I. Purpose

This Code of Ethics shall apply to all members of Shiba Inu Canada, the purpose being to provide a set of standards and requirements relating to the proper maintenance, breeding, selling and overall protection of the Shiba Inu.

II. General Responsibilities

The following set of general responsibilities are to be understood and accepted by all Shiba Inu Canada members:

• Every member shall abide by the by-laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of Shiba Inu Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), as well as the requirements of the Animal Pedigree Act (APA).
• Members should be supportive of the Club and its endeavors, and all members treated with respect.
• Members are representatives of both the Club and of the breed and should conduct themselves accordingly.
• No member shall sell or donate dogs for the purpose of being auctioned or raffled, or to pet stores.
• Members will keep dogs in a clean, healthy environment and provide proper housing, nutrition, health care and necessary exercise.
• Members shall not engage in the breeding or selling of dogs which are not purebred, either as a principal, agent, intermediary or otherwise.
• Members should strive to assist novice dog owners in understanding the breed, encourage involvement in the activities of the sport of purebred dogs, and inform them of the values in becoming a member of Shiba Inu Canada and the CKC.
• Members will provide honest responses to the public, with the disadvantages as well as the advantages of living with a Shiba Inu.

III. Breeding Principles

The breeding of dogs is a serious responsibility and should never be taken lightly. Every breeder, or prospective breeder, must be prepared:

• to make a serious commitment of both time and financial resources to ensure that a proper breeding program can be carried out.
• to provide for the wellbeing of the dogs, including the ultimate placement of the dogs.
• to preserve and maintain the breed for future generations through the judicious selection of breeding stock.
• to share knowledge and experience with fellow breeders, particularly those who are novices.

IV. Breeding Practices

It is the responsibility of every breeder to breed dogs that are healthy and sound in both mind and body; to ensure that the dogs are true to their heritage; and that they meet the requirements of the CKC Breed Standards. A breeder should give priority to the following:

• Increasing knowledge of structure, movement, behaviour, principles of genetics, and of basic animal husbandry.
• Regularly test for health and genetic problems, including but not restricted to hips, patellas, eyes, thyroid, etc. and encouraged to openly share the results of all such testing; and to follow recommended protocols for the control of genetic disease.
• Select breeding stock that conforms to the approved CKC Breed Standard, of sound health and stable temperament.
• Owners of stud dogs should ensure that the owner of the dam has the ability and the necessary facilities to successfully whelp, raise and assure the future wellbeing of any resulting litter.
• Owners of dams should ensure that the owner of the sire has the knowledge and experience to provide a safe and proper mating, including the diligent care of the dam.
• All litters and all dogs in each litter shall be registered with the CKC as soon as is reasonable after the birth. Upon the sale of each dog, breeders shall transfer ownership and register each dog in the name of the purchaser in accordance with CKC stated requirements. Every breeder is responsible to maintain current and accurate records pertaining to their breeding program, the details of all dog registrations and all sales transactions.

V. Selling Practices

It is the responsibility of every breeder to adhere to proper and ethical business practices when buying, breeding, selling, and placing their dogs. To fulfill this responsibility, breeders should be committed to the following general sales practices:

• All dogs must be registered with CKC, not on a "with or without papers" basis.
• The breeder is responsible for the submission and payment for all registration applications.
• All dogs must be uniquely and permanently identified with an approved Canadian Standard microchip transponder or a tattoo, prior to leaving the breeder's premises.
• Potential purchasers of dogs need to be reasonably screened for their suitability and capability to own and meet the needs of the Shiba Inu breed. The concept of a dog being a lifetime commitment should always be reinforced with the purchaser.
• Breeders shall represent their dogs to prospective purchasers with honesty and integrity.
• Breeders are responsible to provide a written sales agreement containing the name of the purchaser, the date of sale, a statement confirming that the dog is purebred, the name of the breed and the dog's unique identification number. In addition, all terms and conditions of the sale, including a first right of refusal to rehome or replacement policy, shall be clearly defined. The agreement shall be properly dated and signed by all parties.
• Breeders shall provide the purchaser with a reasonable written guarantee that protects the dog, the purchaser, and the seller.
• Regardless of age, spaying or neutering of all dogs sold as companions should be actively encouraged.
• Purchasers are to be provided with copies of all relevant documentation, including CKC registration documentation, copies of non-breeding agreements, completed sales agreements, guarantees, health and vaccination records, and instructions on the care, training, and diet for the dog.