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Purpose: An ACC COE Breeder will
promote and protect the Coton de Tulear in all possible ways, and will study and
cooperate with other Coton breeders and canine health related organizations in
any way that is beneficial to Coton Dogs. This statement of Ethics is not a
contract between the breeder and ACC but rather a pledge to the puppy buyer and
to future generations of Coton Dogs.
Breeding: Each Code of Ethics Breeder will breed each litter with the
intention of improving Coton Dogs, selecting their stud dogs and brood bitches
with an eye to conformation, temperament, and health. The FCI Coton de Tulear
Standard will be taken into careful consideration with each breeding.
All Cotons that are bred should be physically and mentally mature at the time of
breeding. Preferably, males should be 1 year of age and females should be at
least 18 months of age. Only dogs free of genetic disease shall be bred. Dogs
with serious defects or disqualifying factors shall not be bred. All Coton Dogs
bred and sold by each ACC breeder will go forth with a health guarantee. Each
ACC breeder shall confer and consult with their chosen veterinarian upon the
subjects of health, breeding and testing. Breeding outside one’s own kennel
shall be carefully screened, only to Coton Dogs that are a good representative
of the breed and in good health.
Registration: ACC COE breeders are expected to register their Cotons with
ACC, and to register their breedable dogs as breedable after submission of
health test results at one year of age. All offspring produced shall
be registered with the American Coton Club. All registrations shall be accompanied
by a three generation pedigree to new buyer. Registration papers will be
withheld for "pet" dogs until proof of compliance to a spay/neuter sales
contract is given to the breeder.
Care of Coton Dogs: All Coton Dogs in each breeder’s care shall be housed
and cared for in a sanitary manner that will maintain the dog’s optimum health.
Fresh water and food will be provided and all Coton Dogs will be furnished an
exercise area.
Sale and/or Placement of Coton Dogs: All Coton puppies sold or placed by
breeders will be done with a contract. Any "pet" quality animal shall be
sold/placed with a spay/neuter contract which will be enforced. Puppies shall be
openly and honestly evaluated. Puppies should be at least 8 weeks of age before
placement in new homes. Homes will be chosen with discrimination. Placing
puppies in appropriate homes will be foremost on the ACC breeder’s agenda. Coton
Dogs will not knowingly be sold to pet shops or puppy mills nor will they be
supplied for raffles, auctions or any other such project. ACC Breeders will not
put animals into experimental programs unless said individual Coton Dog has a
defect or disease and is placed with a health facility for purposes of
evaluation and education within the breed. If it ever becomes necessary to
re-home a dog at any time in that dog's life, the breeder of that dog will
actively help to do so.
Advertising: All advertising placed by each ACC breeder must be factual
and honest. Ethics and integrity will be promoted in all dealings with puppy
buyers, other breeders and the public in general.
Exhibiting Cotons: The exhibition of breeding Coton Dogs is encouraged.
The exhibition is a sport and should be used to evaluate stock and breeding
programs. All exhibitors shall treat each other with consideration and
sportsmanlike conduct.
The Code of Ethics of the American Coton Club is intended as a goal for all
present and future breeders. It is not to be confused with a regulation or law.
All breeders are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical manner at all
times.
To Breeders: Placing your name on the ACC Breeders’ List is done at no charge to you. It
means that you do not object to other ACC representatives visiting you and
observing your dogs and breeding practice. We will help you any way we can and
will support you in many ways, including the ACC sponsored on-line Coton
Breeders Forum. We believe that to be meaningful, a shared Code of Ethics must
be accompanied by continued education, observation and support.
To Buyers: Although many breeders have a strong internal code of
ethics, the only way for you, the puppy buyer, to know for sure is to ask
questions of the breeders. We have developed a list of questions designed
to elicit useful information. Reputable and ethical breeders should be
glad to answer all your questions and should have good answers to them.
Ultimately, the task of keeping high standards among Coton breeders as a whole
rests with you, the buyer. Don't purchase a Coton from a breeder with whom
you feel uncomfortable. The ACC does not certify breeders. The ACC
breeders' list is not a paid advertisement for breeders, nor is it an
endorsement. You are looking for a family member for the next 15 or more
years. Take your time and choose wisely. Good puppies are worth
waiting for.
  
Copyright 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005 by American Coton Club (ACC), The Coton de Tulear Club of the
Americas.
ACC is devoted to "All Cotons All the Time".
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