Code of Ethics

The Northern Tibetan Spaniel Club is committed to responsible ownership of the Tibetan Spaniel. The Club wishes to ensure that the members are aware of good practice and are prepared to make a commitment towards responsible ownership of the Tibetan Spaniel. 

All members of the Northern Tibetan Spaniel Club undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.

Club members will:
1. Properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention when required. 
2. Agree, without reservation, that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs, which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or carries out a caesarean section on a bitch may report such operations to the Kennel Club. 
3. Agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes. 
4. Abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act. 
5. Not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally. 
6. Agree not to breed from a dog or bitch, which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed. Members should use only pure-bred Tibetan Spaniel stock, believed to be free from genetic disorders. 
7. Not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties. 
8. Ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home. 
9. Clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited. 
10. Only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change. 
11. Supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home. 
12. Ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available. 
13. Not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers, laboratories or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as standalone items (not accompanying a dog). 
14. Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog. 

Breeding a Litter:
Anyone who breeds a litter should accept an on-going commitment for each puppy for life. Breeding a Tibetan Spaniel litter is not an easy option and can be time consuming and not often financially rewarding. If a member wishes to breed a litter, they should be reasonably sure of finding homes for the puppies. Suitable homes can be difficult to find; if you as a breeder are unable to help, then you should get in touch with the breed rescue, Kennel Club or vets. 

Breed Standards: 
All breeding stock should be Kennel Club registered and hold clear KC/BVA Progressive Retinal Atrophy certificates. They should be healthy and follow closely the official Kennel Club standard and should only be bred from with the objective of improving the overall standard of the breed. Thought should be given to temperament, health, type, and soundness. Nervous or aggressive dogs are not satisfactory as pets or breeding stock. 

Welfare of the Bitch: 
Veterinary advice does not suggest that a bitch is any better or healthier if she has a litter. No bitch should have an excessive number of litters. The Kennel Club, as of 1^st January 2012, will not register any further litters from any bitch, which from their records show that she, has already had 4 litters. No bitch should be mated at every season and no bitch should have a litter before they are mature enough i.e., not before their second season or they are at least 18 months old. 

Stud Dogs: 
Only entire dogs should be used at stud. Refusal should be given to people who do not have the time, facilities, or responsible attitudes for caring for the dam and puppies. Only Kennel Club registered bitches with a clear KC/BVA Progressive Retinal Atrophy certificate should be accepted. 

Puppies:
Prospective buyers of puppies should be checked for suitability and ability to provide long term homes with a happy and healthy life. They should be advised of the characteristics of the breed, grooming and exercise requirements and the need for a social environment. No puppy should leave the dam before 9 or 10 weeks of age. It is expected that breeders will ask a purchaser for first refusal should the dog need rehoming at any stage in its life. No Tibetan Spaniel should be sold to any country without legislation for the protection of animals from cruelty similar in intent to such laws in Great Britain and who do not have a reciprocal agreement with the Kennel Club. It should be impressed on buyers that they should contact the breeder in the event of problems with the Tibetan Spaniel throughout their life. Breech of these may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.