Code of Ethics

Anyone applying for membership in the Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc. is expected to review and to comply with the following Guidelines for Conduct. A signed application for membership in and of itself will be considered as an agreement to do so.

PURPOSE

Each member of the Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc. has an obligation to protect the interest of the breed and the club by conducting themselves in a manner which will reflect credit upon themselves, their breed, and the Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc.

Anyone applying for membership in the Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc is expected to review and comply with the Code of Ethics. A signed application for membership in and of itself will be considered as an agreement to do so. In addition, only those persons subscribing to the Code of Ethics are eligible to receive BFCA awards, to be listed in the BFCA Breeders Directory, and to be listed for referrals on the BFCA Breeder referral list.

MEMBER OBLIGATIONS

Each member should be familiar with and observe the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club, the Bichon Frise Club of America, and this Code of Ethics.

Members are expected to observe the highest standards of sportsmanship and conduct themselves in a manner which will reflect positively on the sport of showing dogs. They shall exhibit goodwill at all dog-related events including All-Breed shows, Specialties, and Performance Trials.

No member shall knowingly engage in false or misleading advertising or misrepresentation of his/her dogs. No member shall malign the competition by making false or misleading statements about a competitor, a competitor’s dogs, or a competitor’s breeding practices.

Members shall put the welfare of each dog above personal gain, profit, and/or personal convenience ‘ remembering that each dog (purchased, bred, or sold) is a lifetime responsibility.

Members shall be familiar with their breed, the Standard for the breed, and be responsible for breeding only those specimens with merit.

Members shall abide by AKC rules concerning record keeping, registration, sale, and transfer of dogs.

Members, when contemplating breeding a litter, or allowing the use of their stud dog to the same end, shall do so with every effort toward producing dogs of exceptional quality, temperament, and conditions.

Members shall use for breeding only those dogs which are healthy, and free from serious congenital and hereditary defects, and shall cease breeding any animals which have been found to produce such defects in their offspring.

Members shall breed only when they have the time and facilities to provide adequate attention to the physical and emotional development of puppies, and shall provide this attention until such time as the puppies are sold.

Members shall refuse to breed stud dogs to any bitch whose owner is directly involved with any puppy broker, puppy mill, litter lot sales, or any other commercial enterprise whose business is involved in like activities.

Should a Bichon bred by any member of BFCA end up in BFCA Rescue, the member should endeavor to do one of the following: take back the Bichon; assist Rescue in rehoming the Bichon; and/or make a donation to Rescue, to the extent the member can afford to do so, in order to assist in the care and rehoming of the Bichon.

Bichon Frise Club of America Charitable Trust (BFCACT) provides assistance for unwanted or abandoned Bichons and will provide assistance, without prejudice, to any member who is in need of help with his/her Bichons.

Members must be concerned with the proper placement of Bichons, both pet and show potential. It is highly recommended that breeders do a thorough background check (to the best of their ability) of prospective buyers to insure the buyers will provide a good home and proper care.

Contracts must be clear and complete, with all conditions agreed upon between buyer and breeder/seller stated. A member signing any contract must honor all contractual conditions agreed upon at the time of signing.

All Bichons sold should be in good health and at least 10 weeks old before placement.

The Member should supply written instructions on feeding, care, training, and grooming, and should supply medical records which include dates and type of vaccinations given and dates of deworming.

Members will NEVER sell puppies or adults to pet stores, either on consignment or outright, nor supply any Bichon for raffles or other such enterprises, including donations for fund raisers or shelters.’? Likewise, no intact Bichon puppy or adult shall be sold, traded, or bartered to any commercial breeding facility.

Members will never knowingly falsify pedigree or breeding information.

DISCIPLINE

Violations of the Code of Ethics shall be considered prejudicial to the best interest of the BFCA and the breed. The process for filing a charge is addressed in Article VI of the BFCA’s Constitution and By-laws. Any proven violation can result in the suspension of membership or expulsion from the club.

ACCEPTANCE AND AGREEMENT WITH THE CODE OF ETHICS

Membership in the Bichon Frise Club of America in and of itself is an acceptance of the Code of Ethics. New members must sign an acceptance of the Code of Ethics before membership becomes effective. This acceptance will be binding on all members until such time as the Code of Ethics is modified; at which time a new acceptance will be required.

Each member and member applicant will be provided access to the current Code of Ethics.

Version August 2017