LONE
STAR MASTIFF FANCIERS
Lone
Star Mastiff Fanciers requires its members to adhere to the following
guidelines which constitute its Code of Ethics. The Club also requires that
members, breeders and stud dog owners not aid or abet the violation of these
guidelines by anyone else. This Code details certain practices necessary to
implement the objectives of the Club as outlined in its Constitution.
1.
I
will consider only the betterment of the breed when breeding a bitch or
allowing a breeding with my stud dog, being conscientious of controlling and
eliminating inherited problems. A breeder and stud dog owner shall plan each
breeding with the paramount intention of protecting the breed, and only when
the parties involved agree the breeder is in a position and has the knowledge
to give proper care to both the bitch and offspring.
2.
I
will not allow a bitch to be bred prior to her reaching twenty-two (22) months
of age, nor shall any bitch be bred after her seventh (7) birthday. A bitch
will not be bred more than once in any (12) month period unless she does not
whelp a litter, the litter is stillborn, consists of a single (1) pup, or as
part of a veterinarian's recommendation for treatment of pyometra. Any other
reason would need to be stated in writing, along with a licensed veterinarian's
certification of good health, to be received by the Secretary at least fourteen
(14) days prior to the breeding for the Board's approval.
3.
I
will sell a Mastiff only to a buyer whom I believe to be interested in the
protection of the breed and who would agree in writing to provide the highest
quality of care for said Mastiff, including quality food, water, proper shelter
from heat or cold; active companionship, appropriate exercise, socialization
and professional veterinary care whenever necessary.
4.
A
Lone Star Mastiff Fanciers member will sell each Mastiff puppy/adult on a
written contract signed by all parties. Said contract shall contain, but is not
limited to the following provisions:
a.
Complete
care/feeding instructions.
b.
A
record of inoculations and worming with a recommended continuation schedule.
c.
Provide
the buyer with a five (5) generation pedigree on the litter.
d.
Furnish
a signed AKC registration or transfer form, unless written agreement is made
with the buyer that such papers are withheld or are to follow.
e.
A
provision that ensures that the breeder is contacted whenever an owner can no
longer keep a dog at anytime in the dog's life and that the breeder will take
back that dog if asked to do so.
f.
Stipulate
that the buyer have a veterinary check-up within five (5) working days of the
sale, (or whatever is applicable in your state of residence), to determine that
the Mastiff is healthy. If the veterinarian determines that the Mastiff is not
in good health, the breeder will, upon the Mastiffs return, refund the purchase
price or replace the Mastiff. It shall
be the buyer’s prerogative to choose whether they will receive a refund of the
purchase price or accept a replacement Mastiff.
5.
I
will not knowingly sell or provide a Mastiff for resale, gift or prize or to a
broker/agent for resale. I will not engage in the brokering of puppies,
(selling or buying), EXCEPT in a case that would prevent a potential rescue
situation. ALL SUCH CASES MUST be documented by letter to the Secretary.
6.
I
will not sell a puppy/adult who is sick, nor will I ship or deliver to the
buyer a puppy less than eight (8) weeks of age.
7.
I
will show good sportsmanship at all times and in all matters relating to
Mastiffs. I will maintain the highest degree of honesty and integrity. I will
not knowingly make a misstatement of fact in any serious discussion of my
Mastiffs or the Mastiffs of any other Mastiff owner that I might have with
persons not qualified to judge the facts for themselves. When advertising my
Mastiffs in any media (magazines, internet websites, mail, email, etc.) I will
not make false or misleading statements. I will only use a picture of another
owner's Mastiff with the owner's express permission and I will clearly identify
that Mastiff and the Mastiff's owner in the ad.
8.
I
will take back any Mastiff bred/sold by me who has been displaced. If I am
unable to do so, I will assist MCOA Rescue or a regional Mastiff club rescue in
the placement of said Mastiff. I will reimburse MCOA Rescue or regional club for
all costs incurred not to exceed $300.00.
9.
I
will require the neutering/spaying of any puppy/adult I place or sell as pet
quality as soon as the dog reaches the appropriate age. Lone Star Mastiff
Fanciers recommends puppies deemed pet quality be placed with
"Limited" Registration; puppies whose quality is questionable should
be placed with "Limited" Registration which is reversible, if
appropriate, when said puppy becomes more mature and a better determination of
quality can be rendered; show/breeding quality puppies should be placed with
either "Full" or "Limited" Registration.
10.
I
will not sell, nor use, a Mastiff for the purpose of attack training, fighting,
or any other sport detrimental to the breed and its reputation.
11.
I
will not produce more than eight (8) litters in any twenty-four (24) month
period per household nor will I permit my stud dog to be used in a program
which would exceed eight (8) litters per twenty-four (24) month period per
household. I will not purposely evade these guidelines by putting my dogs in
the name of friends or other family members.
12.
I
will provide the highest quality care to all Mastiffs that I own, or that are
in my possession, for as long as they are in my care including quality food,
water, proper shelter from heat or cold; active companionship, appropriate
exercise, socialization, and professional veterinary care whenever necessary. I
will never abuse, nor knowingly allow abuse of these same Mastiffs.