United States American Bulldog Club Code of Ethics
These MANDATORY PRACTICES are established in accordance with the objectives of the United States American Bulldog Club.
Adherence to these MANDATORY PRACTICES is required of all members.
All members will observe the highest standards of sportsmanship and good will at shows, trials, or any other canine event and will work toward the betterment of the American Bulldog.
All members will maintain high standards in the care of their dogs. All members will provide each dog in their care proper health, containment and training, with an emphasis on well trained and properly controlled dogs that serve as positive ambassadors of the breed.
All members will only breed dogs and bitches possessing sound temperament, structure, good health and who exemplify the American Bulldog breed standard. Members will not knowingly breed any dog or bitch less than two years of age. Members will not permit a fellow breeder to use one of their stud dogs younger than two years with one of his/her bitches. Members shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of improving the breed and maintaining its heritage as a working breed. Members will select a stud dog and brood bitch with an eye to conformation, temperament, working instinct and ability, with a careful study of the breed standard and the principles of genetics.
All members will follow veterinary recommendations when breeding a dog/bitch over the age of 7 years for the health and well-being of the stud dog and/or brood bitch and resulting offspring.
All members will be knowledgeable about inherited health problems in the breed and will do appropriate health clearances on all breeding animals. Copies of these health clearances will be available to buyers of adult dogs for sale and puppies for sale.
All members will not knowingly breed any dog that has a hereditary disease or serious defect; unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid, blindness, deafness, moderate to severe wry jaw, extreme shyness and or viciousness. All members will be honest and forthcoming with puppy buyers and fellow breeders regarding the health status of their dogs. Only those dogs known to be free of serious or disqualifying defects should be used for breeding.
All members will raise puppies in a healthy environment with adequate socialization. All puppies will be inoculated and dewormed in accordance with veterinary recommendations. Prior to placement, all members are encouraged to identify every puppy, by either tattoo or microchip. All members are encouraged to ensure that each puppy's tattoo/microchip number is registered and traceable back to breeder. No puppy will be placed in a new home before the age of seven weeks.
All members will screen each puppy buyer and strive to place each dog in a permanent home. Under no circumstances will any member engage in wholesaling litters nor will they knowingly sell to puppy mills, pet dealers, retailers, catalog houses, commercial breeding operations, buyers/ brokers or supply puppies or dogs for raffles, lotteries, auctions or laboratories.
There is a surplus of dogs in today's society and therefore all members will undertake breeding with a lasting commitment to the dogs produced. All members will help the purchaser in every reasonable way for the life of the dog. In the event the purchaser must give up the dog, all members shall be prepared to take repossession of the dog.
All members will pledge to help educate the public in the standard and the care of the American Bulldog and in all other areas in which qualified. All members will encourage/require the buyers of pet quality puppies to spay or neuter them.
All members will provide each purchaser with a bill of sale, a three-generation pedigree, health record, registration (unless it is withheld by written agreement of both parties), and recommendations for care and feeding. All members will also supply a written health guarantee detailing conditions for replacement or reimbursement.
All members will provide written agreements for all stud services.
All members will comply with all federal, state or provincial and local government laws and regulations concerning the keeping, care, and use of dogs. Members will not participate in, promote, or allow their dogs to participate in illegal activities. Members will not knowingly sell or give away a dog intended for illegal activities.
Any infractions or violations shall be directed to the United States American Bulldog Club Board of Inquiries for review.