Code of Ethics
Revised 2020
Section 1. Conduct
The DCC was formed to unite Dalmatian fanciers in Canada and allow a welcoming environment for members to share their enjoyment of the breed through positive exchange of ideas and factual information about the breed.
Members shall conduct themselves at all times in a respectful manner so as to reflect credit on the sport of purebred dogs and on the Dalmatian breed and DCC in particular. Members must not engage in defamation, intimidation or bullying in any manner, including in person or on any electronic or social media posts.
Section 2. Education
Much can be done to improve the breed by offering helpful information to all Dalmatian fanciers.
(1) Good intentions coupled with a lack of knowledge and misinformation are often responsible for the increase of inferior dogs. DCC members can do a great service by dispersing honest, factual information regarding breeding, care and training.
(2) When one is considering buying a Dalmatian, it should be understood that our dogs fit into many homes, but there are exceptions. Also, there are some people who would do better with one sex than they would with the other.
(3) All Dalmatian enthusiasts should feel welcomed and encouraged by DCC members. They should be offered assistance in every way possible.
Section 3. Exhibiting
Dog shows are meant to be an enjoyable experience. The obedience, conformation and performance rings offer owners and handlers a great opportunity to be ambassadors of the Dalmatian and the DCC.
(1) Courtesy in the ring and around the show site is a must.
(2) Good Sportsmanship at all times is a must.
(3) One should willingly offer helpful assistance to other exhibitors and spectators whenever requested.
Section 4. Breeding
Breeding presents a great responsibility to each individual, as he or she can either upgrade or nullify many years of conscientious effort by previous guardians of the breed. No one can be compelled to follow any ethical code, but the breeder must be aware of the enormous scope of his responsibility to protect and advance the breed.
The problems of our breed can be resolved only by discriminating and intelligent breeding programs. Breeding is to enhance positive qualities and cannot be expected to cover up serious faults. Therefore, breeding partners should be carefully investigated as per background and serious faults before a commitment is made. Breeders not willing to thoroughly evaluate and screen all breeding stock before having a litter should strongly consider not breeding at all.
The conscientious breeder will be guided by the following:
(1) The Health and well being of our dogs are first and foremost.
(a) Kennel conditions must be sanitary and a happy atmosphere provided.
(b) Breeding animals must be kept in top condition. High grade prenatal and postnatal care are essential to the health of the dam and her pups.
(2) Breeding restrictions:
(a) Dogs with disqualifying faults should not be used for breeding.
(b) Dogs with major faults may be bred only with utmost caution.
(c) Age of breeding stock
(i) DCC requires that all breeders comply with the recommendations set by the CKC regarding age of breeding stock
(ii) No female should be bred before her second season or after she has reached 8 years of age.
(iii) No male should be bred before he has reached one year of age.
Reaching the minimum age is not a reason to breed. These ages are a minimum, but no dog should be bred until proper evaluation and health testing have been performed.
(3) DCC strongly encourages the breeding of true-to-Standard Dalmatians of sound health, structure and temperament. The DCC strongly recommends all breeding stock be:
(a) Of sound temperament
(b) Certified BAER Bi-Lateral hearing
(c) Free of Hip Dysplasia
(d) Examined for observable inherited eye disease by a Veterinary ophthalmologist
(e) Screened for other known hereditary health defects as appropriate for the breed, including use of DNA tests when available
The DCC strongly recommends that breeders adhere to OFA- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) Heath Testing Requirements for Dalmatians, and register results with the OFA’s CHIC registry, and CERF or the OFA’s CAER for eyes, or equivalent. For inclusion in the DCC Breeder’s Referral List, breeders must comply with the above recommendations for screening of breeding stock.
(4) DCC strongly recommends all puppies in a litter be BAER hearing tested and results submitted to the OFA Registry.
Bi-Laterally Deaf puppies may be placed at the breeder's discretion, with the understanding that it is the breeder's responsibility to ensure the dog is spayed/neutered and that they will provide lifelong support to the puppy buyer as well as a lifetime return should the need arise. Breeders must be aware that it may be necessary for Bi-Laterally Deaf puppies to be humanely euthanized by a qualified veterinarian if a safe and knowledgeable home is not available.
In such instances where a breeder cannot cope with euthanizing deaf puppies, he or she should strongly consider not breeding at all.
(5) The Dalmatian is an elegant and worthy dog. ‘Bargain’ puppies are not a credit to the dignity of this breed.
(6) Breeding should be done sparingly, as overpopulation is becoming a real problem, even in the pure-bred animal. When considering having a litter, one should be prepared to keep the entire litter or to put it down if necessary.
(7) The prospective buyer should be screened before a sale is made. The breeder should be satisfied that:
(a) A safe and loving home will be provided.
(b) The buyer appears responsible enough later to evaluate the breeding potential to produce quality offspring, if a breeding prospect has been purchased.
(8) Breeders should continue to offer helpful assistance to the puppy buyer, after the sale is made, for as long as aid is required.
(9) Breeders agree to be responsible for any dog bred by them that is later found in a rescue situation. This responsibility may include fostering the dog and placing it in a new home, neutering or spaying, covering of financial costs or even euthanasia if it should be necessary
(10) Pet shops, brokers and other intermediaries are not in the best interest of the dogs, so they should never be used for the sale of puppies or adults.
A CODE OF ETHICS IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE PEOPLE WHO ABIDE BY ITS CONTENTS