Code of Conduct

For Participants, Breeders, Handlers, Owners, and Judges

1. Purpose & Scope

This Code of Conduct exists to protect the integrity of the Dog Registry, promote fair competition, ensure humane treatment of dogs, and uphold ethical breeding and judging standards.

This Code applies to:

• Registered dog owners and co-owners
• Breeders and exhibitors
• Handlers and agents
• Event participants and spectators
• Registry-approved judges and officials

Participation in registry events or use of registry services constitutes agreement to comply with this Code.

2. General Standards of Conduct (All Participants)

All participants shall:

• Act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times
• Treat dogs humanely, ethically, and responsibly
• Conduct themselves in a respectful manner toward judges, officials, competitors, and spectators
• Follow all registry rules, event rules, and published standards
• Comply with local, state, and federal laws regarding animal welfare and ownership

Harassment, intimidation, threats, abusive language, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

3. Animal Welfare & Ethical Treatment

Prohibited Conduct Includes:

• Physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of any dog
• Use of performance-enhancing drugs, sedatives, stimulants, or masking agents
• Cosmetic alterations intended to deceive judging (unless explicitly permitted by registry rules)
• Entering a dog that is injured, ill, or otherwise unfit to compete

Dogs must:

• Be provided adequate water, rest, shade, and care
• Be handled in a calm and humane manner
• Be withdrawn from competition if welfare is compromised

The registry reserves the right to remove any dog from an event for welfare concerns.

4. Breeding Ethics & Registration Integrity

Participants shall:

• Provide truthful, accurate, and complete information in all registration and pedigree submissions
• Not falsify ownership, breeding records, litter information, or genetic documentation
• Not knowingly register dogs with fraudulent lineage or altered records

Any attempt to manipulate pedigree records, DNA data, or ownership history constitutes registry fraud and may result in permanent sanctions.

5. Sportsmanship & Fair Competition

Participants must:

• Accept judges’ decisions with professionalism
• Refrain from arguing, pressuring, bribing, or attempting to influence judges
• Avoid collusion, ring manipulation, or coordinated misconduct

Protests must follow official registry procedures and timelines. Public disparagement of judges or registry officials on-site or online may result in disciplinary action.

JUDGES’ CODE OF CONDUCT

6. Judicial Independence & Impartiality

Judges shall:

• Judge dogs solely on the official breed standard and registry criteria
• Remain impartial, unbiased, and free from favoritism
• Avoid conflicts of interest, including judging dogs they own, bred, co-own, or have financial interest in

Judges must disclose any potential conflicts immediately and recuse themselves when appropriate.

7. Judging Standards & Procedure

Judges must:

• Apply the written breed standard consistently and objectively
• Evaluate structure, movement, temperament, health indicators, and breed type as outlined
• Not judge based on personal preference, reputation, kennel name, or popularity

Judging decisions must be based only on the dog presented in the ring on that day.

8. Professional Conduct for Judges

Judges shall not:

• Accept gifts, money, or favors related to judging outcomes
• Discuss placements prior to official announcements
• Publicly criticize exhibitors, dogs, or fellow judges
• Use social media to undermine registry credibility or judging outcomes

Judges are expected to maintain professionalism both during and outside registry events.

9. Enforcement & Disciplinary Action

Violations of this Code may result in:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Fines or penalties
• Disqualification of dogs or exhibitors
• Suspension or revocation of registry privileges
• Permanent banning (for severe or repeated violations)

The registry reserves the right to investigate any alleged misconduct and impose sanctions at its sole discretion.

10. Reporting Violations

Any participant may submit a written complaint to the registry, supported by:

• Date, time, and location of incident
• Names of involved parties
• Supporting evidence (photos, videos, witness statements, documents)

All reports will be reviewed confidentially and fairly.

11. Acceptance & Amendments

This Code of Conduct may be updated by the registry at any time. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of the most current version.