PURPOSE:
The members of the American Swedish Vallhund Society, in order to protect, promote and foster the advancement and proper breeding and exhibiting of the Swedish Vallhund as well as ethical kennel practices, do hereby set forth this code of ethics. In all questions of ethics, covered or not covered by this code, the individual member shall act solely in the best interests of the breed, the ASVS and the membership. The membership as a whole shall willingly aid any Swedish Vallhund owner in upholding these interests.

GENERAL CONDUCT OF MEMBERS

A. An American Swedish Vallhund Society member will adhere to the Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Ethics and other regulations put out by the United Kennel Club and the American Swedish Vallhund Society.

B. Members shall be aware at all times the American Swedish Vallhund Society
exists to improve and protect the breed and that these aims are to be uppermost
in the minds of the members in all their activities within the breed.

C. Members shall:
1. Make every effort to educate any new owner or interested person, and
to be both instructive and constructive in their comments.
2. Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
3. Always behave in a manner that will be conducive to the advancement
of our breed and the American Swedish Vallhund Society.
4. Whether in competition or a working situation, the welfare of the dog
should be foremost.

D. 1. Members shall, at all times, ensure that all dogs under that member’s
control are properly housed, fed, watered and exercised on a daily basis,
that all such dogs receive proper veterinary attention when needed.
2. It is suggested that members research and find a veterinary practice
which is aware of and practices modern methods when implementing
health care.

BREEDING
I will not breed a dog or bitch, which has hereditary defects ( i.e., Hip Dysplasia, hock elbow or patella luxation or Dysplasia, Retinal Dysplasia or Retinal Atrophy), serious faults or disqualifying faults, listed in the adopted United Kennel Club breed standard that would adversely affect the overall soundness or working ability of the future offspring.

A. 1. No dog or bitch should be used for breeding until documented free of
Hip Dysplasia, hereditary eye defects or any other serious genetic problems that may appear in this breed.
2. OFA or/and PennHip shall be the basis used for the clearance of skeletal genetic problems. CERF exams done on a yearly basis will be needed for eyes.
3. It is recommended dogs with hips rated good or better be used for
breeding. Fair hips need to be carefully considered before breeding.
4. It is recommended breeding animals be DNA tested with UKC.

B. I Shall only use dogs for breeding which are temperamentally sound, refraining from the use of Swedish Vallhunds which display vicious propensities and/or extreme shyness.

C. 1. I should not use bitches for breeding until they are two years old with all the needed genetic clearances in place (i.e., OFA and/or Pennhip and yearly CERF exams).
2. A normal bitch (i.e., having a 6-month cycle) should not be bred more than two out of three consecutive seasons unless so directed by a licensed veterinarian.
3. Males should not be mated prior to the age of two years and after all the genetic health checks (i.e., OFA and/or PennHip and yearly CERF exams) are completed and found acceptable.
4. Males should only be bred to bitches which have passed all health checks.

D. It is strongly advised that some written agreements are established between the owners of the bitch and stud dog stating the exact conditions of the breeding.

E. I will not breed my Swedish Vallhund to non-registered Swedish Vallhunds,
dogs of other breeds or mixed breeds. Puppies from such an accidental breeding will be spayed or neutered and offered to acceptable pet homes.

F. No member shall:
1. Knowingly falsify pedigree or breeding information.
2. Sell to unethical breeders or persons whose intention to resell the dog
is known or suspected.
3. Maliciously degrade another member’s Swedish Vallhund or kennel.

G. Members should report to the Genetics Committee any genetic defects, no matter how insignificant they may seem, found in their dogs and /or offspring to
further protect the breed and keep it genetically healthy.