CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER CLUB OF AMERICA

PURPOSE

The Code of Ethics ("COE") for the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America ("GITCA") is established to protect and further the advancement of the Glen of Imaal Terrier. Both Active and Associate members agree to preserve the unique antique qualities of the breed. As members, we are individually charged with complying with this COE, GITCA's constitution and bylaws, and demand similar compliance of all other members. We must hold the interest of the Glen of Imaal Terrier superior to our own.

GENERAL CONDUCT

1. As it relates to my interest in and conduct concerning the Glen of Imaal Terrier, I will consider the welfare of the Glen of Imaal above personal gain and profit.
2. I will provide the highest standards of care for the physical and emotional health of my dogs. This includes, but is not limited to, a nutritional diet, optimum shelter, sanitation, exercise, affection, and immunizations and check-ups as recommended by my veterinarian.
3. I will comply with local statutes regarding responsible dog ownership.
4. I will have my dog under effective control when in public.
5. To the extent possible, I will protect my dog from harm at all times. I will never expose my dog to unnecessary risk of loss or injury in the performance of work or sport.
6. In written and verbal communication and in action, I will conduct myself in a responsible and courteous manner that will be conducive to the advancement of our breed and our club and will treat others as I would wish to be treated.
7. I will make every effort to educate any new owner or interested person and to be both instructive and constructive in my comments.
8. I will not sell a Glen of Imaal Terrier to pet stores or brokers, directly or indirectly, nor allow a dog to be used as a prize or donation in any contest. No dog will be used for the purpose of medical experimentation.
9. I will ensure that any advertising is factual and honest in both substance and implication.
10. I will not knowingly misrepresent or state falsely any fact related to the breed, any individual dog, my experience and standing, or the experience and standing of any other person.

BREEDING

The purpose of breeding the Glen of Imaal Terrier is to bring the natural qualities of the dog to perfection in accordance with the breed standard. As a breeder I understand that in the ordinary case, puppies are sold for pet purposes. If a puppy shows exceptional promise, such that its potential for breeding is apparent, that puppy should be sold on that basis only to a person(s) who understands the seriousness of the potential undertaking. No breeding should occur except for the presumed and expected benefit of such breeding. The welfare of the Glen of Imaal Terrier is the only legitimate basis upon which a decision to breed a dog should be made. Emphatically, the economic and emotional interest of the owners is no basis upon which the decision can rightly be made.

If I decide to breed a litter I will:

1. Have a clear understanding of the American Kennel Club standard for the Glen of Imaal Terrier.
2. Be informed about the pedigrees of both dog and bitch, understanding the strengths and faults of both.
3. Plan any breeding only with reasonable assurance and belief that the breeding will conserve and improve the conformation, health, temperament, and working ability of the breed, as outlined by the American Kennel Club standard for the Glen of Imaal Terrier; bearing in mind such issues as the general health of the dogs to be bred, their susceptibility to inheritable diseases or defects and the possibility of transmission of such diseases or defects to their offspring.
4. Breed only Glen of Imaal Terriers registered with or eligible to be registered with the American Kennel Club.
5. Before breeding, test the stud dog and bitch for any inheritable defects for which a test is available including:
   A.1. Test for hip dysplasia, by either using the OFA method at two years of age or older, the PennHip method at 18 months of age or older; or the international equivalent for a dog or bitch not residing in the United States. If a male is 18 months or older and less than two years of age, preliminary testing must be done if the OFA method is chosen.
   A.2. Test for elbow dysplasia for all dogs born after June 30, 2013 by either using the OFA method at two years of age or older, or the international equivalent for a dog or bitch not residing in the United States. If a male is 18 months or older and less than two years of age, preliminary testing must be done using the OFA method or the international equivalent and must be repeated at 24 months. Exceptions will be made for untested deceased dogs used in breeding programs.
   B. Have a CERF eye exam done by an AVCO ophthalmologist (or an equivalent in foreign countries) beginning at 2 years of age and repeated every 2 years until age 8 of age.
   C. Have both dog and bitch tested through Optigen or the equivalent of Optigen in foreign countries to determine their status regarding the crd3 gene. Once the status of both dog and bitch is determined, no breeding shall take place that will produce a dog affected by Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
   D. Breeders shall see that required testing results are published on the OFA database for all dogs born after June 30, 2013. Exceptions will be made for dogs not residing in the United States and for untested deceased dogs.
6. When DNA tests become available for any inheritable disease affecting Glen of Imaal Terriers, all breeding stock will be required to be tested for that marker or gene.
7. Breed only those bitches between the ages of 2 years and 8 years who are in excellent health. Breed only those dogs (males) that are at least 18 months of age and who are in excellent health.
8. Not allow a bitch to whelp more than 2 litters during any 3 consecutive seasons nor allow her to produce more than 4 litters in her lifetime.
9. Maintain accurate records and pedigrees of all my Glen of Imaal Terriers and each litter I breed and register all litters in accordance with the rules of the American Kennel Club.
10. Not breed for personal profit or commercial exploitation of the breed.
11. GITCA encourages all members to obtain a CHIC number by obtaining eye clearances through CERF and Optigen and hip clearances through PennHip or OFA for their Glen of Imaal Terriers.

CARE AND TRANSFER OF PUPPIES

1. I will provide proper care for both the bitch and litter and retain the puppies for as long as necessary to find proper homes. If necessary, owners of stud dogs should be willing to share the responsibility for placement of the puppies, referring prospective purchasers to the bitch owner and helping with screening of homes.
2. I will provide all puppies with proper veterinary care and a clean, safe home environment. They should be parasite-free, have a balanced diet and appropriate inoculations as recommended by my veterinarian.
3. I will screen prospective buyers to determine their suitability and motives for acquiring a Glen. The ability to provide a safe, loving home and adequate physical facilities should be determined.
4. I will not release a puppy for sale prior to 8 weeks of age.
5. I will have any puppy which is deformed or suffering from a significant irreversible illness humanely euthanized.
6. I will make sure each puppy is accompanied by the following at the time of sale:

1. Feeding Instructions
2. Written medical records to include immunizations, types of vaccine used, dates of inoculations and dewormings, a Certificate of Health from my veterinarian.
3. A three generation pedigree.
4. A contract of sale.
5. A copy of this Code of Ethics.
6. Either be micro-chipped or permanently tattooed when the puppy leaves for its new home.

7. I will encourage new owners to have their puppy checked by their veterinarian within 48 hours of the time of acquisition.
8. In the contract of sale, I will require that I am notified by the owner if the owner is unable to keep the dog so that the dog is returned to me or I can assist in placing it in a new home. I also agree to have the dog that I have bred to be returned to me or to assist in placing the dog in a new home if contacted by a rescue organization.
9. I will encourage new owners to keep me informed concerning the development of the puppy and advise me of any problems that may develop during its lifetime as well as the eventual cause of death.
10. At the time of purchase, and thereafter as necessary in the best interest of the breed, I will transmit to the owner of any dog bred by me accurate and complete information related to the health of the dog.
11. I will not denigrate other breeders or their stock.

EXHIBITING

1. I will exhibit only those dogs in good physical and mental condition.
2. I will not exhibit dogs that are overtly aggressive or timid.
3. I will not exhibit any Glen which has been changed in appearance by artificial means (exceptions being removal of dew claws and docked tails).
4. I will always demonstrate good sportsmanship both inside and outside the show ring.
5. I will accept the services of only those professional handlers whose behavior is exemplary.
6. I will not partake in the practice of kennel packing or exhibiting filler dogs that I know to be unworthy of championship for the purpose of finishing dogs, or advancing a dog in the breed point competition as such behaviors by exhibitors lessen the meaning of a championship and do not serve the breed.

If a GITCA member is believed to be in violation of the COE and a complaint is received by the GITCA Board for such violations, the GITCA Board will provide for a response to the complaint by the GITCA member. The GITCA Board will determine whether the GITCA member indeed violated the COE and will subsequently advise the GITCA member of its decision in writing. The GITCA member's name and description of the violation of the COE will be published in the following Glen Chronicles if the member is found in violation.

Situations may arise that are not covered specifically by this Code of Ethics. In those cases, it is expected that members will honor its spirit and intent.

Exceptions shall be made in the application of this code only upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt presented to the Board of Directors that such exception is in the best interest of the breed.

Revised 11/20/2014
Effective 1/1/2015