Code of Conduct

As a member of CSBC and as a reputable owner, fancier, and/or breeder, I have a personal lifetime concern for each dog I own or breed.  With this ideal in mind, and with full recognition that the best possible motives don’t always produce perfect results, I will do my best:

• To create, foster, protect and promote interest in Basenjis by keeping the good of the breed foremost in my actions to the best of my knowledge and ability, and to educate in order to preserve the Basenji’s unique characteristics.
• I accept the standard of the breed as approved by the AKC as the only standard by which Basenjis shall be judged. To that end I will:
  • educate myself so that my efforts will proceed intelligently.
  • always and only breed with the intention of improving the breed, doing all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
  • work to eliminate genetic defects.
  • when breeding a litter or allowing the use of my stud dog, direct all efforts toward producing Basenjis in accordance with the breed standard.
  • not breed Basenjis without mentoring or guidance from experienced and established breeders until I am in full understanding of the AKC Breed Standard and it affects the breed.
  • maintain the fitness of my basenjis to keep them healthy both mentally and physically whether they are in competition or not.
  • comply with all AKC rules and regulations where they pertain and will not use dogs for breeding that are not registered with the American Kennel Club.
• I will screen all prospective buyers to the best of my abilities. Neither myself nor any member of my household will knowingly:
  • deal with dog retailers, wholesalers, flea markets, unethical dog breeders, or research laboratories.
  • sell to any buyers where there is reason to believe that the puppy or dog will be poorly cared for.
  • supply dogs for raffles, “give-away” prizes or other such projects.
  • place puppies or adults not in clean and healthy condition nor place them before they are old enough to safely make the adjustment to a new home suggested (8 weeks).
  • sell any animal without adequate protection against disease.
• In accordance with AKC rules and regulations [Chapter 3, Section 6]:
  • shall keep breeding and pedigree records accurate and complete
  • shall furnish all documents required by the AKC; to include but not be limited to a signed application of transfer, an accurate three-generation pedigree, a contract of sale specifying full or limited registry.
  • understand that if found by AKC to have falsified registration papers or knowingly misrepresented registration and/or pedigree information I shall be expelled from the AKC.
• To educate potential buyers regarding their future responsibilities as dog owners:
  • to be honest about the faults or potential faults of the breed in general and the bloodline being sold in particular.
  • to remain available to the purchaser for further support as needed, and help the purchaser in every reasonable way for the life of the dog.
  • never intentionally engage in false or misleading advertising or other misrepresentation of Basenjis.
  • to require that all “pet” quality puppies be spayed or neutered as a condition of their placement of sale.
• To conduct myself in a sportsmanlike manner and maintain a high spirit of cooperation at any dog related activity I attend I will:
  • refrain from making derogatory statements regarding my competitors, competitors Basenjis, other breeders, their dogs or breeding practices.
  • refrain from making malicious, false, intentionally misleading and/or exaggerated statements about other breeders, their dogs, or breeding practices.
  • understand that I have an obligation to protect the interest of purebred dogs by conducting myself in a professional manner designed to reflect credit on myself, my breed, the Copper State Basenji Club, the Basenji Club of America and the American Kennel Club.
• To promote the well-being of the CSBC, conducting myself in a professional manner by:
  • putting the club requirements before personal when decisions are required that, affect the CSBC, its continued prosperity or general club member population.
  • participating as much as possible, in whatever way I can, in all its activities to promote the health and growth of the club including attending meetings and events when able.
  • putting personal differences and conflicts aside when attending club functions and dog shows in an effort to maintain the CSBC’s cohesiveness and ability to move forward.
  • understanding that if I choose not to attend (and it is ok not to attend) when decisions are being made that I may be affecting the club’s decisions and acknowledge that those who are having to make the decisions are dedicated to acting in the best interests of the club.