ABMC Breeder Code of Ethics

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ABMC Breeder Referral List

AMERICAN BELGIAN MALINOIS CLUB’s BREEDER CODE OF ETHICS
June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025

ABMC Breeder Referral List members will fully comply with the following guidelines.

  1. I will maintain high standards in the care of my dogs. I will provide each dog in my care with individual attention and will strive to bring each dog to its full potential.
  2. I will maintain accurate records in accordance with AKC regulations.
  3. I will only breed dogs and bitches possessing sound temperament, structure, good health and who exemplify the AKC Belgian Malinois breed standard. I will not breed nor allow to be bred any dog or bitch under two years of age.
  4. I will follow veterinary recommendations when breeding a dog/bitch over the age of 7 years.
  5. I will only breed dogs which have a minimum of “passing” Hips, “normal” Elbows, and “normal” Eyes (eyes current within the year of being bred or collected) as certified by OFA and/or recognized foreign registry.
  6. I will require and provide a DNA profile in accordance with AKC regulations.
  7. When breeding to a foreign stud dog, using imported frozen semen, importing a stud dog or importing a bitch in whelp:
    a.  Foreign stud dogs used for breeding will have passing health certifications customary for his homeland.
    b. Imported frozen semen will come from a male who has passing health certifications customary for his homeland. Passing health certificate will be maintained by the importer.
    c. An imported stud dog will have passing health certifications customary for his homeland. In the event his country of origin certifies hips only, he will not be used for breeding until his health checks are completed as listed under paragraph #5.
    d. A foreign bitch imported into the United States in whelp will arrive with passing health certifications customary for her homeland. If bred again domestically, her health checks should be completed as listed under paragraph #5.
    e. Proof of documentation will be available.
  8. When using domestic frozen semen: I will only use frozen semen from dogs who have had their health checks completed at the time of collection as listed under paragraphs #5 and #6.
  9. I will raise my puppies in a mentally and physically healthy environment. All puppies will be inoculated and dewormed in accordance with veterinary recommendations. Prior to placement, I will permanently identify each with a microchip. I will ensure that each puppy’s microchip number is registered and traceable back to me. No puppy will be placed in a new home before the age of eight weeks.
  10. I will screen each puppy buyer and strive to place each dog in a permanent home. Under no circumstances will I engage in wholesaling litters nor will I knowingly sell to puppy mills, pet dealers, retailers, catalog houses, commercial breeding operations, buyers/brokers or supply puppies or dogs for raffles, lotteries, auctions or laboratories.
  11. I will be honest and forthcoming with puppy buyers and fellow breeders regarding the health status of my dogs and disclose any known hereditary diseases or defects.
  12. I will provide each purchaser a contract which will include a health guarantee detailing conditions for replacement or reimbursement. I will also provide puppy health records and AKC registration papers.
  13. I am aware that there is a surplus of dogs in today’s society and will undertake breeding with a lasting commitment to the dogs I produce. I will help the purchaser in every reasonable way for the life of the dog. In the event the purchaser must give up the dog, I will take the dog back and to be responsible for placing the dog in another suitable home.
  14. I pledge to help educate the public in the standard and the care of the Belgian Malinois.
  15. If I voluntarily remove myself from the Breeder Referral List, I understand I must wait two (2) years to re-sign the Code of Ethics and be listed on the Breeder Referral List.
  16. If in the event I am found to be in violation of this Breeder’s Code of Ethics that I have willingly and knowingly signed, I acknowledge that I will be removed from the Breeder’s Referral List and I must wait three (3) years to re-sign the Code of Ethics and be listed on the Breeder Referral List.

I will maintain sportsmanlike behavior in all canine endeavors and will work for the betterment of the Belgian Malinois breed. I will not slander/libel any fanciers, their dogs, or kennel operations. However, I will notify the ABMC’s Breeders Code of Ethics Committee regarding BCOE breeders whose actions do not appear to be in the best interest of the breed. If a violation has occurred, the complainant will be referred to the ABMC’s Board of Directors for review of the complaint.

I have carefully read and agree to follow the above outlined guidelines and I understand that violations of this BCOE are subject to disciplinary action by the ABMC Board of Directors as stated above. A co-owner of a stud dog or bitch will not be held accountable if said dog or bitch is used without their knowledge and permission in a manner that is in violation of the Code of Ethics.