Bergamasco Shepherd Association of Canada

Code of Ethics

Member General Code of Ethics

The Bergamasco Shepherd Association of Canada member agrees to comply with the following guidelines:

1. The welfare of the breed shall be the member’s first priority; therefore members will refrain from any actions contrary to the best interest of the breed or the Association.

2. Members shall conduct themselves as ladies/gentlemen at all Association functions.

3. Members shall demonstrate courtesy, fairness and integrity at all meetings and events.

4. Members shall accept and support the Constitution and Bylaws of the Bergamasco Shepherd Association of Canada

5. Members shall promote responsible dog ownership.

6. Members shall help educate the public on the breed characteristics, grooming, health, training and care of the Bergamasco by providing accurate and current resources and information.

7. Members agree to be open and honest in all matters regarding the health of their Bergamasco and the breed in general. Information regarding genetic disease in any dog will be shared as soon as possible, in an effort to preserve the health of the breed.

8. When advertising, members agree to advertise honestly and factually about the breed in general and their own dogs.

9. Members agree to always face every situation, conversation, or event with our mission in mind, to bring together Bergamasco fans, and not to disparage in any way another dog, owner, handler, breeder, or club.

10. The Bergamasco Owner Member understands that a violation of these guidelines is cause for disciplinary action or suspension from the BSAC.

Owner Member Code of Ethics

The Bergamasco Shepherd Association of Canada member that owns a Bergamasco commits to comply with the following responsible dog ownership guidelines:

1. The Bergamasco Owner Member agrees to maintain the highest possible physical and psychological care of his Bergamasco. This includes but is not limited to:

Proper veterinary care and grooming

Good quality and balanced nutrition

Regular physical exercise and psychological stimulation

Proper training and continuous social contact to maintain socialization.

1. Be an ambassador of the breed by assuring that the behaviour of his Bergamasco reflects the best possible image of the breed.

2. Help educate the public about the breed by providing reliable and accurate information and resources on the breed’s characteristics, needs, qualities and challenges.

3. Promote the breed with honesty and transparency.

4. The Bergamasco Owner Member understands that a violation of these guidelines is cause for disciplinary action or suspension from the BSAC.

Breeder Member Code of Ethics

The Bergamasco Shepherd Association of Canada breeder member commits to comply with the following breeding guidelines:

1. Breed for the betterment of the Bergamasco Shepherd and with the FCI standard as the ultimate goal.

2. Breed only mature dogs and bitches; bitches should be approximately two years old but no younger than 24 months and be at least at their second season; male dogs should be at least 18 months old.

3. Refrain from breeding a bitch two seasons in a row more than twice in her lifetime. If a bitch is accidentally bred two seasons in a row she should be put to rest for the two consecutive seasons or a minimum of one year.

4. Only use breeding stock with sound temperament, in good health, with no known hereditary or congenital diseases, and free of parasites and communicable diseases.

5. Be aware of the genetic diseases affecting the Bergamasco and work to minimize their impact on the Bergamasco population by:

Have your breeding stock certified for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and eyes cleared by OFA at the age of two or by PennHIP prior to the age of two or after. It is recommended that eyes be screened for heritable disease by OFA annually.

Have a complete blood chemistry done, including thyroid, before the first breeding.

Keep accurate health records of all your breeding stock.

In case of disease, work openly and honestly with your breed club.

6. Take responsibility for every dog bred by your Kennel: ie: actively participate in the re-homing process of any dogs produced by your kennel.

7. Participate in as many CKC conformation shows as well as Obedience, Rally-Obedience or Agility events as possible, as a means to evaluate the quality of your breeding stock. This will only apply if and once the Bergamasco becomes a CKC recognized breed.

8. Provide a rich and stimulating rearing environment in order to produce well socialized and stable puppies.

9. Only place Bergamasco puppies which are at least 8 weeks of age, in good health and of sound temperament at the time of delivery to their new owner.

10. Prior to placement, all puppies shall be permanently identified by either tattoo or microchip.

11. All puppies shall be sold with a written contract outlining the obligations and responsibilities of the breeder as well as the new owner; any problems with the puppy should be noted. A written contract shall also be completed for every stud dog service.

12. No puppies shall be placed with or stud dog service provided to pet dealers, wholesalers, brokers, laboratories, individuals conducting raffles, contests, auctions or other types of giveaways, or anyone unethical in their dealings with the public or their dealings with or treatment of animals.

13. Promote the breed with honesty and transparency and support the breed club in all possible means.

14. Mentor new comers to the breed by sharing knowledge for the best interest of the future of the Bergamasco.

15. Notify the club of any breedings and whelpings in the breeder’s kennel.

16. Provide a list of the new owners of the breeder’s puppies to the BSCC.

17. Any Bergamasco breeder who has decided to stop their breeding activities and part with their Bergamascos is asked to notify BSAC before taking any definite action.

18. The Bergamasco breeder member understands that violation of these guidelines is cause for disciplinary action or suspension from the BSAC.