I am a proud member of and  comply with the Boykin Spaniel Club Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

The Boykin Spaniel Club (BSCBAA) is a non-profit organization focused on improving the health of the breed and furthering its upland hunting instincts. Any and all actions of the BSCBAA are based upon one simple, profound criteria: Will the action be in the best interest of the breed? The founding members of BSCBAA are all owners, trainers and breeders of Boykins who want to promote improvement in breeding practices to develop healthier, better hunting Boykin Spaniels. The BSCBAA incorporated on January 1, 2001 as a non-profit organization.

Each member of the BSCBAA attests to the following CODE OF ETHICS:

Records

I am familiar with, and follow, American Kennel Club requirements. I will keep accurate records, and retain those records for the minimum required time period. These records will include: stud service contracts, pedigrees, all litters produced and all dogs/puppies sold. I will use the Breeders Record that the American Kennel Club provides me or other written documentation to maintain these records. I will report to the Registration Offices of the American Kennel Club any person who falsifies a registration or knowingly misrepresents a pedigree.

Breeding
I shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of improving the breed. Both sire and dam shall be Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) tested for hip dysplasia, Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist with results registered with OFA or CERF, Patellar Luxation OFA Evaluation, EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse), CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly) and Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) status of both dam and sire will be tested and disclosed before breeding.
 
I will only breed dogs and bitches with an OFA/PennHIP rating of MILD or better or the PennHIP equivalent and I will inform the prospective puppy buyer of those ratings.
 
I will only breed dogs and bitches with CERF/OFA eye certification of NORMAL and I will inform the prospective puppy buyer of those certifications.
 
I will select the stud dog and brood bitch with an eye to conformation, temperament and working instinct and ability, with a careful study of the breed standard and the principles of genetics.
 
I will not breed any male or female until they are both physically and mentally mature.
Before entering into any breeding arrangement, I will scrutinize the pedigree, conformation, and working potential of both the sire and the 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.
 
As a responsible stud dog owner, I understand that should I refuse a breeding, I will fully explain my reasons to the owner of the bitch.
 
I believe that only those dogs known to be free of serious or disqualifying defects should be used for breeding. I will not breed monorchids, cryptorchids, dogs with vicious or shy temperaments, or dogs with serious defects or disqualifications addressed in their breed standards.
 
As a responsible breeder, I will refrain from using a dog that, although free from serious or disqualifying defects, consistently produces afflicted puppies.
 
I will encourage/require the buyers of pet quality puppies to spay or neuter them.
In the event of an accidental breeding where one or both parents are not OFA/PennHIP rated, or have CERF/OFA eye certifications, or Patellar Luxation OFA evaluated, or EIC evaluated and/or Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) evaluated, I shall inform prospective puppy buyer and I shall place the puppy under limited registration and co-ownership. I shall not release the puppy from limited registration or co-ownership until such time that both sire and dam are OFA/PennHIP rated, CERF/OFA eye certification, Patellar Luxation OFA evaluated, EIC evaluated and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) evaluated,  or the puppies are OFA/PennHIP rated, CERF/OFA eye certification, Patellar Luxation OFA evaluated, EIC evaluated and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) evaluated or the puppy buyer provides proof of spay/neuter from their veterinarian."

Health

I will maintain high standards of health and care for my dogs and guarantee the health of my puppies at the time of sale.

Sales

I will be discriminating in the sales of my puppies and concerned with the type of homes in which they are placed. My dogs/puppies will not be sold to dog wholesalers or retailers. I will transfer all applicable registration papers at the time the purchase agreement is completed and is agreeable to both parties.
Upon the sale of a dog/puppy, I will provide the buyer with a properly executed American Kennel Club Registration Certificate or photocopy if co-owned, a diet record, an inoculation and parasite control record and health guarantee. I will refrain from releasing any puppy until it is at least seven (7) weeks old, or eight (8)weeks old if the puppy is to be shipped.

Advertising

My advertising of dogs/puppies will be factual and honest, both in substance and implication. I will avoid encouraging buyers regarding the breeding potential of a dog/puppy. I believe breeding purebred dogs involves certain responsibilities and I will not take it lightly.

Exhibitor/ Breeder Relations

I understand that exhibiting dogs is a sport, and that I am expected to express good sportsmanship in all activities. As an exhibitor, I will refrain from unnecessary criticism of other people‘s dogs. As a matter of ethics, I pledge to help educate the general public as well as to assist the novice breeder.

Implementation

The Code of Ethics and the following Breeder Guidelines are intended as suggestions and goals for responsible breeders, exhibitors, and fanciers. Irresponsible breeding practices and disregard for the Code of Ethics and Breeder Guidelines may bar members from advertising in club newsletters, receiving club approved litter designation and participating in club tests, field trials, conformation, and agility events.
Breeders are expected to police themselves in a civil and responsible manner.