Code of Ethics



This Code of Ethics establishes a standard of conduct to be recommended to all members of the Cocker Spaniel Club in the normal course of Owning, Breeding, Exhibiting, Selling and Judging Cocker Spaniels.

Breeding represents a great responsibility to each individual, as he or she can either upgrade or nullify many years of conscientious effort. The breeder must be aware of this responsibility.  Owning a dog is a honour and owners have a duty of care to ensure the welfare of their dog, and breeders have a duty of care to ensure that all tools that are available to identify health issues are utilised in breeding programs.  

Discrimination and intelligent breeding programs can only improve the problems of the breed. Breeding is to enhance the positive qualities and cannot be expected to cover up serious faults before a commitment is made.

Advances in health testing now support our breeders endeavours and we encourage all Members to not only undertake the health tests listed below but to be transparent in the outcome and share the results on the databases. 

Updated January 2020


This Code of Ethics establishes a standard of conduct to be followed by all members of Cocker Spaniel Clubs throughout Australia in the normal course of owning, exhibiting, selling and judging Cocker Spaniels. The Cocker Spaniel Clubs in Australia support Health Testing for our Breed. Members undertake and record health testing for identified breed specific health and welfare concerns. 

Club websites reflect current health testing regimes that are recommended for the Breed and regularly updated, following the lead from the Kennel Club UK for Kennel Club Assured Breeders. 
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/health.aspx?id=2052

Members are encouraged to support the worldwide Cocker Spaniel database supplying pedigrees and all health testing results to benefit the Breed: 
https://cockerspanieldatabase.info/en/

Members are encouraged to commit to improving the health of all pedigreed Cocker Spaniels and share and record health testing results with the ORCHID (Officially Registered Canine Health Information Database) for the ANKC: 
orchid.ankc.org.au

Breeding represents a great responsibility to each individual, as he or she can upgrade or nullify many years of conscientious effort. The Breeder must be aware of this responsibility. The problems of the Breed can only be improved by discriminating and intelligent breeding program. Breeding is to enhance positive qualities and cannot be expected to cover up serious faults. Therefore, breeding partners should be investigated for background and serious faults, before a commitment is made.

As a Member of the Cocker Spaniel Club of Queensland Inc, I herby agree that:

  • I will abide by the Club's Constitution and By-Laws and support the ANKC Standard of the breed.
  • I will comply with all Canine Council Rules and Regulations where they pertain.
  • I will, at all times, whether at home, travelling at shows, or in public places, display good sportsmanship and conduct myself in such a manner as will reflect credit upon the Club and the Cocker Spaniel.
  • I will only breed Cocker Spaniels that are registered with the ANKC and no other canine registries and register all living progeny.
  • I will help to educate the public in the standard of the breed and in all other areas where I am qualified.
  • I will only breed a litter with the view to improve the quality of the breed
  • I will not use for breeding any dog or bitch without undertaking health testing regimes as recommended for the breed.
  • I will not mate my Cocker Spaniel to any unregistered dog or bitch, or any Cocker Spaniel not on the ANKC Full register.
  • I will not use for breeding any dogs and/or bitch with major defects or undertake a mating that will knowingly produce afflicted progeny.
  • I will sell only Cocker Spaniels in good healthy condition, free to the best of my knowledge of any communicable disease.
  • I will not sell as registered (on the full register) any dog or bitch which has defects of a nature that is detrimental to the breed.
  • I will supply each purchaser with the following where applicable, at the time of sale.
             (a)   ANKC Certificate of Registration and Pedigree
             (b)   Immunisation & Microchip Certificates
             (c)   Diet and Care Information Sheet 
             (d)   Copies of all health testing results for both Sire and Dam
  • I will not sell stock without true representation to the purchaser.
    All advertising will be honest and not in any way misrepresentative, misleading or fraudulent and will display ANKC Membership details as required.
  • I will continue to offer helpful assistance to the buyer as long as such aid is required.
  • I will not sell or donate any Cocker Spaniel to Commercial Dog Wholesalers, retail pet dealer, or directly or indirectly allow them to be given as prizes in contests of any kind, or for any purpose that may lead to their exploitation.

 


Contact Details

The Secretary, Cocker Spaniel Club of Qld Inc
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Email : [email protected]