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CODE OF ETHICS

This code of Ethics is presented as a guide for owners, breeders and potential owners and or breeders of American Pit Bull Terriers whose foremost aim should be the welfare and improvement of the breed. All should do everything in there power to protect and advance the interest of the breed and it's standard They should consider the breed and the following principles when engaging in any activities involving the breeding, exhibiting and selling of American Pit Bull Terriers and refrain from any activities which could be detrimental to the best interest of the breed, The American Pit Bull Terrier Club of Southern California, the National American Pit Bull Terrier Association and the United Kennel Club, Inc.

When contemplating a breeding, an ethical owner directs his/her efforts towards breeding American Pit Bull Terriers of exceptional quality and wisely places the offspring by carefully screening each and every potential owner. He/She should sincerely believe his breeding stock represents the standard and is totally sound mentally and physically.

He/She careful studies and weighs the faults and attributes of the stud dog and the bitch; informing himself/Herself of those faults considered genetic (inheritable). He is then sincere in his intent not to breed dogs with defects which could possible cause impairment or pain and/or suffering to the dogs or the offspring. He/She breeds only within the standard for the breed, giving meticulous consideration to TEMPERAMENT.

An ethical breeder or owner does not sell or give away stock with known genetic defects except under a spay/neuter agreement or non breeding agreement. He/She informs the new owner of such defects BEFORE the sale is completed. He/She makes a sincere effort to ascertain that all new owners of both show quality and pet quality dogs will give complete and proper care and training to their new dog's).
The ethical owner considers the health and growth of his bitches and refrains from breeding them too early, too late in their age or too often. An average is considered no more then two out of every three heat seasons (preferable only every other heat season) and preferable not at the time of the first season. After a bitch is seven years old, her owner seeks the opinion of a veterinarian regarding her health for the proposed breeding. for any deviation, He/She consults with the competent authorities.

An ethical breeder breeds only PUREBRED, REGISTERED dogs.
An ethical breeder accurately registers his/her stock, keeping correct records of mating, whelping and pedigrees. No registration is ever sold Separately from the dog. No registration papers are ever falsified.
Ethical breeders and owners never promote, support, raise dogs for fighting, or knowingly sell, trade or give dogs that will be used for fighting purposes. They do not condone and are not associated with the facing off, game testing, rolling or pitting of dogs in any way whatsoever.
An ethical breeder does not wholesale litters or sell stock to such places as pet dealers, catalog houses or other sources of commercial distribution. He/She never engages in the breeding of stock for profit and refuses to breed without giving the utmost consideration to the quality and health.
An ethical breeder does not supply stock for raffles, "give away" prizes or other similar projects.
He/She does not raise American Pit Bull Terriers merely as a money maker.
An ethical breeder is available to his buyers for consultation even after completion of the sale. The new owner gives credit to his breeders concern. periodically informing of his/hers dog's welfare, achievements, problems, etc.
An ethical owner NEVER allows his American Pit Bull Terrier to roam.
All dogs are kept under sanitary conditions and given maximum health protection through regular fecal checks, worming (when necessary), inoculations and periodic examinations by a veterinarian (as necessary). His/Her dogs are always treated humanely.

When an American Pit Bull Terrier must be destroyed, an ethical owner intends a death free of pain and suffering.

The ethical owner informs himself/herself and follows all of the rules of the American Pit Bull Terrier Club of Southern California, the National American Pit Bull Terrier Association and the United Kennel Club, Inc..

No ethical owner engages in intentionally false or misleading advertising or other falsifications regarding his/her American Pit Bull Terriers. He never intentionally maligns or insults any judges, fellow competitors or felloe American Pit Bull Terrier owners by making false or misleading statements regarding their dogs, breeding practices or person. He calmly and objectively presents any alleged misconduct to the proper representatives of the club.

Each and every American Pit Bull Terrier owner feels obligated to protect the interest of the breed by conducting himself/herself in a manner reflecting credit upon himself/herself, His/her breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier Club of Southern California, the National American Pit Bull Terrier Association and the United Kennel Club Inc..
The above Code of Ethics has been read and agreed to on this ______ Day of __________ 200___.

 Signature(s):______________________________________________