Black Russian Terrier Alliamce of Canada (BRT Alliance) Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is established in accordance with the objectives of the BRTAlliance of Canada as a guideline for the use by the members of the Alliance when buying, selling, breeding, and exhibiting and competing with the Black Russian Terrier. By joining the Black Russian Terrier Owners and Breeders Alliance of Canada, our members agree to abide by the following items

Section 1: Purpose

To study and strive to conserve and improve the breed in structure, temperament and working ability, never sacrificing one for the others.

Section 2: Ownership

Members will follow the Black Russian Terrier Alliance (hereafter referred to as the Alliance) by-laws, and any federal, provincial, or local laws. Members shall provide the highest possible standard of care, focusing on health and husbandry. Black Russian Terriers shall be housed securely at all times, ensuring the safety of the public and the dog. All Black Russian terriers shall be raised with the highest possible level of human interaction and socialization possible in the circumstances to encourage the development of proper temperament.

Section 3: Breeding

- All dogs offered at stud shall not knowingly be bred prior to 18 months of age and shall be in good health, stable temperament and free from communicable diseases and disqualifying faults according to BRT standard. - Any bitch accepted for stud service should be at least 18 months of age, in good health, with stable temperament, free from communicable diseases and disqualifying faults according to BRT standard. All breeding that occur should be done with the intention of the preservation and betterment of the breed, taking into consideration matters of structure, health and temperament, as well as the ability of the breeder to be responsible for the puppies produce. -All BRTs used for breeding should be properly registered (by the CKC, AKC or recognized agencies, ie. FCI countries). - Encourage the x-raying and OFA or PennHip Certification of the Black Russian Terrier for Hip Dysplasia. - Strive to breed only dogs whose hips have been certified clear by the OVC, OFA, PennHip or an FCI-recognized authority. In addition, the Alliance strongly suggests that breeders x-ray elbows and test for genetic ocular (eye) defects, and encourages breeders to support the efforts of the Alliance relative to health issues concerning the breed, and to have their dogs tested for health disorders known to affect the breed. - Further recognize that merely obtaining the necessary certification does not warrant breeding a particular animal. - Offer at stud only dogs that meet these criteria, and refuse stud service to any bitch not meeting the same requirements. Breed only bitches who meet the above noted criteria, and never more than two out of three consecutive seasons with a break for 2 seasons following consecutive season breeding. - Supply the necessary time and resources for the ongoing care of any litter whelped, including, but not limited to, proper shelter/facilities, good health, proper nutrition, fresh water and adequate protection against known diseases. - Breeders should advise puppy purchasers to provide obedience training at the proper age. Breeders should make a sincere effort to see that every dog will have an adequate home and be properly cared for. -No stud dog will knowingly be bred to any bitch whose owner is directly or indirectly involved with any puppy broker, puppy mill, pet shop, litter lot sales, or any other commercial enterprises whose business is involved in like activities. -No bitch will be bred for commercial reasons. All bitches will be bred with intentions of that particular breeding improving the breed. - The owner of a bitch or stud dog shall assist in the recovery and/or relocation of all progeny produced as a result of any mating of that bitch or stud dog which, for any reason cannot remain with the original purchaser. - No puppy or adult dog bred or owned by an Alliance member shall be disposed of in a BRT Rescue, animal shelter or pound unless required to do so by law. - Breeding of BRT's with others breeds of dogs is not allowed.

Section 4:

Evaluate litters honestly according to the BRT Standard, and state clearly to the buyer the quality of any Black Russian Terrier sold. The buyer will be informed in the case that a dog or puppy has a physical condition or serious deviation from the standard. When appropriate, some animals should be sold with a written agreement to have the animal altered and registered as Non-breeding. -All advertising shall be honest and informative and shall in no way misrepresent the stock offered. -No Black Russian Terrier will knowingly be sold to commercial facilities, business, puppy brokers, pet shops, puppy mills, agents, guard dog business, or any entity who engages in any activity which might exploit the breed. - Prices of Black Russian Terriers should be based upon individual quality. Members should maintain prices so as not to be injurious to the breed. -Release puppies to their new homes only after they reach six weeks of age and only after they have been properly identified (by means of aproved tattoo or microchip) and vaccinated.
- Any provisions for refunds or reimbursement of expenses shall be included in the contract between breeder and purchaser.

Section 5: Documentation

-Whether offering a male at stud, breeding a female, arranging a lease, selling or placing a dog, records of all matings & transactions will be maintained. All matings involving dogs owned by different individuals (immediate family members exempt) will include a contract outlining the details of the agreement. Signed copies of all contracts will be maintained by both parties. - Sales contracts will be prepared for all transactions involving the transfer of ownership. All dogs/puppies sold or placed must be guaranteed to be in healthy condition. Keep and pass on to buyers accurate health, breeding and registration records and pedigree records of at least three generations. All puppies will be registered with the CKC, AKC or recognized agencies, ie. FCI countries. Registration papers will be provided to the buyer within 6 months from the date of sale. All puppies NOT purchased as show and breeding stock will be registered with the a NON-BREEDING or similar contract. The sales contract will also outline the expectations of the parties involved and should encourage (as appropriate)
the spaying/neutering of the animal.

Section 6: Communication/Behavior

It is expected that all members will conduct themselves with the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship at any event involving Black Russian Terriers. Assist all newcomers to the breed so that they may be guided in the ways that can best conserve and improve the Black Russian Terrier. In addition, all communication (whether written or oral) are to be factual (to the best of the members knowledge). Special consideration should be given to any advertising to ensure that it is not misleading.