Silky Terrier Club of America
Code of Ethics
Silky Terrier Club of America, Inc.
Code of Ethics – adopted 1976
This Code of Ethics is presented as an informative guide for breeders and potential breeders of Silky Terriers whose foremost aims should be the welfare and improvement of the breed. In applying for membership, applicants have agreed to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Silky Terrier Club of America, Inc., which states in Article 1, Sect 2 (a through f) “To encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Silky Terriers and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection. To accept and follow the Standard of the breed as adopted by The American Kennel Club. To do all in its power to protect and advance the interest of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows and obedience trials. To do all in its power to protect the breed from indiscriminate breeding, puppy mills and the buying and selling of litter lots of the breed. To conduct sanctioned matches and licensed specialty shows under the rules and regulations of The American Kennel Club. To discourage false advertising, claims and statements pertaining to the breed.” The Board of Directors feels that ethical breeders are the backbone of the Silky Terrier Club of America, Inc. and the adherence to this basic Code of Ethics will animate and encourage Silky Terriers as a breed.”
BREEDING - Each litter is conscientiously planned based on parents of appropriate temperament, appearance and other qualities in relation to the official standard and description of the breed. Before deciding to produce a litter, the breeder should consider the possibilities of properly placing puppies they are unable to keep. All breeding stock should be of sound temperament, free from congenital defects such as blindness, deafness and dysplasia. Dysplasia of the hips and shoulders may be ascertained by x- rays taken and read by a veterinarian who is familiar with the proper procedure and diagnosis.
HEALTH – Breeding stock is kept under sanitary conditions and given maximum health protection through worming, inoculations and close contact with veterinary medicine. Only healthy mature bitches are bred, preferably after one year of age and not before second season: allowing proper spacing between litters; urges purchasers of bitches to spay those which, for any reason, will not be used for breeding; safeguard un-spayed bitches from unplanned mating.
REGISTRATION – Breeding stock and puppies are registered with The American Kennel Club, and/or the appropriate counterpart of The American Kennel Club within the country of origin. Breeders shall provide a three or four generation pedigree and complete and deliver all forms necessary for registration. All transactions will be covered by written and signed agreements.
SALES – A member of the Silky Terrier Club of America, Inc will not sell or consign puppies or adult dogs to pet shops or commercial dealers. Breeders will sell Silky Terriers, permit stud service and lease studs or bitches only to individuals who give satisfactory evidence they will give proper care and attention to the dogs and are in accord with this Code of Ethics. All stock leaving the breeder’s possession should be at least eight weeks of age; breeder shall provide buyer(s) with written details on feeding, general care, data on worming and inoculations against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and guarantee healthy pups.
ADVERTISING – All advertising must be factual. It does not offer Silky Terriers at bargain prices, nor so worded as to attract undesirable buyers or to encourage raising Silky Terriers as a money-making scheme, will not supply dogs for raffles, give-away prizes or other such projects.
Any person or person in violation of the above is subject to suspension by the Board of Directors of the STCA Membership.