dogs than they can properly care for.
  • Will carefully plan breeding, breed only from K.C. registered stock, keep accurate records and ensure that, as far as is known, both the sire and dam are healthy and free from major hereditary defect. Prospective owners of puppies with known hereditary defects will be advised of their condition and it is recommended that an agreement should be signed by both parties.
  • Will note that merle to merle matings are unacceptable, and the Kennel Club will no longer accept registrations of any puppies resulting from such matings.
  • Will not mate a bitch under the age of fourteen months. Will not over-breed a bitch. Breeding Terms agreements should be undertaken only with extreme caution. Will abide by the K.C. Rules and Regulations, particularly regarding the age of the breeding bitch (under eight years of age) and the number of litters she is allowed (maximum four).
  • Will ensure that puppies should be at least eight weeks of age when passed to new owners, having been wormed and in good health. A record of any veterinary treatment and details of further worming should be given at the time of sale. Breeders should make themselves available with after sales’ service and be prepared to take back or help re-home any puppy or adult bred and/or sold by them, should the present owner have to part with it for whatever reason.
  • Will be vigilant when selling outside the U.K.
  • Will treat their Shelties with love and respect.

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.

March 31st 2011