Alapaha Bulldog Club (ABA)

Code of Ethics  PURPOSE:
The members of the Alapaha Bulldog Association, in order to protect, promote and foster the advancement and proper breeding and exhibiting of the Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog, as well as ethical kennel practices, do hereby set forth this code of ethics.

In all questions of ethics, covered or not covered by this code, the individual member shall act solely in the best interests of the breed, the ABA and the membership. The membership as a whole shall willingly aid any Alapaha Bulldog owner in upholding these interests.

ABA members have an obligation to protect the Alapaha Bulldog and its future by putting the breeds' welfare before any consideration of profit or personal advantage and by protecting it from exploitation, irresponsible promotion and careless breeding.

GENERAL CONDUCT OF MEMBERS:

1. An ABA member will support and abide by the Constitution, By-laws, Code of Ethics and other regulations put out by the ABA and the United Kennel Club.
2. Members shall be aware at all times that the ABA exists to improve and protect the breed and that these aims are to be uppermost in the minds of the members in all their activities within the breed.
3. Members shall:
   1. Make every effort to educate any new owner or interested person.
   2. Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
   3. Always conduct yourself in a manner that will reflect credit on you and be conducive to the advancement of our breed and the ABA, while refraining from pubic criticism or malicious degrading of others or their dogs.
   4. Whether in competition or a working situation, the welfare of the dog should be foremost.
4. Members shall, at all times, ensure that all dogs under that members' control are properly housed, fed, watered and exercised on a daily basis and that all such dogs receive proper veterinary attention when needed.
5. Members shall read and familiarize themselves with the appropriate Alapaha Blue- Blood Bulldog Standard based upon what registry is supporting an ABA event.

BREEDING:

The ABA will be following all UKC guidelines as we prepare to join the club in the future.

All members agree to adhere to the ABA and UKC Breeders Code of Ethics as follows:

All breeders of UKC dogs should promote and foster high standards among fellow breeders, owners, and fanciers to improve and advance the breeds in which they are involved. This code of ethics should serve as a cornerstone for a breeder's accountability and responsibility to the animals in their charge and the potential new owners of the dogs they produce.
Breeders have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of a breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

I will keep accurate records, retain those records consistent with UKC registration policies, and make them available to UKC upon request. These records will include, but are not limited to: stud service documents, pedigrees, all litters produced, breeding and whelp dates, and all dogs/puppies sold. I may use the Breeders Record that the UKC provides to assist in maintaining these records.

I shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of improving the breed.
I will provide the appropriate documentation for those concerned regarding the results of any health testing, or will disclose if any such examinations have not been done.

I will select stud dogs and brood bitches by evaluating conformation, temperament, working instinct and ability, with a careful study of the breed standard and the principles of genetics.

I will not breed any stud dog or brood bitch until they are both physically and mentally mature, and will breed within the bounds of the minimum and maximum ages permitted in UKC registration policies.

I will not knowingly breed monorchids, cryptorchids, dogs with vicious or shy temperaments. I will not breed dogs with serious defects or disqualifications addressed in their breed standards.

As a responsible breeder, I will refrain from using a dog that, although free from serious or disqualifying defects, consistently produces afflicted puppies.

As a breeder, I vow to maintain a rich and diverse gene pool, understanding that diversity is important for the long-term health of my breed. I will give the highest health priority to the selection of my breeding stock and will not continue to breed dogs that perpetuate inheritable disorders. I will maintain high standards of health and care for my dogs and provide people with puppies that are healthy and free from parasites.

I will be selective in the sales of my puppies, and take care with the type of homes in which they are placed. My dogs/puppies will not be sold to dog wholesalers, retailers, pet shops, or at auctions.
I will refrain from releasing any puppy until it is the minimum age as required by my states law.

My advertising of dogs/puppies will be factual and honest, both in substance and implication.
I believe breeding purebred dogs involves certain responsibilities, and I will not take it lightly.
I will not advertise my dogs/puppies as registered if they are not.
As a breeder, I will encourage dog/puppy purchasers to become involved in ABA and UKC events and to embrace the Total Dog philosophy.