All members of the British Dalmatian Club undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.
Club members:
1) Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention in case of illness, accident or end of life care.
2) Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing 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 operation 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.
15) A Club, whose membership is so varied in every way, necessitates many kinds of activity to suit all
tastes; but the dignity and prestige of the breed and members should always be upheld in whatever
circumstances.
16) BREEDING A LITTER
The future of the Dalmatian is in the breeder's hands. Breeding should only be from healthy stock and aimed at improving the breed.
Members must have all puppies bred by them BAER Hearing Tested under the Kennel Club Ltd BAER Hearing Scheme.
All puppies should be Kennel Club Ltd registered.
The time and cost of rearing a litter needs to be considered carefully.
It is essential that both the owners of the Bitch and Stud Dog are totally honest about all known faults and those in their previous litters.
Study carefully the pedigrees of both dog and bitch to see the suitability for your line and consult the Kennel Club Ltd Mate-Select website.
Bitch Owners
a) Is your bitch in prime health?
b) To the best of your knowledge are the dog and bitch free from all known inherited defects?
c) No bitch should be bred from which shows nervousness or aggression.
d) Check that the dog is registered with the Kennel Club Ltd and without restrictions on his papers.
e) No bitch should whelp before the age of two years or over the age of eight years.
f) No bitch should be bred from more than a maximum of four times.
g) Veterinary assistance must be called on if, for any reason, puppies need to be euthanized or the bitch
needs attention.
h) A bitch should not whelp without an interval of at least 12 months since the birth of her last litter.
i) No bitch shall be bred from if she has had two caesarean sections.
j) If the bitch has a caesarean section it should be reported to the Kennel Club Ltd.
Stud Dog Owners
a) Is your dog in prime health?
b) To the best of your knowledge are the bitch and dog free from all known inherited defects?
c) No stud dog should be bred from which shows nervousness or aggression.
d) Check with the bitch owners all the points listed under 'Bitches'.
e) Check that the bitch is registered with the Kennel Club Ltd and without restrictions on her papers.
f) It is the duty of the stud dog owner or their representatives to visit all litters personally.
g) The stud dog owner should be available to give help and advice particularly to novice breeders.
h) The resultant puppies will carry the pedigree of both sire and the dam and both owners should carry
equal responsibility for their welfare.
i) Members should not provide stud dog services unless satisfied the owner of the bitch has adequate
time and facilities for the care of the puppies.
Selling Puppies
a) It is wise to have some puppy enquiries before contemplating a litter and adequate facilities to maintain the puppies until sold.
b) Question prospective buyers closely and, if possible, arrange for the whole family to visit you and meet the adult dogs. If you feel it advisable arrange a visit to their home, either by yourself, the owner of the stud dog or the District Representative.
c) Make sure the puppy will not be left alone for long periods of time.
d) Enquire as to the adequate facilities for exercising. Is the garden fully fenced?
e) Children must be taught to respect animals. If there are young children or a baby is expected, be
sure to discuss any possible problems thoroughly.
f) Do not pass your puppy on until you can be sure it will receive kind and sufficient attention in every
respect. It is essential that all new owners should feel able to return to the breeder for help and
advice and, in case of disaster, for practical help on rehoming.
g) Members agree that, when breeding a litter, their paramount concern will be the welfare of the
puppies. This is especially true of any bilaterally deaf puppy among those born. Members agree that, in relation to such a puppy, they will not pass the care and control of such an animal to any person unless they are fully satisfied that the person is completely aware of the special needs of the puppy and is competent to provide for those needs.
h) When selling puppies abroad, use the facilities of the Club to check on prospective owners; check what will happen to the dog if a show career proves unsuccessful. No dog should be sold to countries where they are not protected by Anti Cruelty Laws. Under no circumstances send potential show stock overseas unless it is absolutely top quality. A second opinion from a knowledgeable breeder should be sought.
i) When selling puppies in this country, the same standards apply. Explain and faults and also the changes, for better or worse, that can take place from eight weeks onwards. Total honesty is essential in every respect.
j) Ensure that potential owners are given an explanation of any endorsements placed on the puppy's registration with the Kennel Club Ltd, and obtain written confirmation that this has been understood.
17. EXHIBITORS
Dogs do not ask to be exhibited. They do so willingly and in return should be given the attention which makes it a pleasure for them.
a) Give ample time to empty out regularly during the day.
b) Supply a comfortable bed or cage and provide food and drink as necessary.
c) A coat may be necessary in a draughty hall or on a cold day
d) Provide regular opportunities for exercise and socialising.
e) Check that your dog is comfortable and settled on their bench.
f) Ensure that a young or novice dog has no cause to feel worried or upset.
g) Do not allow disappointment to mar your behaviour either to your dog or to other exhibitors and
certainly not to the judge.
There are some exhibits that should not be at a show at all.
a) Bitches confirmed in whelp.
b) Bitches in season.
c) Animals who are chronically nervous.
d) Animals who are chronically bad tempered.
18. JUDGES
Judges must at all times abide by the Kennel Club Ltd Code of Best Practice for Judges.
19. OWNERS
Dogs prosper on a happy and interesting life, with good food, plenty of exercise, the right discipline and above all a great deal of love. Moreover, Dalmatians crave human companionship. Do not leave the dog
at home for hours unattended. If you have children, particularly toddlers, do be sure the dog has a secure and quiet place such as his bed or a crate which is totally forbidden to the children. Children should be taught to respect animals and teasing can ruin the best temperament.
Remember, exercise is for every day, not just when you have a moment or when the sun is shining, and a properly exercised dog is much easier to live with. On no account turn your dog out to exercise away from home unsupervised, he should be under your control at all times.
Take your dog to training classes. your District Representative or local canine society will help with finding one.
Together with our dogs we enjoy a marvellous sport and hobby no matter what activity we take part in. Malicious comment whether regarding stud dogs, brood bitches, litters or their owners or anyone connected with the Club, its members or committee either spoken or written in completely unacceptable. Breed Clubs are formed for the benefit and furtherance of the breed and the reputation of that breed is dictated by the behaviour of the members.
Breach of the Code of Ethics may result in expulsion from the Club, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club Ltd and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action as appropriate.
