Weimaraner Club of America Code of Ethics
Submitted by the WCA Board of Directors to the membership.
This code is established in accordance with the Constitution, By-Laws and objectives of the Weimaraner Club of America and is set forth as a guideline to protect and advance the interests of the Weimaraner by maintaining high breeding standards and sportsmanlike conduct in all activities. The COE is more than a set of guidelines; it is a commitment by each member to an ethical practice in owning, breeding and competing with Weimaraners. Violations of the COE may constitute conduct prejudicial to the breed or club and may result in disciplinary action.
SPORTSMANSHIP
As a Member of the WCA, I:
• Acknowledge that I am a representative of the WCA and my actions are a reflection of the WCA.
• Will demonstrate in my actions concern for the best interests of the breed.
• When possible, will participate in WCA by volunteering to work on committees and activities.
• Will encourage eligible individuals to become a member of the WCA.
• Will maintain the best possible standard of care for my dogs.
• Will always conduct myself in a manner which will reflect favorably upon me, my Weimaraner(s) and the Sport of purebred dogs, regardless of the location or circumstance.
As an Exhibitor, I:
• Am committed to being a positive influence to inexperienced individuals interested in the breed.
• Will display good sportsmanship, win or lose graciously.
• Will demonstrate respect for judges, show, trial and test officials and other competitors.
HEALTH & CARE
WCA members will:
• Maintain the best possible standards of physical, mental and emotional health of the dogs in their care. Ensure a safe, appropriate and clean environment.
• Provide safe, appropriate and adequate physical exercise.
• Provide the best possible standards of veterinary care and nutrition.
• Ensure safe, appropriate and adequate exposure and socialization to people, animals and various environments and situations.
• Special attention should be given for the mental, emotional and intellectual needs of the Weimaraner, so as to aid in the soundness of temperament.
SALES
WCA members will:
• 1. Not breed, sell or consign puppies or adults to pet shops or other commercial dealers.
• 2. Thoroughly screen all prospective new owners to assure that puppies will have an appropriate, safe and loving home.
• 3. Encourage the new puppy owners to spay or neuter pets which for any reason will not be used for breeding. However, breeders should also provide information on the potential negative impacts of premature sterilization on the late maturing Weimaraner, especially those destined for competitive careers.
• 4. Use a written contract to clearly explain all expectations for both the breeder and the new owner.
• 5. Honestly evaluate the quality of the Weimaraner sold/placed and fairly represent that evaluation. Do not release puppies before they are 8 weeks of age. Provide details on feeding, general care, exercise and mental stimulation needs. Provide a copy of Pedigrees and the WCA Vaccination Protocol/Recommendations.
• 6. Readily take back or re-home puppies that do not work out for any reason at any age. Make every effort in finding a new forever home, even with dogs placed in Rescue programs.
• 7. Follow up on puppies after placement to ensure their continuing care and to encourage the owners to become involved in Weimaraner activities in show, obedience, agility, field, tracking and other events.
BREEDING
The WCA member will:
1. Breed only AKC registered or AKC recognized foreign registered Weimaraners with other AKC or AKC recognized foreign registered Weimaraners, and keep accurate records of matings and pedigrees. Use an AKC Limited Registration on all puppies of questionable quality of structure or health, or which should not otherwise be used for breeding.
2. Breed only with the intention of improving the breed in structure, health, temperament and working ability. Breed only with the intention of preserving this as a versatile breed for the future generations.
3. Choose only healthy parents of good temperament and qualities in relation to the Weimaraner’s AKC approved standard. Breed only dogs that have undergone all appropriate health testing, are of the minimum age of 2 years and will contribute in a positive manner to the preservation of our breed.
4. Avoid repeatedly using dogs which on multiple occasions and with different mates have produced progeny with life impacting defects or extreme disqualifying faults.
5. Breed only mature bitches with excellent pre-natal and post-natal care for the dam and puppies.
6. Refuse to breed a stud to any female which is markedly inferior physically, mentally or temperamentally. The stud dog owner should be prepared to share the responsibility for placement of the puppies by referring purchasers to the bitch owner and helping with screening homes if necessary.
7. Accept responsibility to take back or handle the proper placement of any dog they have produced.
8. Not deliberately breed with the intention of producing dogs with disqualifying faults as defined in the WCA breed standard as approved by the AKC as the only standard by which the Weimaraner shall be judged.
I acknowledge the responsibilities inherent in my WCA membership and its Code of Ethics.
Approved October, 2020
Revised March, 2021