The Havanese Club of America
Code of Ethics
Adopted Date – January, 1999

Introduction:

A. This Code of Ethics is presented as a guide for members whose foremost aim should be the welfare, improvement and advancement of the Havanese breed, in accordance with the Standard, as approved by the American Kennel Club.
B. This code sets forth principles of conduct to be followed by all members of The Havanese Club of America. Every member is charged with the responsibility to uphold, promote and practice the principles set forth in this Code of Ethics.
C. Membership in The Havanese Club of America automatically obligates the member to this Code of Ethics.

Conduct:

A. Each member of The Havanese Club of America will consider the welfare of the breed when engaged in breeding, exhibiting or selling Havanese, and will refrain from activities which are contrary to the best interests of the breed and the Club.
B. Every member will abide by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Havanese Club of America, and the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club as they pertain to breeding, registration, record keeping and exhibiting.
C. Every Havanese will be provided clean living quarters, adequate veterinary care, proper nutrition and grooming.
D. Gossip, hearsay and innuendo regarding another member or their dogs is strongly discouraged.
E. All advertising will be factual and not misleading in any way.

Responsibilities of breeders:

A. Every breeding will be done from the standpoint of bettering the breed. Only Havanese that are physically and temperamentally sound and free of disqualifying faults will be used for breeding. No havanese will be used for breeding if it is known to be affected with, of a carrier of Juvenile Cataracts, PRA, heart disease or any other condition which affects the health of the progeny. Havanese which repeatedly produce affected offspring should be removed from the breeding program, and their offspring should not be used for breeding.
B. It is recommended that dogs offered at stud will not be bred prior to one year of age, nor after twelve years of age. Dogs will be in good health and free of communicable diseases and genetic faults.
C. Stud service will be refused to any bitch which is unregisterable or shows serious faults under the breed standard. Stud owners are responsible for puppies produced by their dogs, therefore it is recommended that they verify the bitch owner is a responsible owner and breeder.
D. It is recommended that bitches will not be bred prior to 18 months of age, nor after eight years of age. Bitches will be in good health and free of communicable disease and genetic faults.
E. All Havanese used for breeding should be examined by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist to rule out known or suspected hereditary eye disease (CERF exam). This can be accomplished at a “clearing eye clinic” sponsored by breed clubs or at the Veterinary Ophthalmologist’s office. The CERF exam should be done annually until the dog reached the age of eight years. If at any time an eye disorder is detected and confirmed, the breeder will immediately remove this Havanese from the breeding program and will attempt to notify owners of offspring especially if the offspring entered into a breeding program.
F. For the welfare of the breed, all major health or genetic related problems should be shared with the Health Committee. It is not required that the name of the breeder or dog be provided. The information will be used for statistical reasons only unless the owner gives written permission to share the information as deemed appropriate.

Registration of Havanese:

A. All members will keep complete and accurate records of individual dogs, litters, breedings, pedigrees and puppy sales as required by the American Kennel Club, and abide by American Kennel Club rules and regulations which pertain to these activities.
B. Full registration: Register Havanese are considered to be of show and breeding quality, that is, they exhibit Havanese type, are found and free of disqualifying faults under the breed standard. The breeder will provide AKC registration certificate or application for registration at the time of sale or within 30 days following delivery of the dog. Registration papers may be withheld at the time of sale in cases of prior agreement in writing such as a breeding or lease agreement or similar contractual agreement which delays transfer of ownership until completion of the contract. Foreign members selling dogs to the United States should provide the proper registration papers and forms to accomplish AKC registration of imported dogs.
C. Limited Registration: Havanese Club of America members are encouraged to use limited registration for any Havanese which has faults of a nature that make it detrimental to the breed. All Havanese sold as pets and those not considered to be of show and/or breeding quality should be sold with limited registration and a spay/neuter agreement. A copy of the agreement may be sent to the AKC.

Selling Havanese:

A. Breeders/Sellers must be concerned with the proper placement of Havanese, both pet and show potential. It is recommended that breeders do a thorough background check of prospective buyers to insure they will provide a good home and proper care.
B. Havanese will not be displayed in public places for the purpose of immediate sale.
C. No Havanese will be sold to pet dealers, pet stores, pet wholesalers, or pet brokers either singly or in litter lots
D. Havanese will not be offered as raffle or contest prizes, or any other type of giveaway or auction.
E. All Havanese sold should be in good health and of a suitable age to leave litters (8 weeks is the minimum recommended age). To the best of the breeder’s/seller’s knowledge, all Havanese sold will be free of communicable disease and internal and/or external parasites.
F. The seller should supply written instruction on feeding, care, training and grooming, and medical records including dates and types of vaccinations and wormings.
G. Breeders should honestly evaluate the quality of the Havanese puppy and its parents and provide this information to the puppy buyer. Pet quality Havanese should not by misrepresented as show/breeding quality. If Havanese with serious faults are sold, the seller/breeder must take the responsibility to see that the dog is spayed/neutered.
H. Contracts must be clear and complete with all conditions agreed upon between buyer and breeder/seller stated. It is recommended that the contract include a stipulation that the breeder/seller be notified if the owner is unable to keep the Havanese. Assigned copy of the contract must be provided to each party involved.
I. Breeders/sellers are obligated to take back or help re-home any dog they sell, regardless of the reason or circumstances necessitating return.
J. Breeders/sellers should request that owners advise if any hereditary diseases or conditions arise.

Exhibition:
A. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner both in and out of the show ring. Members will not engage in false statements regarding judges, other exhibitors, or their dogs.
B. Members are responsible for the appearance and conduct of their dogs at all times regardless of who is handling the dog. Dogs will be presented in the show ring clean and properly groomed according to the standard.
C. Hotels, motels and show grounds will be left in a clean condition.

Enforcement and Discipline:

A. Failure to comply with the Code of Ethics will subject a member to disciplinary action. Discipline under this code will be based upon procedures as provided in Article VI of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Havanese Club of America.
B. Any member may prefer charges against another member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the interests of the breed or the club.

Acceptance and Agreement with the Code of Ethics:

A. Every member of The Havanese Club of America will be required to sign an acceptance of the Code of Ethics. All new members must sign an acceptance of the Code of Ethics before membership becomes effective. This acceptance will be binding on all members until such time as the Code of Ethics is modified, at which time a new acceptance must be signed.
B. Each member will be provided with a current, dated copy of the Code of Ethics at the time of signing the agreement.

Visitors since
May 8, 2005