Information and Application Process for Becoming an ACC Code of Ethics Breeder

The American Coton Club (ACC), The Coton de Tulear Club of the Americas, is an independent advocate for Cotons.   It was established in the year 2000 as an educational and informative service organization. It offers Coton owners and breeders a voice and a choice. The ACC stands behind its breeders and mediates the best resolution of issues between breeder and puppy buyer if conflicts arise and when called upon.  In return ACC COE breeders support the goals of the ACC to get its message out to puppy buyers and the general public.  For example, ACC COE breeders distribute ACC brochures to their puppy buyers and encourage them to participate in club activities. 

ACC COE breeders recognize and agree that it is not important (a) to sell as many puppies as possible as breedable Cotons, (b) or to sell breedable puppies to novice owners who want to “try breeding” or to have a litter of puppies in order to recoup their investment. ACC COE breeders continually work to enhance their ability to judge breed standard qualities through a variety of activities including (a) attending conformation shows, (b) participating in discussion groups, (c) asking other breeders for advice and to examine/evaluate their dogs.  Additionally, ACC COE novice breeders develop and maintain a mentor relationship with another more experienced ACC COE breeder.  More experienced ACC COE breeders actively participate as a mentor to novice ACC COE breeders in order to develop highly qualified, knowledgeable ACC COE breeders.  ACC COE breeders are open and honest about genetic problems in their breeding lines for the sake of preserving the Coton breed. They are willing to share their problems as well as their successes.  ACC is working toward an open health registry for Cotons and expects COE breeders to contribute to the open health registry. 

AMERICAN COTON CLUB CODE OF ETHICS BREEDER COMMITMENTS:

·    ACC COE breeders  ensure that all the dogs under their care are treated first of all as well loved pets with the same freedom  and opportunity to be companion dogs as Cotons placed in pet homes.

·   ACC COE breeders have high integrity.  They say what they mean and do what they say.  They stand behind their contracts and do whatever is necessary beyond the puppy contract for the well being of their dogs. 

·   Each ACC COE breeder has a personal code of ethics that may extend beyond the code of ethics set forth by ACC. 

·   ACC COE breeders work together for the genetic health of the Coton de Tulear, as well as maintain the overall health of all dogs within the breeding program.

·    An  ACC COE breeder 's  primary focus is producing beautiful and well-tempered puppies while maintaining a viable and vibrant gene pool.

·    ACC COE breeders ensure regular health testing of all their Cotons.  As a minimum they are up to date on the ACC mandated health tests, including a regular CERF examination, comprehensive blood tests, and a through examination by a qualified veterinarian which includes examination for patella soundness.

·    ACC COE breeders are committed to lifelong education as a necessity to being responsible, ethical breeders.

·    ACC COE breeders are available to provide support for their puppies and puppy buyers throughout the lifetime of the puppy.

·    ACC COE breeders find the best possible “forever” homes for their puppies.

·    ACC COE breeders take primary responsibility for rehoming any dogs they place if the need arises.

·    ACC COE breeders provide the best possible care to new litters which includes socialization to ensure a wonderful start in life.

·    ACC COE breeders actively support Coton rescue in whatever ways they can.

The optimum number of Cotons an ACC COE breeder owns is not set by ACC; however, before acquiring additional Cotons, each COE breeder must be able to successfully determine if: 

·         He or she personally has sufficient time and commitment to the breeding program;

·         He or she has enough help to ensure that all the above guidelines are followed;

·         Each Coton has a personal relationship with the breeder as a companion; and

·         The health and well being of each Coton owned by the COE breeder is a priority and is maintained at all times.

THE ACC COE BREEDERS LIST

One purpose of the  ACC COE Breeders List is to bring puppy buyers in contact with ACC-approved COE breeders  who may live nearby.  The benefits to the puppy buyer include: (a) buyers may visit the breeder's kennel and get to know the adults and the puppies, (b) see how the dogs are cared for, and (c) get to know the breeder and their breeding program.  The benefits to the breeder include:  (a) getting to know the buyer, (b) answering the buyer's questions, and (c) providing vital information so that the buyer is fully prepared to make a lifetime commitment to the puppy.

QUESTIONS TO HELP PROSPECTIVE BREEDERS DETERMINE IF THEY WANT TO APPLY

Review the list below to determine how well you want to fit the ideal ACC COE breeder’s profile.

1.       Why do you want to be an ACC breeder?

2.       How do you participate in Coton Rescue?

3.       What are your sources of information to help you make wise breeding decisions?

4.       Are you willing to share genetic health information about your dogs and your lines, both good and bad?

5.       Are you amenable to a home visit and kennel inspection by a qualified inspector specified by ACC?

6.       If asked, are you amenable to submitting a form stating what constitutes your breeding program; for example, number of dogs owned, certification of the required health tests of all dogs, approximate numbers of litters a year, where dogs are kept during the day/night, how socialized, do they have daily exercise -how, how dogs are cared for when owners are away, how long are dogs left 'alone' each day, etc.  Will you submit pictures if asked of where dogs are kept during day/night - and their environment?

7.       Are you amenable to solicitation of feedback from your puppy buyers by ACC?  

8.       If you are a novice breeder, are you working with an ACC mentor or are you amenable to accepting a mutually agreeable mentor to help initially with your breeding program?

9.       Are you amenable to answering questions that may arise in the future about your particular breeding situation and responding to constructive criticism without rancor?

10.   If circumstances change in the future and it appears that ACC is not the best fit for you as a breeder, are you amenable to leaving the ACC breeders list upon the recommendation of ACC?

ACC COE BREEDER REQUIREMENTS

1.   Register adult dogs with ACC.

2.   Register all litters with ACC.

3.   Identify and register puppies that are sold as potentially breedable.

4.  Assume responsibility for ensuring those potentially breedable puppies are health tested and have health tests on file with  ACC at or after one year of age.

5.  Either register all puppies in a litter or work with the owners to ensure the companion puppies are registered with ACC.

6.  Share in the cost of advertising for ACC and ACC breeders.

7.  Display prominently an active link to the ACC web site on your own web site.

8.  Participate in relevant discussions that may arise on the ACC Breeders Forum.

9.  Participate in developing a standard of excellence for sales contracts which have  provisions for mandatory health testing by the owner for all potentially breedable puppies, provisions for taking the dog back at any time in its life if the owner is not longer able to care for him/her, and goes beyond a health guarantee offering to replace the puppy or the purchase price only if the puppy is returned . 

10. Honor all contracts whether as a buyer or seller - treat other breeders and puppy buyers with respect.

11. Place an ACC brochure with every puppy buyer and advise them to join ACC to remain abreast of the latest news and            information regarding the dogs.

12. Promote ACC as the Coton club of choice at every opportunity.

The Application Process

If you are thinking of becoming an ACC COE breeder,

1.  Familiarize yourself with ACC by critically reading the web site to determine if your goals are aligned with those of ACC.  If you have any questions or comments, please ask.  The club is here to help.

2.  Please read all of the information in this document, especially the commitments/requirements sections, to determine if there is a good fit with your breeding program and the ACC COE breeder expectations. 

3.  If you feel you can maintain the proud ACC philosophy of its founding membership, please submit a statement attesting to your agreement to the items listed above. 

Send this information to:

ACC

3484 Waverley Street

Palo Alto, CA 94306

or email to acc@cotondogs.com. 

4.  Your statement will be considered an application to be reviewed by a selection committee.  All applications will be kept in confidence by the selection committee.  Please be advised that as part of the application process, (a) the selection committee may ask to speak to you in depth and/or ask for more information, and (b) a poll of current ACC breeders may be conducted for any knowledge or information about you/your breeding program. 

5.  You will be notified by the ACC Board in a timely manner once your application has been received and reviewed.