Code of Ethics

Membership of The English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) Club is a privilege. Having been granted that privilege, members agree to abide by the Code of Ethics outlined below and agree to submit to the enforcement of this Code by the Club’s duly elected committee. Members of The English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) Club are requested to observe The Kennel Club’s ‘Code of Ethics’ as well as the Rules of both organisations.

Kennel Club General Code of Ethics:
All breeders who register their puppies, and new owners who register ownership of their dogs with the Kennel Club, accept the jurisdiction of the Kennel Club and undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.

Breeders/Owners:

1. Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
2. Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon who performs 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.
3. Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
4. Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
5. Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
6. Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
7. Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
8. Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
9. Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
10. 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.
11. Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
12. 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.
13. 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).
14. 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.
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.

ETT Club Code of Ethics

1. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and sportsman-like manner at all times. Members should behave in such a way as to bring only credit to the breed and its Club.
2. Keep dogs/bitches in good condition, welfare of dogs/bitches being of paramount importance.
3. Ensure that dogs/bitches carry some recognised means of identification when in public places.
4. Members should always ask themselves exactly why they are breeding a litter. Before breeding, equal weight should be given to type, temperament, health, soundness and the points outlined within the breed’s Kennel Club Breed Standard.
5. Dogs/bitches should not be bred from that are known to carry genetically transmitted disease or defect.
6. A bitch should not be mated until at least 18 months of age and should not be allowed to whelp more than once every 12 months.
7. Stud dog owners should use their discretion in the number of times a dog is used at stud in the course of a year. Ideally, dogs should not be used until they are at least 12 months of age.
8. If a bitch is to be used for the purposes of breeding, it is recommended that she whelp no more than 4 litters in her lifetime.
9. The removal of puppies’ dew claws is recommended, ideally 3-4 days after birth.
10. All puppies must be registered with The Kennel Club. Registration papers and a signed pedigree certificate should be handed over to the buyer at the time of purchase. Puppies sold as pet/companion dogs should have their pedigree certificate marked ‘Sold as a Pet/Companion dog only, not sold for breeding purposes”. The Kennel Club registration papers should be endorsed with the letter ‘R’ “No progeny to be registered” which should be fully explained to prospective owners at the time of purchase.
11. Puppies should not leave for their new home before 8 weeks of age.
12. Members should be responsible for the lives of every English Toy Terrier they breed. In the event of any unforeseen circumstances, members must be prepared to take back, or assist in the re-homing, of any English Toy Terrier they have bred.
13. Written advice should always be given to all new owners regarding breed characteristics, diet, preventative inoculations, worming, exercise, health issues and the care of the dog/bitch.
14. The exportation of puppies/dogs, to countries where animal welfare is not an integral part of the country’s culture, should be avoided. Equally, puppies/adult dogs should not be sold to ‘agents’ or to individuals whose motives for ownership have not been established or whose motives are undoubtedly commercial.