Membership Info

The Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics is presented to all members of the SCWTCA, Inc. whose foremost objectives are the welfare, improvement and advancement of the breed in accordance with the Standard. This Code outlines basic procedure and sets forth principles of general conduct to be followed by all Club members.

1. General Conduct.

	A. Each member will consider the welfare of the breed when engaged in breeding, exhibiting or selling Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and will refrain from actions which are contrary to the best interests of the breed and the Club.
	B. Every dog shall be provided with humane living quarters, veterinarian supervised health care, proper nutrition, and grooming.
	C. Each member will be familiar with and abide by the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club regarding the registering and exhibiting of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and the keeping of accurate records of breeding and exhibiting.
	D. Good sportsmanship will be exhibited at all times.
	E. Each Club member will be responsible at all times for the behavior of his dogs, such behavior to reflect the best possible image of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
	F. All members will promote the cause of responsible dog ownership.

2. Breeding Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

	A. Only AKC registered dogs will be bred.
	B. Breeders will aim to produce sound, healthy, happy dogs true to breed characteristics as set forth in the Breed Standard of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
	C. All breeding stock must be of sound temperament and possess no major hereditary defects. They must be in good health, free of parasites and communicable disease, e.g. Brucellosis, genital infections, etc. Testing of these will be done as close to breeding time as possible.
	D. All breeding stock must be certified by OFA or meet the minimum criteria for breeding stock as established by the PennHIP method of evaluation. All breeding stock under two years of age will be x-rayed and show no clinical signs of hip dysplasia.
	E. All breeding stock will have eyes examined at least every two years by a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. This will be done until at least six years of age. It is recommended that dogs and bitches being used extensively for breeding continue these examinations beyond the age of six.
	F. Only mature dogs and bitches will be used for breeding.

	1. A bitch will not be bred on her first season and preferably not before her third season or 18 months of age. In the event that the bitch is bred on two successive seasons or twelve months, that bitch will not be bred during the next two successive seasons or twelve months.
	2. Dogs should not be used at stud before 11 months of age and should have preliminary OFA certification or OFA number. Written stud contracts will be used for each breeding.

3. Selling Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

	A. No dogs will knowingly be sold to pet dealers, pet wholesalers, or pet brokers, singly or in "litter lots".
	B. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers will not be offered as raffle or contest prizes or for other types of giveaways.
	C. All advertising describing kennels and dogs offered for sale will be of an honest and forthright nature.
	D. The breeder will provide AKC registration papers, application forms and/or other written contract if registration papers are to be withheld at the time of sale or within 30 days following delivery. It is recommended that the contract include a stipulation whereby the breeder be notified or any plan on the part of the owner to resell or otherwise dispose of a pup. This stipulation would also require the buyer to either return the dog to the breeder or place the dog with new owners who have been approved by the breeder. Breeder will also require buyer to advise of any health problems, physical abnormalities and/or death of the animal. All conditions of sale agreed upon by the buyer and breeder must be in writing; when a non-registration or non-breeding clause is include a copy the contract should be sent to the AKC. All animals sold as pets will be sold on spay/neuter agreement, and/or AKC limited Registration.
	E. All Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers will be in good condition and good health at the time of delivery. The dog/puppy, to the best of the seller's knowledge, will be free of internal parasites and will have protection against those diseases which can be controlled by vaccination according to current veterinary practices. At the time of delivery the seller will furnish medical records indicating the date of vaccination and medication used.
	F. An accurate pedigree of at least four generations as well as complete written instruction on feeding, health care, training and grooming of the dog/puppy will be furnished at the time of sale.

4. Exhibiting Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

	A. AKC rules concerning entering shows and exhibiting dogs will be strictly observed.
	B. Dogs will be presented in the show ring clean and properly groomed according to the Standard. Any change of appearance by artificial means other than docking tails and removing dew claws (in accordance with the Standard) is strictly forbidden.
	C. Exhibitors will conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner in and out of the ring.
	D. The owner of record will be responsible for the appearance and conduct of his dog at all times.

5. Discipline

	A. Failure to comply with the Code of Ethics will subject a member to disciplinary procedures provided by the Constitution and By-Laws of the SCWTCGTB.
	B. Allegation of violation of the Code of Ethics shall be adjudicated by the Board of Directors of the SCWTCGTB.

Approved May 1, 2000