Code of Ethics

Purpose

This Code of Ethics is established for the members for the Northern California Pug Club to promote ideals and principles necessary to maintain and protect the Pug breed. Members who violate this code may be subject to the provisions of Article VII of the Northern California Pug Club Bylaws.

Member Sportsmanship and Conduct

Members shall refrain from making derogatory or disparaging remarks on social media regarding the Club’s Bylaws, conduct of the Club Officers and Board of Directors, individual Club members and dogs they bred or own, Club activities, or any other member of the dog fancy community. Social media examples include, but are not limited to, any Facebook posts, Twitter, or Community Blogs in the dog fancy.
It is expected that any comments made on social media referring to the Northern California Pug Club or its individual members and dogs bred or owned by them will be made in a sensible, responsible and respectful manner.
Resolving disputes between individual Club members or the Northern California Pug Club itself should be conducted privately amongst the concerned parties and not on social media.
NCPC Officers and members are expected to conduct themselves and any disputes or grievances they may have in a manner that reflects the AKC Code of Sportsmanship at all times when commenting on social media.
Each member shall at all times display good sportsmanship and conduct. Whether at home, traveling, at shows or motels, they will treat all present, including other NCPC members, competitors, judges, officials and spectators, with respect and courtesy.
No member shall engage in false advertising.

Member / Pug Owners or Exhibitors

Each member shall be familiar with and observe the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club. No member shall have surgery performed on any Pug to alter cosmetic features to serve the purposes of exhibition.
Each member shall be familiar with the Pug Standard as approved by the PDCA and The American Kennel Club.
Each member should be aware at all times that the Club exists to protect the breed.
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 Pugs.
No member shall EVER sell or donate dogs for auctions or raffles, or to pet shops, catalog houses, brokers or for resale purposes. No member shall rely on Pug Rescue organizations to take responsibility for their dogs except for in emergencies. Pug Rescue should be a last resort.
Members shall at all times consider the health and wellbeing of their dogs. All pugs should be maintained in a clean, comfortable and healthy environment, with proper socialization, diet, exercise and veterinary care.

Member / Pug Breeders

Breeders shall be familiar with AKC rules concerning record keeping, registration, sale and transfer of dogs, and abide by these rules.
Breeders shall use stock of characteristic type, exhibit soundness, stable temperament, be in good health and condition and be free of communicable diseases and serious genetic defects.
Breeders do not breed just for the pet market and believe the only justifiable reason to breed is to improve the breed. Pugs sold as pet quality are to be sold with limited registration and spay / neuter requirements, unless to do so might be medically advised for an individual dog.
Breeders shall provide with each Pug sold: diet and care information, immunization, health record which shall disclose any known health issues, three generation pedigree, registration application or transfer (when applicable), and will strive to help with problems and provide information throughout the dog’s life.
Breeders shall place puppies in good homes and understand they are responsible for dogs they have bred for the dog’s entire life and are responsible to take these dogs back if the need arises.

Conclusion

Nothing in this Code of Ethics should be construed to be in violation of the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club or the Bylaws of the Northern California Pug Club. Each member must accept the responsibility to protect the interests of our breed by conducting themselves in a manner designed to reflect credit on themselves, the Pug breed and the Northern California Pug Club.

Revised February 2017