Silky Terrier Club of America
Membership FAQs
and Code of Ethics
Membership Application: Process and Frequently Asked Questions
The Silky Terrier Club of America (STCA) is an American Kennel Club (AKC) approved national parent breed club and member club. The STCA is responsible for the breed standard (a written description of the ideal Silky Terrier), the education of breed owners on the nuances of the breed, and overseeing the breed’s health and welfare. Therefore, the STCA is responsible for the preservation, protection and welfare of the Silky Terrier and exists to protect and advance the interests of the Silky Terrier breed, in accordance with the STCA Bylaws and Code of Ethics.
Based upon the standards listed above, the STCA views membership in the STCA as a serious commitment to the Silky Terrier breed. The STCA offers several types of membership to individuals, all of which require the member applicant to subscribe to the purposes of the STCA and abide by the STCA Bylaws and Code of Ethics and the AKC Silky Terrier Breed Standard and be in good standing with The American Kennel Club.
Standard (Voting) Member: Must be eighteen years of age or older and a resident of the United States and if elected to membership, the individual is a voting member of STCA. This member applicant demonstrates a significant ongoing interest in the Silky Terrier.
What are the basic STCA Standard Member requirements?
- Applicants must own or co-own an AKC registered Silky Terrier
- Applicants must have two sponsors (not residing in the same household) who have been STCA members for at least two years following the date of their membership approval and are willing to endorse the applicant for membership (see Sponsor requirements)
- Sponsors may not be closely related to the applicant or each other (includes spouse, mother, father, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandparents, or grandchildren)
What does the Membership Committee look for in new Standard Member applicants?
- Demonstrated understanding and commitment to the STCA and its Code of Ethics including proven action to protect and advance the breed.
- Past experience (includes competition, breeding, rescue, club involvement) with Silky Terriers or other breeds)
- Exhibit sportsmanlike conduct when competing in conformation and performance events.
- History of active involvement in local and/or national breed clubs (attendance at National Specialties, volunteering, fund-raising)
- A history of commitment to excellence in breeding in adherence to the Breed Standard.
- A proven ability to work well with others.
How long does the approval of an application take?
- Once the completed application is received, the approval process will take four to six months.
Non-voting Associate Member: Must be eighteen years of age or older and a resident of the United States and interested in the Silky Terrier breed but with limited background and/or ownership of the Silky Terrier. Associate Members may participate in STCA events and receive information provided to all members, may attend membership meetings but may not vote and may not serve on the Board or as an officer. A requirement prior to applying for Associate Membership is that the applicant has worked with an STCA Mentor for 60 days prior to applying. The STCA Mentor must be an STCA Standard (Voting) Member who has been an STCA member for at least two years. The STCA Membership Coordinator, upon request, will provide an approved STCA Mentor for the interested applicant.
Please contact Cheryl Kouski, Membership Coordinator at membership@silkyterrier.net.
Non-voting Junior Member: The applicant must be eighteen years of age or younger. Silky Teens do not have voting privileges but are invited to participate in STCA events and receive information provided to all members. There is a charge of $10.00 annually for membership. The Junior Member application is signed by the parent or guardian. Please contact the STCA Membership Coordinator to request that this fee be paid by STCA if cost is an issue for Junior Membership.
After reaching eighteen years of age, Silky Teens are eligible to apply for Standard (Voting) Membership or Associate (Non-voting) Membership. Interested Silky Teens, who have become of age, must complete a new membership application, and forward the appropriate dues.
Non-voting Foreign Members: Must be eighteen years of age or older and not a permanent resident of the United States. Foreign Members may participate in STCA events and receive information provided to all members, may attend membership meetings but may not vote and may not serve on the Board or as an officer.
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.