Havanese Fanciers of Canada

Inherent in any code of ethics are basic high ethical principles, which are to be reflected in the actions, attitude and motivations of all members. This Code of Ethics is presented as a guideline for members whose principle goal should be the protection, welfare and responsible promotion of the Havanese breed in accordance with the standard as set forth by the Canadian Kennel Club. Membership in the Havanese Fanciers of Canada automatically obligates a member to abide by the principles of this code.

Responsibility of all members

1. All dogs will be kept under safe and sanitary conditions, be given maximum health care and protection, including but not limited to: regular Veterinary care, recommended inoculations, proper nutrition, adequate exercise and grooming.
2. Assistance and encouragement shall be willingly offered by members to show novices and others needing advice and guidance. The welfare of the breed will be in their hands in the future.
3. Members will not maliciously slander other members nor seek to impair the reputation of other breeders. However, they must report any serious situation that is detrimental to the breed or is inconsistent with the principles of the HFC
4. Members will advertise only in a professional manner and will not refer to membership in any attempt to enhance integrity or quality of stock. Altered photographs that may mislead will not be published.
5. Members will maintain the confidentiality of privileged information and avoid activities which constitute a real or perceived conflict of interest, or detract from the integrity of the Club

Responsibility of Breeders

1. Breeders will strive to conform to the CKC Havanese breed standard to improve progeny and to reduce faults to a minimum.
2. Healthy spacing between litters will be a priority and unspayed bitches will be protected from unplanned matings. Bitches will in no case be bred before their second heat or before they are at least 18 months of age, whichever comes first, nor be placed at risk by an unreasonable number of Ceasarean sections and then only with the concurrence of a veterinarian.
3. Stud service will only be offered to or received from stock registered within a CKC recognized Club or registering body. All breeding stock should be healthy and mature, of sound temperament, and be free of serious congenital and hereditary defects. Stud service will be refused for any mating that is considered not to be in the best interest of the breed.
4. Prior to breeding, owners of studs and bitches will adequately screen for both infectious and hereditary diseases, using current techniques as well as those developed in the future. CERF testing shall be conducted yearly on all breeding stock
5. Breeders selling puppies or offering stud services from lines in which any serious or disabling hereditary defects occur should disclose the possibility of such defects to potential clients
6. Members will refer potential puppy purchasers to other reputable breeders and be helpful and courteous to those who request information about the breed

Buying and selling

1. Members will comply with CKC rules concerning record keeping, registration, identification, and the sale and transfer of dogs.
2. All contract terms and conditions will be reduced to writing and members will honor such obligations.
3. Every effort will be made to ensure that any puppy or dog will not be sold by, to or through any agent, pet store, commercial breeding establishment, other dog business or unethical / disreputable breeder. Puppies, dogs and stud services will not be offered as a prize in any raffle, draw, contest or lottery of any kind whatsoever.
4. Prospective buyers will be screened as thoroughly as possible to determine their intent, as well as their ability and interest in providing a safe, adequate, loving environment and a long-term relationship with a puppy or adult dog.
5. All puppies and dogs offered for sale will be CKC registered and comply with CKC regulations; and will be sold with written sales agreements to include clear terms and conditions and be signed by the seller and buyer. The contract will request that the seller be contacted in the event that at any time the owner is unable to keep the dog, it will be the obligation of the seller to assist in the placement of the dog in question.
6. Purchasers will be required to adhere to the CKC non-breeding contract and neuter/spay all puppies sold as pets. A veterinarian’s certificate will be sent to the seller with verification of the spaying or neutering.
7. All puppies leaving (their breeder) will be a minimum of 8 weeks of age to facilitate adequate socialization as well as appropriate emotional and temperament development through interaction with siblings, the dam and other dogs. At time of placement, all puppies will have had a veterinary check up and be up to date on recommended inoculations
8. Breeders will provide puppy buyers with written details on feeding, general care, dates and types of inoculations as well as dates of wormings, grooming instructions, etc, and be available to offer future advice as needed.

Responsibility of Exhibitors

1. Animals recently exposed to the risks of infectious diseases and bitches with nursing whelp will not be exhibited in shows or any performance events.
2. Dogs being shown will be presented clean and properly groomed according to the standard. Exhibitor members will not alter a dog’s natural appearance except as provided in the CKC Havanese breed standard Members are responsible for the proper presentation of their dogs for the show ring regardless of who is handling the dog.
3. Members realize that they represent the dog fancy in general and the breed specifically to the general public. Members will act in a professional and good sportsmanlike manner at all times and will respect the rules of hotels/motels, and other show/event sites and of all show/event sponsors.

Enforcement and Discipline

1. Every member of the Havanese Fanciers of Canada will be required to sign an acceptance of the Code of ethics upon application and to renew acceptance annually with membership renewal and /or at such time that the Code of ethics is reviewed and modified.
2. Breach of any of the above items may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of membership.