POTOMAC VALLEY STANDARD SCHNAUZER CLUB INC. CODE OF ETHICS
(revised February 23, 2019)

   The goals and objectives of the Potomac Valley Standard Schnauzer Club include the protection and advancement of the breed, the encouragement of sportsmanlike conduct at all dog events, and the breeding of Standard Schnauzers in keeping with the American Kennel Club breed standard. As an AKC-sanctioned club the PVSSC supports the rules and regulations of the AKC for dog shows and performance events, breeding, registration, and conduct. As a member club of the Standard Schnauzer Club of America, Inc. and the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders, the PVSSC supports the codes of ethics of these organizations.

   As a member of the Potomac Valley Standard Schnauzer Club, I recognize these goals and agree to abide by its Code of Ethics as outlined below:

AS A MEMBER:
   I will maintain high standards of health and care for my dogs including providing regular immunizations or titer testing that meet all state and local requirements. In addition, I will provide good nutrition, shelter, and basic training.
   If it becomes necessary to re-home my dog, I will contact my breeder for guidance. I will not give my dog to an animal shelter or rescue organization with the exception of the PVSSC or SSCA rescue committees.
   I will train my dogs so that they are good neighbors and ambassadors for the breed.
AS AN EXHIBITOR:
   At dog events, I will conduct myself in a courteous and sportsmanlike manner towards judges, other exhibitors, and the public.
   I will abide by all AKC rules and regulations, and those of show-giving organizations.
AS A BREEDER:
   I will breed only to improve the breed and will maintain all records in accordance with the policies of the American Kennel Club.
   I will use or give service to only registered stock that is physically and temperamentally sound and in good health. Stock shall be free from any known serious inherited abnormalities that affect health, soundness, and quality of life. In addition to tests to evaluate the general health status of the Dam and Sire, the following tests for potential disease in future generations are required.
   - All dogs used for breeding should first be x-rayed (radiographed) and found free of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Dogs under two years of age should have a preliminary OFA evaluation and dogs over two years of age should have an OFA Number.
   - Evaluation by a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist for potential eye and vision defects. This should begin at age two and continue to age seven. The test will be done every other year and listed on the OFA Website.
   - Molecular/genotype analysis for risk of genetic diseases, including the recently reported genotype analysis for risk of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Standard Schnauzers. In NO case should two Carriers be bred. However, if one parent is a Carrier, then the other parent’s results should be Negative (Normal) to ensure that none of the offspring will be DCM affected. CHIC: In addition, Owners and Breeders are required to ensure that the results from these tests are entered in the OFA database and Canine Health Information Center (CHIC).
   I will provide the AKC registration form, 3-generation pedigree, health records, and care sheet with each animal sold.
   I will encourage spaying and neutering of animals not purchased for breeding.
   I will not sell nor dispose of any dog through a pet shop, wholesaler, animal shelter, commercial dealer, or paid agent; nor donate any animal for purposes of a raffle or similar sale. Nor will I sell to a buyer when there is reason to believe that adequate care will not be provided to the puppy.
   I will make every effort to rescue and place or assist in rescue and placement of any dog that I have bred. I will not place any of my dogs in an animal shelter or rescue organization with the exception of the PVSSC or SSCA rescue committees.
   In advertising or when dealing with the public, I will be truthful and informative.

NOTE: PVSSC membership privileges may be suspended or revoked, as delineated in Article VII (Discipline) of the PVSSC Constitution and By-Laws.

Click here to download a pdf copy of PVSSC's Code of Ethics.

☛ PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

Dear PVSSC Member

We are required to provide our complete membership list each year to the AKC as a condition of holding an AKCspecialty event. This organization never distributes our roster to any other groups. We will continue to providemembership information to AKC in the future.

From time to time we do get requests from other organizations for our membership list, however such requestsmust be approved by the PVSSC Board. If you do not want to have your membership information shared withother outside organizations, please note this on this dues renewal form below, and we will withhold it. Payment ofyour annual dues without notification to the contrary will constitute authority to provide this information to PVSSCboard-approved organizations in 2019 and future years.

Lovey Lyons, PVSSC President

By renewing my membership, I agree to support the Goals and Objectives of theorganization as set forth in its Constitution and By-laws, and have read and agree toabide by the PVSSC Code of Ethics.