ABC Code of Ethics

American Boxer Club Code of Ethics

This CODE OF ETHICS is set forth to protect, advance the interests of, and improve the Boxer breed; to maintain sportsmanlike competition at dog shows and events; and to promote a respect for people and dogs. American Boxer Club members are to adhere to these canons when breeding, buying, selling or competing with and exhibiting their Boxers.

Members of the American Boxer Club will conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit on the sport of purebred dogs and on Boxers in particular, regardless of the location or circumstances.

AKC Rules and Regulations and THE AMERICAN BOXER CLUB BY-LAWS should be known and adhered to at all times. It is important to know the current Standard of the Breed.

ARTICLE I

Breeding

1. Breed only with the intention of improving the breed.

2. Breeders should encourage the certifying of hips, blood testing for thyroid function, and screening for heart defects and other abnormalities that would affect the health of their dogs or the offspring of same, in conjunction with the current Health & Research Committee recommendations.

3. Breed healthy, sound, typey dogs that display sound temperament and qualities and are free of severe faults.

4. Dogs offered at stud should be in good health. They should be free from Canine Brucellosis and other communicable diseases as well as disqualifying genetic faults. A written Stud Contract is essential. Monorchids are not considered breeding stock.

5. Bitches accepted for stud service should be at least eighteen months of age, in good health, free from communicable diseases and disqualifying genetic faults. A bitch must be accompanied by a current veterinarian's certificate stating that she is free of Canine Brucellosis. It is the responsibility of the stud dog owner to properly provide for all visiting bitches' safety and security. Each bitch must be bred only to the stud dog specified by her owner. A change of stud dog is only permitted with the express consent of the owner of the bitch and should be included as an amendment to the Stud Contract.

6. Bitches should be bred only between the ages of eighteen months and six years and should not whelp more than twice in any three consecutive estrus cycles.

7. Breeders will keep accurate breeding records, registration papers, pedigrees and contracts.

ARTICLE II 

Maintenance

1. Tail docking and removal of dew claws are appropriate for the breed; ears may be cropped or uncropped. Any surgical procedures are to be performed humanely. Corrective cosmetic surgery will not be performed on Boxers. When such corrective surgery becomes a necessity, the dog will no longer be exhibited, if such alteration is not in accordance with stated AKC policies.

2. Members of The American Boxer Club will maintain their Boxers' condition, health and quarters in a manner that is above reproach.

ARTICLE III

Registration

There are two ways to register puppies for the first time with the AKC registration application.

1. Full Registration

Boxers who are sound, healthy, typey, considered to be of breeding quality, and who are free of disqualifying faults under the Standard of the Breed may be provided with full registration.

1. Limited Registration

American Boxer Club Members are encouraged to provide limited registration for the following:

a. Boxers being purchased only as registered companion pets.

b. Boxers that are not considered sound, or not of breeding quality, including monorchids.

c. Boxers of any color not allowed by the standard. Such a Boxer will be placed on a contract, to be signed and a copy retained by all parties, that includes the following provisions:

i. Limited registration will be provided upon completion of a spay/neuter.

ii. The new owner will give the breeder a deposit to cover the amount of spay/neuter. This deposit will be returned upon presentation of a certification from a veterinarian that the procedure has taken place.

iii. The breeder may charge veterinary expenses directly related to the puppy. 

Buyers should be informed, where limited AKC registration is involved, that any get of their Boxer will be ineligible for AKC registration. The breeder of the dog can cancel the limited registration, should the puppy at maturity be considered of breeding quality. Providing limited registration is a voluntary action; alternatively, registration papers can be withheld entirely, and the buyer can apply to the AKC for an Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP).

ARTICLE IV

Sales

1. All sales of puppies and adults should include:

a. AKC registration application papers

b. Signed Bill of Sale

c. An accurate three generation pedigree

d. ABC Brochure and/or copy of the Standard of the Breed

e. Health record including shots given, diet and care information

Note: Registration papers may be withheld at the time of the sale in such cases of prior agreement in writing.

Example: Spay/neuter agreement; Breeding/Lease agreement or other similar contracted agreement, which would delay transfer of ownership until completion of contract.

1. If possible, puppies should remain in their litter environment until at least 7 weeks of age* (see note below).

2. Purchasers should be urged to spay or neuter all pets.

3. Misleading or untruthful statements must not be used in the selling or advertising of puppies. Misrepresentation of American Boxer Club awards, AKC, and/or foreign titles must be carefully avoided.

4. American Boxer Club Members will at all times strive to be accurate and honest to the best of their ability in appraising the quality of Boxers being offered for sale or placement with reference to the Standard of the Breed.

5. All contracts must be clear and complete with any and all conditions stated. A signed copy must be provided to each party involved.

6. During the life of any Boxer sold or placed, the breeder should endeavor to help the owner in every reasonable way.

7. Prospective buyers should be screened on their desire and ultimate intent for each Boxer. Their interest and ability to provide a safe, adequate and loving home should be determined. Fenced yards and crates should be recommended.

8. American Boxer Club members and member clubs will help educate the public on the Standard of the Breed and care of the Boxer in areas where they are qualified.

*Note: Some States have laws that puppies cannot be separated from their mothers until 8 weeks of age. Check your local and state regulations.

ARTICLE V

Infractions

The Boxer Standard defines the following disqualifications: ‘Boxers that are any color other than fawn or brindle. Boxers with a total of white markings exceeding one-third of the entire coat.’

The following infractions are considered to be actions contrary to the best interest of the breed and/or the American Boxer Club:

1. Full registration with the American Kennel Club of a Boxer of any color not allowed by the Standard adopted for the breed by the American Boxer Club, approved by the American Kennel Club and in force at the time of the Infraction.

2. Providing an application for full registration with the American Kennel Club of a Boxer of any color not allowed by the Standard.

3. Signing an application for registration with the American Kennel Club of a litter whose sire and/or dam are of a color not allowed by the Standard.

4. Selling or consigning for resale a Boxer whose sire and/or dam are of a color not allowed by the Standard.

5. Selling, consigning or disposing of a puppy or an adult Boxer to a pet shop, chain of pet shops or any commercial kennel for resale.

Charges may be brought against a member or a member club for actions listed in this Article, as defined in Article VIII, Section 2 of the By-Laws of the American Boxer Club.

Adopted by the ABC Membership: September 16, 2005