United Alaskan Klee Kai Association: Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

Section 1. General Conduct Of Members.
Section 2. Considerations While Exhibiting.
Section 3. Breeding and Contracts.
Section 4. The Transfer Of Puppies And Dogs.
Section 5. Registration Of Dogs.
Section 6. Enforcement Of These Guidelines.

The United Alaskan Klee Kai Association (UAKKA) is, by its Constitution and Bylaws and its Guidelines for Breeding Alaskan Klee Kai, an Association devoted to the continued protection, betterment and advancement of the Alaskan Klee Kai as a distinct breed of Northern, Spitz type dog. Its breeders and members believe that the welfare of the breed should, at all times, be their primary consideration.

The following Guidelines for Owning and Breeding Alaskan Klee Kai (henceforth known as Guidelines) are predicated upon this fundamental philosophy, and serves as a guideline of principles and ideals to follow in our dealings with AKK, the members of the AKK fancy, and the general public. As such, these Guidelines are intended as an expression of goals for owners, breeders, exhibitors, and fanciers. It represents a guideline to the minimum ethical practices and it is written with the understanding and belief that most people want to do the right thing. Therefore, above all, individuals should attend to the “spirit” of this document, using the letter of this document as guidance. It is not to be construed as rules or regulations but rather as standards for right conduct and practice. Breeders, exhibitors, owners, and fanciers are expected to police themselves in a civil and responsible manner.

Section 1. General Conduct Of Members:

Remembering that UAKKA exists to advance, protect and improve the Alaskan Klee Kai breed, I believe and accept that the breed and its welfare is of paramount importance and supersedes any other commitment to Alaskan Klee Kai, whether that be personal, competitive, or financial.

As a responsible, ethical breeder/owner of UKC registered Alaskan Klee Kai, and as a member of the United Alaskan Klee Kai Association, I will:

Abide by the United Kennel Club (UKC) Code of Ethics;
Abide by the Official UKC Rules and Regulations knowing that any person who registers a dog or a litter with United Kennel Club is subject to the jurisdiction of the United Kennel Club. Any violation of the registration rules constitutes misconduct. I understand the United Kennel Club reserves the right to investigate any suspected misconduct and to impose such sanctions and penalties as deemed appropriate, which includes probation, suspension and barring;
Maintain full and accurate records on the health, breedings, and ownership transfers;
At all times try to be constructive and instructive in my dealings with other members and with the general public;
Remembering that, as an owner, I am an “ambassador” of the AKK breed, and therefore I will strive to educate all interested owners or potential owners about the breed and its needs, for my dogs may be the first AKKs a person meets, and therefore I will present my dogs and myself as positive as I can;
Behave in a manner that is conducive to the purposes of the Association;
To the extent that my abilities allow, I will honor all written contracts and/or guarantees.
Maintain an environment of consistently high standards of care for all dogs owned by me;
Provide high quality veterinary care for my dogs throughout their lifetimes, including euthanasia if it becomes necessary, recognizing that this is one of the responsibilities of dog ownership;
Strive to conform to any and all laws pertaining to dogs in my community;
Practice responsible pet ownership by not allowing my AKK to roam, keeping it leashed where there are leash laws, and preventing annoying and unnecessary barking;
Respect the buildings and grounds of all public and private places and areas; and I will be responsible for cleaning up after my dog, anywhere, anyplace, and at any time;
Be honest in any and all advertising that I may place for the promotion of my dogs, my breeding program or my kennel;
Encourage all AKK fanciers who demonstrate enduring commitment to the breed to become members of UAKKA;

When confronted by a situation not covered by these Guidelines, I will conduct myself solely in the best interests of the breed, in good conscience, motivated by good intentions as I would like to be treated in similar circumstances.

As a responsible, ethical breeder/owner of UKC registered Alaskan Klee Kai, and as a member of the United Alaskan Klee Kai Association, I will not:

Sell, give away or otherwise transfer dogs to any pet shop, either on consignment or outright, nor will I transfer dogs to any medical facility, animal wholesaler, broker, and / or agents thereof;
Donate, sell, give away or otherwise transfer dogs to any individual or organization for the purpose of auction, raffle, or other exploitative environment;
Knowingly sell to unethical breeders or persons whose intent to resell is known or suspected, nor will I purchase any Alaskan Klee Kai or any litter in its entirety or portion thereof for resale;
Falsify pedigrees, medical clearances or breeding information.

Section 2. Considerations While Exhibiting:

As a responsible, ethical breeder/owner of UKC registered Alaskan Klee Kai, and as a member of the United Alaskan Klee Kai Association, while exhibiting any animal, owned by me or in my care, at any fun, sanctioned and or licensed match, show or trial, I will:

Ensure that my actions are directed towards the best interests of the AKK breed, UAKKA, and the UKC;
Act in accordance with all Rules and Regulations of any organization under which I may exhibit / compete by always demonstrating good manners and sportsmanship both inside and outside of the exhibition venue;
Exercise consideration to all other exhibitors and their dogs, and especially to the judges, stewards, show committee and club members, remembering at all times that my Alaskan Klee Kai and I are representing our breed and UAKKA;
Exhibit good sportsmanship in all sports open to the AKK and to befriend the novice or newcomer even though their dogs may be competing against mine;
Whether my type of dog wins or not, I agree to keep an open mind and learn by a certain type of AKK may have won or not;
In any type of competition, hold my AKK’s safety, mental well-being and health more important than any win or gain, and will not intentionally put my AKK in a harmful situation;
Always present our AKK in good health, mentally and physically fit for competition;
Never put my personal desire to compete above the welfare of our Alaskan Klee Kai;
Respect the buildings and grounds of all hotels / motels/ campgrounds as well as the show grounds and shall leave room and grounds in a clean condition. I will be responsible for cleaning up after my dog, anywhere, anyplace, at anytime.
Always be considerate of other guests in the hotel and should my dogs create a disturbance they will be attended to immediately and precautions taken to see that it does not happen again.

As a responsible, ethical breeder/owner of UKC registered Alaskan Klee Kai, and as a member of the United Alaskan Klee Kai Association, I will not:

Engage in false or misleading statements regarding a judge, exhibitor, fellow member, another dog, or misrepresentation of my own dogs.
Exhibit in any Conformation class any dog that has been changed by artificial means, in any way, in appearance, gait or temperament. This includes, but is not limited to: attempting to change or disguise the natural color or markings of the coat, tattooing or applying other substances in order to darken or fill in missing pigment, scissoring, thinning, or otherwise attempting to shorten a long coat, surgery to correct bite, ear or tail problems, administering any drugs or other substances in order to disguise or improve a faulty temperament, or any other method that seeks to deceive the judge or other breeders and exhibitors;
Knowingly enter a dog in the wrong class or enter a dog other than the one whose registered name and number the official entry form bears, in any class at any show at any time.

Section 3. Breeding and Contracts:

As a responsible, ethical breeder/owner of UKC registered Alaskan Klee Kai, and as a member of the United Alaskan Klee Kai Association, I understand that the purpose of breeding Alaskan Klee Kai is to bring their natural qualities to perfection as stated in the UKC AKK Breed Standards. I further understand that a breeding should never be undertaken unless it is specifically for the purpose of producing a better dog. Under no circumstances shall I knowingly perform a breeding to satisfy demand or for the sole purpose of supporting a kennel.

I agree that all breedings shall be personally supervised to ensure the dogs’ safety. All arrangements shall be in writing and should cover fee, boarding, travel, and other circumstances pertinent to that particular mating, and should be signed by both parties. One live puppy at 3 weeks of age constitutes a litter, unless other breeding terms are mutually agreed upon. If I am the breeder of a litter I shall obligate myself to allot proper time for socialization and play with the puppies.
If I am the owner of a brood bitch or a stud dog, I understand that I must exercise exemplary judgment in breeding him or her. I further realize that disreputable or ignorant breeders may produce animals that are mentally, physically, genetically or temperamentally unsound. To this end, I will not breed any male or female until they are both physically mature and temperamentally stable;
Only mature AKK in good health and condition shall be considered for breeding. Before entering into any breeding arrangement, I will scrutinize the pedigree, and conformation of both the sire and dam, keeping in mind the ideal of the breed. I have an obligation to refuse the breeding if, in my opinion, it is not in the best interest of the breed. I understand that if I should refuse a breeding, I will fully explain my reasons to the owner of the bitch/stud;
I agree to breed only those Alaskan Klee Kai that are registered with the United Kennel Club and that conform as closely as possible to the current UKC Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Standard;
I agree to breed only from stock that is temperamentally, physically and mentally sound and that has demonstrated no serious health problems or crippling genetic defects;
In order that I may produce the best possible quality of dogs, I support the obtaining of any necessary medical clearances and / or data for all AKK in my breeding program, these tests may include but are not limited to: eye clearances by a certified canine ophthalmologist, clearances for heart murmurs, patella luxation, cleft pallets, hip dysplasia, and ALT levels;
I agree that if I am a novice, I will consult the breeder of my dog, or some other experienced breeder, as to the quality of my dog before I consider producing a litter of puppies;
I agree that all contracts or agreements between breeders and owners regarding stud services, sale of dogs and puppies, co-ownerships or co-breedings, guarantees regarding live litters, sales or other services shall be put in writing for the protection of all involved parties;
I guarantee I will do my best to ensure that new puppy owners become members of UAKKA for one year. This can be accomplished by: either purchasing a subscription to the UAKKA Newsletter for the new puppy owners, or requiring by contract they become members. I will also encourage owners to remain UAKKA members for the lifetime of their AKK.

Stud Dogs:

As a responsible, ethical breeder/owner of UKC registered Alaskan Klee Kai, and as a member of the United Alaskan Klee Kai Association, if I am the owner of a stud dog,

I will keep accurate records of all breedings and pedigrees;
My stud dog shall be free of hereditary, incapacitating faults, not be oversize, shall be a good specimen of the breed, and possess proper disposition. In addition, the dog must have two naturally descended testicles;
My stud dog shall be in good health, free from any disease, as well as internal and external parasites at the time of mating;
I will use my dog only on those bitches that are registered with the United Kennel Club and that I feel are an asset to the breed and that are temperamentally and structurally sound, are free of disease or serious inheritable defects, are in good physical condition, and that have had at least two heat cycles and are not over ten years of age. In addition, I reserve the right to refuse service to all bitches that have not been tested negative for Brucellosis;
If a stud dog has not been proven by producing a litter (listed in the UKC Stud Dog Records), the burden of proof of fertility is with the stud dog owner.
I will personally supervise every breeding, keep other stud dogs away from the bitch, and use only the stud dog selected by the bitch owner;
The stud fee is actually for the act of breeding which is consummated by a “tie”. The fee itself is a matter between the parties involved and subject only by mutual agreement as to amount.
A mutual understanding should be agreed upon as to responsibilities of the stud owner to owner of the bitch while the brood bitch is at the stud owner’s property,
I will insist that all details concerning the mating be agreed upon before the mating takes place and recognize that all such details are best written down in a signed contract for the protection of both parties. I will also supply a signed stud service statement to the owner of the bitch certifying the “tie” dates;
I will allow one free return service by the same dog to the same bitch if the bitch does not conceive or does not produce a viable litter, so long as I still own the dog. What determines a viable litter shall be agreed upon by both parties, in writing, before a mating takes place;
I will sign the litter registration form when it is presented to me by the bitch owner but only after the litter is on the ground;
If I am asked, I will do my best to assist the owner of the bitch in placing puppies resulting from a mating with my dog.

Brood Bitches:

As a responsible, ethical breeder/owner of UKC registered Alaskan Klee Kai, and as a member of the United Alaskan Klee Kai Association, if I am the owner of a brood bitch:

I will not deliberately breed my bitch before she has experienced at least two heats and then only if she is physically mature and temperamentally stable enough to handle a litter;
My bitch shall be free of hereditary, incapacitating faults, not be oversize, shall be a good specimen of the breed, and possess proper disposition;
My bitch shall be in good health, free from any disease, as well as internal and external parasites at the time of mating;
I will have my bitch tested for the presence of Brucellosis before she is bred;
I will only breed my brood bitch to AKK stud dogs that are registered with the United Kennel Club and that I feel are an asset to the breed and that are temperamentally and structurally sound, are free of disease or serious inheritable defects, and are in good physical condition;
I will insist that all details concerning the mating be agreed upon before the mating takes place and recognize the importance of a written contract detailing all such agreements with the owner of the stud dog;
I recognize that as a responsible breeder, I will have any puppy born with a crippling defect or suffering from an irreversible condition humanely euthanized by a veterinarian, unless I choose to keep the puppy myself or find a knowledgeable and loving home for him/her;
I agree to provide proper medical care, diet, socialization, and exercise to the dam and her puppies and to be prepared to keep any or all of the puppies for their entire life or until placed in suitable homes;
I will keep accurate records of all breedings and the results including the registered name and number of the sire and dam, the date of mating and whelping, the number of puppies born dead and alive, and the gender and registered name and number of each surviving puppy, if known, and the name, address and phone number of the new owner of each puppy.

Section 4. The Transfer Of Puppies And Dogs:

As a responsible, ethical breeder/owner of UKC registered Alaskan Klee Kai, and as a member of the United Alaskan Klee Kai Association, for each puppy or dog transferred by me, I will provide the following:

Full identification of the dog including the UKC registered name and number of the sire and dam, the UKC litter registration number or the individual registered name and number of the dog if available, a written pedigree documenting at least three (3) generations;
A written health record of immunization and parasite control, as well as the feeding regimen shall be written out and also verbally explained to the buyer. Any other instructional materials deemed necessary by the seller shall also be provided. A UAKKA Membership Application and a copy of the UAKKA Constitution and By Laws, and these Guidelines shall also be provided to each buyer;
The sales contract will include wording regarding the probable quality of the dog whether show, breeding or pet/companion;
The show/breeding sales contract will furnish a written guarantee against disqualifying faults as per the breed standard as well as statements regarding the agreed upon terms of possible restitution should the dog develop a disqualifying hereditary fault;
The pet/companion sales contract will furnish a written description of the disqualifying faults and medical reasoning for the spaying / neutering (if there are any identifiable reasons). These reasoning should include, at a minimum, the reasons for, and the importance of, castrating crytporchid or monorchid males and the health benefit of spaying females;
Referrals for veterinarians, groomers or trainers if the new owner desires them;
A basic written health guarantee that all dogs will be free of any and all communicable diseases for a period of at least 3 days after leaving the seller’s premises as well as the seller’s own guarantee against any hereditary disease(s) as deemed necessary by the seller.

As a general matter of course, I will abide by the following rules when transferring any dog:

I agree that each puppy/dog sold should be accompanied by an accurate, signed three-generation pedigree and an official UKC registration form where applicable.
I agree that the sale terms and price of puppies/dogs is properly the business of the seller and purchaser. Any agreements, arrangements, and guarantees shall be in writing, and signed by all parties involved. In any contract involving ‘puppy or puppies back’, the picks made at the puppy/puppies age of 8 to 12 weeks shall fulfill the ‘puppy back’ obligations.
I agree that I, as a breeder, should follow up on puppies placed for at least the first year, and should be willing to help place the puppy in another home if the original buyer is unable to keep it. I agree that I, as a breeder, shall be willing to answer questions as long as the buyer needs advice.
I will not allow any puppy to permanently leave my premises before the age of seven (7) weeks;
I will sell or place all pet/companion quality puppies and dogs on a non-breeding agreement or with a non-breeding form of registration and require they be spayed or neutered at an appropriate age to be determined by the buyer’s vet;
I will encourage all new owners to take the dog to a veterinarian within 72 hours for a complete examination and health check;
I will do my utmost to place each puppy or dog in a permanent, suitable home;
I will require the new owners of any dog placed by me to advise me in the event they cannot keep the dog, so that I may either take the dog back or offer assistance in placing it;

Section 5. Registration Of Dogs:

As a responsible, ethical breeder/owner of UKC registered Alaskan Klee Kai, and as a member of the United Alaskan Klee Kai Association, I will register every eligible dog bred, owned, or imported by me in accordance with the rules applying to records and registration of The United Kennel Club as well as any specific record keeping required by UAKKA.

Thus, I will keep records of the following information for every dog I own:

The UKC registered name and number of the dog and the UKC registered names and numbers of its sire and dam;
Date of birth;
Sex;
Coat and eye Color (and markings, if applicable);
Breeder’s name, address and phone number if available ;
The name, address and phone number of the person from whom the dog was directly obtained, if different from the breeder;
All pertinent breeding records of the dog;
Final disposition of the dog and the date of such disposition;
The name, address and phone number of the person to whom the dog was directly transferred;
Paperwork provided with the dog and the date on which it was provided.

Section 6. Enforcement Of These Guidelines:

I understand and accept that my agreement to abide by these Guidelines is a necessary requirement for membership in The United Alaskan Klee Kai Association. I understand that although these guidelines are considered optimal for the care, ownership and breeding of the Alaskan Klee Kai breed and other breeds as well, that the ultimate decision in all breeding situations should be between the breeder and the breeder’s verterinarian.

United Alaskan Klee Kai Association