Promoting responsible dog ownership
in Canada since 1972

The Rottweiler Club of Canada Incorporated Code of Ethics

(ver.April 2010)

The Code of Ethics is established in accordance with the objectives of The Rottweiler Club of Canada Inc. (hereafter referred to as the RCC or the Club). By joining the RCC our members agree to abide by the following items:

Note: Dogs shall refer to both dogs and bitches

Section 1: Purpose

To study and strive to conserve and improve the breed in structure, temperament and working ability, never sacrificing one for the others. To be truthful.

Section 2: Ownership

  1. Members will follow the Canadian Kennel Club (hereafter referred to as the CKC) by-laws, and any federal, provincial or local laws.
  2. Maintain the highest possible standards of health, cleanliness and care of all dogs. Dogs shall be contained within safe restrictions when the breeder/owner cannot personally supervise their safety. All Rottweilers shall be raised with the highest possible level of human interaction and socialization where possible to best facilitate sound development of the dog both mentally and physically.

Section 3: Breeding

      1. Breed only dogs and bitches, who have reached their 24th month, who are properly registered (by CKC or CKC recognized agencies, ie. ADRK, AKC, FCI countries)
      2. REGULAR BREEDER MEMBERS:
        1. Breed only dogs whose hips have been certified clear by the OVC, OFA or a FCI recognized authority.
        2. Breed only dogs, if born after Jan 1st, 2005, whose heart has been OFA certified.
        3. III. The RCC strongly suggests that breeders x-ray elbows and test for genetic ocular (eye) defects, and encourages breeders to utilize available genetic testing for Hypothyroidism and vWD (a bleeding disorder).
        4. The RCC strongly suggests that breeders make the results of all testing known.

Note: Anyone found to be in violation of Section(s) 3.A and/or 3.B will be subject to immediate disciplinary action by the Board

  • GOLD BREEDER MEMBERS (effective Apr 1st, 2010)

 

  1. Any member of the RCC may place the wording “RCC Gold Breeder” in their advertising and the word “Gold” after their Kennel name, if they obtain CHIC numbers on all their alive owned/co-owned/leased breeding dogs and/or semen.
  2. RCC Breeder member who, as of April 1st, 2010, tests and reveals results of the following in the OFA and CERF databases; hips, elbows, heart and eyes to obtain a CHIC# on their alive owned/co-owned/leased breeding dogs and/or semen.NOTE: In the case of CHIC changing their requirements in the future, the above 4 tests are all that is required to be a RCC Gold Breeder member.
  3. To list a Gold Breeding, you must be a RCC Gold Breeder, who is breeding to a CHIC#’d dog.

 

  • Further recognize that merely obtaining the necessary certification does not warrant breeding a particular animal.
    1. Breed only dogs of stable temperament.
    2. Breed only dogs free of communicable diseases.
    3. Breed only dogs with no disqualifying physical faults according to the CKC standard.

    Exceptions to E iii:

    Missing Teeth – Only dogs born on or after January 1st, 2006 shall be subject to the CKC standard dated January 1st, 2006. All dogs born on or after this date shall require a Veterinarian’s letter as proof of full dentition, should a dog lose a tooth due to injury, disease or age.

    Testicles – A Veterinarian’s letter shall be required should a dog lose a testicle due to injury or disease.

    Foreign Dogs – Any foreign dog used by a member of the RCC shall be subject to the breed standard (and disqualifications) of its country of residence.

    1. Offer at stud only dogs who meet the above criteria
    2. Use only studs who meet the above criteria
    3. Breed only to bitches who meet the above criteria
    4. Breed only bitches who meet the above criteria
    5. Never breed bitches more than two out of three consecutive seasons
  • No member of the RCC shall permit docking of a Rottweiler owned or co-owned after 7 days of birth unless medically necessary (Veterinarian letter required). In such cases, the docking must be performed by a veterinarian.
  • Supply adequate time and resources for the ongoing care of any litter whelped, including, but not limited to; proper shelter/facilities, good health, proper nutrition, fresh water and protection against known diseases.
    1. As a breeder, I will urge my puppy purchasers to provide obedience training at the proper age.
    2. As a breeder, I will make a sincere effort to see that every dog will have an adequate home and be properly cared for.
  • If aware of the situation, the owner of a bitch or stud dog shall assist in the recovery and/or relocation of all progeny produced as a result of any mating of that bitch or stud dog which, for any reason, cannot remain with the original purchaser.
  • Any provisions for refunds or reimbursement of expenses shall be included in the contract between breeder and purchaser.
  • No puppy or adult dog bred or owned by an RCC member shall knowingly be disposed of in a Rottweiler Rescue, animal shelter or pound unless required to do so by law.

 

Section 4: Sales

      1. Evaluate honestly according to the CKC Rottweiler Standard, and state clearly to the buyer the quality of any Rottweiler sold.
      2. Inform the buyer if the dog or puppy has a physical condition, or serious deviation from the standard, and the sale will be made with an agreement in writing signed by both the buyer and the seller that the dog is not to be bred.
      3. All advertising shall be honest and informative and shall in no way misrepresent the stock or services offered.
      4. Sell only to responsible persons, never knowingly sell to pet shops, commercial brokers or any entity who engages in any activity which might exploit the breed.
      5. Rottweilers shall not be given as prizes, offered in raffles, or sold at auctions or for medical research.
      6. Release puppies to their new homes only after they reach seven weeks of age and only after they have been properly identified by means of CKC recognized tattoo or microchip.

Section 5: Documentation

      1. As per the rules of the CKC, all records of breedings of dogs owned, co-owned, leased or co-leased must be maintained and be available for inspection.
      2. All matings involving dogs owned by different individuals (immediate family members exempt) will include a contract outlining the details of the agreement. Signed copies of all contracts will be maintained by both parties.
      3. Sales contracts will be prepared for all transactions involving the transfer of ownership.
      4. All dogs/puppies sold or placed must be guaranteed to be in healthy condition, including adequate protection against known diseases.
      5. Keep and pass on to buyers;
        1. Accurate health and/or breeding records.
        2. Registration records and pedigree records of at least three generations.
      6. All puppies will be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club and registration papers will be provided to the buyer within 6 months from the date of sale.
      7. All puppies NOT purchased as show, working and breeding stock are strongly recommended to be registered with the CKC on a NON-BREEDING contract.
      8. The sales contract will also outline the expectations of the parties involved and should encourage (as appropriate) the spaying/neutering of the animal.

Section 6: Communication/Behaviour

It is expected that all members will;

      1. Conduct themselves with the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship at any event involving Rottweilers.
      2. Assist newcomers to the breed as much as possible
      3. In all communications (whether written or oral) are to be factual (to the best of the members knowledge).Special consideration should be given to any advertising to ensure that it is not misleading.PLEASE NOTE: Any advertisement and/or brag, whether web based or published, claiming a year end standing (#1, #2 etc.) must provide a copy of the certificate issued by the awarding club ie: CKC,RCC,AKC etc… Any advertisement and/or brag claiming a year end status or an interim status must clearly state the club, the award and the date (eg: #2 Rottweiler RCC Breed Standings as at December 31st, 2007, #1 Rottweiler CKC Standings as at December 31st, 2007, #2 Working Dog CKC standings as at December 31st, 2007 etc.). If any ads or brags are received which do not meet this criteria, they shall be rejected for reasons stated above. The RCC is the only club in Canada that maintains interim stats on the Rottweilers competing in conformation in Canada. The CKC uses all breed points only as their way of determining the #1 dog in each breed. While we appreciate the CKC’s method of tabulating the #1 dog in each breed, the RCC would like to recognize the top Rottweiler in both BREED and ALL BREED FOR EACH YEAR. Again, a member will not be allowed to advertise their dog as holding the #1 BRRED for (year) or #1 ALL BREED for (year) spot, until such time as the year has been completed and the results have been tabulated and official. If one is claiming an interim status, then it must follow the rules set out above.

Section 7: Complaints and Discipline

    1. Canadian Kennel Club Suspension:Any member who is suspended, debarred, expelled or deprived of privileges from The Canadian Kennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.
    2. Complaints:
      1. Any member may lay a complaint against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the breed. Written complaints containing details of the alleged misconduct must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $126.75 which shall be forfeited if the Defendant is found guilty at a hearing of the Board or of a committee duly appointed for this purpose.
      2. The Secretary shall promptly send to the accused member, by registered mail, one copy of the charges together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that they may either appear in his/her own defense, bring witnesses and present evidence, or may send an equivalent presentation.
      3. The Secretary shall forward the Board or appointed committee a copy of the complaint, which will also be forwarded to the Defendant and the Complainant. The Board shall set the date and location for a hearing, not less than three (3) weeks nor more than six (6) weeks from the date on which the Secretary received the charges. If the hearing is held by the Board, minimum of (5) Directors or 50% of the Board, whichever is the highest number, must be present. In the event of a committee, at least a majority of the appointed committee shall be present.
      4. Should the charged individual be a member of the Board of Directors, he/she shall step down from office until such time as the charges are resolved and other members of the Board shall assume responsibility for performing the essential duties of said office. Should a complaint be laid against the Secretary, then the President shall act in accordance with these by-laws.
    3. Hearing
      1. The Board or appointed Committee shall ensure that both the Complainant and the Defendant are treated fairly and in accordance with the rules of natural justice. The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both Complainant and Defendant shall be treated uniformly in this regard.
      2. After hearing all the evidence and testimony presented, a majority of the Board or Committee shall find by majority vote
        1. the charges not sustained
        2. the charges sustained, in which case the Defendant may be suspended from all privileges of the Club for up to, but not more than six (6) months, or
        3. if the said Board or Committee deems that suspension is insufficient punishment, they may in addition recommend expulsion to the membership.
      3. Immediately after the Board or Committee has reached a decision, its findings shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary shall notify each of the parties of the Board’s decision and penalty, if any within 30 days of the decision. The Secretary shall also certify a copy of such finding s to The Canadian Kennel Club for such action as they deem fit.
    1. Expulsion
      1. Expulsion of a member from the Club shall be accomplished at an Annual General Meeting of the Club or any Special Club Meeting called for that purpose, provided that notice of such intent shall have been given in the announcement of said meeting and mailed to each member at least two (2) months prior to the date of the meeting, upon recommendation of the Board or Committee being provided as stated in section 3 of this Article. The President shall read the complaint and report the findings and recommendations of the Board or appointed Committee, and shall invite the Defendant, if present, to speak on his own behalf. In such cases, prior suspension shall not restrict the Defendant’s right to appear before his fellow Club members at said meeting. The Defendant may speak, or have a statement read, on his/her own behalf, but no evidence may be given. The meeting shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of those present and/or voting shall be necessary for expulsion.
      2. At the discretion of the Board, expulsion may also take place by mail-in vote consisting of a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all eligible voting members in favour of expulsion. Proxy voting is not permitted.
      3. If expulsion is not ordered, any suspension ordered by the Board or Committee will stand.

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