ATCA’s Code of Ethics

The Airedale Terrier Club of America’s Code of Ethics is established to guide and inspire the ATCA membership to protect, preserve and advance the Airedale Terrier and the interests of the Airedale Terrier Club of America. Member adherence to the Code of Ethics signifies a commitment to a high standard of practice in owning, breeding and exhibiting Airedale Terriers. This Code of Ethics suggests certain minimum practices necessary to support and comply with the objectives of the A TCA Constitution and Bylaws. The Code of Ethics seeks to further these objectives by recognizing and drawing upon the expertise, experience, wisdom, and discernment of ATCA members.

Member Responsibilities

As members of the Airedale Terrier Club of America, we endeavor: To uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of the Airedale Terrier Club of America and the regulations of the American Kennel Club.

1. To protect the ATCA Breed Standard as approved by the AKC.
2. To educate ourselves on the structure, action, behavior and purpose of the Airedale Terrier.
3. To educate the public on the nature of the Airedale Terrier, acknowledging that the Airedale is unique and is not a breed for everyone.
4. To advise and assist newcomers to the breed, guiding them in how to live comfortably with the Airedale Terrier and how to preserve the breed.
5. To demonstrate a tolerant regard for others and a willingness to work together for the welfare of the breed.
6. To support rescue efforts and be aware of the facilities and persons involved in the rescue of Airedale Terriers.
7. To provide a clean, healthy and socially/physically stimulating environment for our Airedale Terriers, keeping only the number of dogs that allows for daily individual attention.

Breeder Responsibilities

As breeders, we endeavor:

1. To be familiar with and study the ATCA Breed Standard as approved by the AKC and strive to breed Airedale Terriers of characteristic type and sound structure, health and temperament, directing such efforts to producing Airedale Terriers capable of success in the conformation and/or performance arenas, as well as success in the role of family comparuon.
2. To breed only AKC registered Airedale Terriers (or Airedale Terriers registered by kennel clubs recognized by AKC.)
3. To breed, to the best of our knowledge and judgment, Airedale Terriers that are free of transmittable diseases/harmful organisms, debilitating congenital abnormalities, and unsound behavior (such as unwarranted aggression or shyness.)
4. To keep informed of and screen for genetic problems (those now known and those yet to be discovered.) To obtain health certifications of sire and dam that the breeder deems appropriate, such as OFA/PennHIP or any foreign country’s accepted hip certification, CERF, thyroid testing, elbow certification, and cardiac evaluation (tests recommended by the ATCA Health Committee, 2006.) To consider carefully the potential impact of all findings and conclusions on future breeding decisions.
5. To breed bitches only when appropriate facilities, adequate time and suitable socialization of puppies can be provided and maintained until all puppies are properly placed.
6. To breed stud dogs only to bitches whose owners we expect will abide by the code of ethics.
7. To keep accurate and complete breeding, registration, health and inoculation records.

Sale and Placement Responsibilities

In sale/placement transactions, we endeavor:

1. To screen potential buyers for their suitability as Airedale Terrier puppy/dog owners.
2. To educate buyers on puppy and adult dog health care, grooming, exercise and training.
3. To be a source of ongoing advice and assistance in all areas for the life of the dog.
4. To enter into a written narrative of understanding, a written contract, or an oral agreement with the new owners, outlining what is expected of each party.
5. To provide a new buyer the following information at the time of sale:
   • AKC registration certificate or certificate application form
   • Spay/neuter/breeding/non-breeding expectations (written or oral)
   • An explanation of AKC Limited Registration for puppies/dogs sold as family companions and inform the new owners if such a registration stipulation applies
   • A 3 generation pedigree
   • Feeding instructions and complete medical history including immunization protocol and record
6. To accept lifetime responsibility for the welfare of all puppies bred/dogs sold by taking back or attempting to make suitable rehoming arrangements for Airedales placed by us with individuals who can no longer care for them. If any Airedale is in need of rehoming and the breeder of that dog is known, to notify the breeder so assistance can be provided.
7. To encourage permanent identification, such as tattoo or microchip. In addition, encourage the use of collars and identification tags.
8. To refuse to sell an Airedale Terrier of any age to pet dealers, catalog houses, or any other commercial sources of distribution. To refuse to supply Airedale Terriers for auctions, raffles, lotteries or other such activities.

Exhibitor Responsibilities

As exhibitors and competitors, we endeavor:

1. To remember that the safety and well-being of our Airedale Terrier partner is our first responsibility.
2. To conduct ourselves according to the spirit of good sportsmanship.
3. To abide by all rules and regulations of the AKC, the A TCA and any other sponsoring organizations.
4. To maintain control of our Airedale Terriers at all times so that we do not infiinge on the rights of other animals, humans or property.
5. To share our knowledge and expertise with new exhibitors. They are the future of our sport.

The ATCA membership application represents a basis for evaluating an individual as both fancier and advocate of the Airedale Terrier. Application for membership carries with it an acceptance of responsibility for preserving the breed as described by the ATCA Breed Standard, and embracing all ATCA objectives as described by the Club’s Constitution and Bylaws.