Miniature Pinscher Club of Northern California

Code of Ethics

This code is established in accordance with the objectives of the Miniature Pinscher Club of Northern California. (MPCNC). It is presented for the use of MPCNC members when buying, breeding, selling and  exhibiting Miniature Pinschers. Violations of the MPCNC Code of Ethics will be subject to prompt action under MPCNC grievance and charge procedures, and may be grounds for expulsion.

1.   Abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the MPCNC and the rules and decisions of the American Kennel Club (AKC).

2.   Maintain accurate breeding records, registrations and pedigrees, never knowingly falsify such records. At the time of sale, furnish a pedigree and AKC registration or transfer documents to each buyer, unless written agreement is made at the time of sale that the papers are being withheld.

3.   All services and sales arrangements shall be mutually agreed upon and should be stated in writing, signed by all parties involved, including all adjustments, replacement conditions etc.

4.   Maintain the best possible standards of canine health, cleanliness and care, and see that puppies are immunized and checked for parasites. Not place puppies under eight weeks of age in a new home. Furnish a complete written health record and care and feeding instructions with each puppy or adult sold. Prospective buyers will be screened as thoroughly as possible to determine their intent, as well as their ability and interest in providing safe, adequate, loving environment and long-term relationship with a puppy or adult dog.

5.   Be familiar with the Miniature Pinscher Breed Standard and honestly evaluate the structural and mental qualities of each Miniature Pinscher sold. No dog will be sold as a "show dog" or "show prospect" with any known disqualifying faults at the time of sale. Maintain prices as not to be injurious to the breed or other members. It is strongly recommended that all puppies and adults sold as pets be spayed/neutered by the seller and/or purchaser. This should be specified in the written sales contract, and seller will promptly release registration forms upon receipt of a veterinarian's certification of such spaying or neutering.

6.   No Miniature Pinscher shall be sold to commercial facilities; research laboratories; pet shops; brokers who purchase litter lots or individuals for re-sale to pet shops or other commercial facilities, puppy mills or their agents. Miniature Pinschers will not be offered for raffles, auctions or as prizes in any "give away" schemes.

7.   Breed only mature animals in good health, (bitches should be a year of age), free from communicable diseases and major genetic faults. Stud service will not be offered to bitches not meeting these criteria, or to unregistered bitches. No bitch may be bred for commercial reasons, and no stud dog may be bred to a bitch whose owner is directly or indirectly involved with puppy mills; brokers who purchase litter lots or individuals for re-sale to pet shops or other commercial facilities; pet shops; research laboratories; or other commercial enterprises involved in like activities.

8.  Members should not undertake the breeding of a bitch unless they are prepared to keep the resultant puppies until they are suitably placed. Breeders should understand and acknowledge that they may need to take back, or assist in finding a home for a dog they produce at any time in its life should someone become unable or unwilling to keep a dog sold or placed by them originally.

9.   Encourage and support the MPCA Health and Welfare Committee, with specific attention to testing for health disorders directly relating to Miniature Pinschers.

10. All advertising shall be honest and factual as possible, and not be misrepresentative, exaggerated, fraudulent or misleading. Deceptive or untrue statements about the dogs or practices of others will not be made.

11. Conduct all affairs in a fair, honest and ethical manner. Act at all times in a manner which reflects favorably on the Club, its membership, the sport of purebred dog showing and the Miniature Pinscher in particular. This includes respect for show sites, hotels and all other aspects of dog ownership.