FLCA Code of Ethics
The Constitution of the Finnish Lapphund Club of America, Inc. states the objectives of the club shall be:
(a) to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Finnish Lapphunds and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection
(b) to urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which Finnish Lapphunds shall be judged
(c) to do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows and other events approved by the American Kennel Club
(d) to conduct sanctioned matches and dog shows under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club
(e) to educate owners, breeders, and the general public as to every aspect of Finnish Lapphunds.
In applying for and maintaining membership, the applicant agrees to further the FLCA’s objectives and conduct all activities in connection with the breed in accordance with this Code of Ethics.
REGISTRATION
The FLCA member accurately registers Finnish Lapphunds with the American Kennel Club and abides by American Kennel Club rules and regulations.
HEALTH
The FLCA member follows the guidelines of good kennel practice and provides all Finnish Lapphunds with maximum protection against communicable disease, consulting as necessary with a licensed veterinarian. The FLCA member will not exhibit, release, or otherwise expose any Finnish Lapphund which is known to have been exposed to a communicable disease until the end of the incubation period for that disease. The FLCA member shall provide for the physical and mental well-being of each dog by supplying adequate food and shelter as well as exposure to other people and environments and is encouraged to participate in training classes and other events. It is suggested that a Finnish Lapphund be evaluated throughout its lifetime for any potential health problems.
BREEDING
Each litter is the result of conscientious planning, including consideration of the parents' freedom from hereditary defects, temperament and general conformance to the official standard of the breed. The FLCA member(s) as owner(s) of the stud dog and/or of the bitch to be bred will enter into a contract (preferably written), the terms of which to be determined and to be agreed in advance by the owners. The FLCA strongly recommends that a written contract be used between all parties involved in the breeding of Finnish Lapphunds, especially in the instance when one of the parties IS NOT a member of the FLCA in good standing.
Only healthy, mature Finnish Lapphund adults, preferably 24 months of age, but at least 18 months of age shall be bred. Prior to breeding, the FLCA member obtains certification that hips are normal from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, an equivalent foreign registry, or from a board approved radiologist and has eyes certified free from genetically transmitted defects by a certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. The FLCA member knowingly breeds their registered Finnish Lapphunds only to other registered Finnish Lapphunds. The FLCA member agrees to keep accurate records of stock, matings and pedigrees and to register breeding stock with the American Kennel Club. It is recommended that a sincere effort be made to see that a reasonable portion of an anticipated litter is spoken for before a breeding takes place.
The FLCA member will not breed any Finnish Lapphund which is considered in poor health or radically departs from the approved Standard.
As the owner of a bitch, the FLCA member will not permit the bitch to produce litters in 3 consecutive seasons in any 2 year period and will breed only if the facilities, time and resources to adequately care for a litter are available.
As the owner of a stud dog, the FLCA member will follow the custom of allowing one repeat service at the bitch's next season when a bitch fails to conceive. The FLCA member will encourage bitch owners to breed only if they have the facilities, time and resources to adequately care for a litter.
SALES
The FLCA member must be concerned with the proper placement of puppies, both pet and show potential. The FLCA member does not knowingly sell, consign, or transfer puppies or adults to pet shops, wholesale dealers, contest sponsors, or anyone who is known to degrade the breed or purebred dogs, or to individuals contemplating breeding and/or sale to the aforementioned.
The FLCA member provides and requires written agreements signed by all parties prior to all transactions, sales, leases and services and accordingly delivers all forms required for registration. The FLCA member urges purchasers to spay or neuter any Finnish Lapphund which will not be shown in conformation or will not be a part of a conscientious breeding program utilizing Limited Registration as appropriate. The FLCA member does not actually transfer puppies to new homes until they are at least 7 weeks of age.
Breeders and stud dog owners must recognize that there is a lifetime responsibility for puppies produced by their brood bitch or stud dog. Breeders must also recognize the inherent obligation to provide a stable environment that protects each puppy's physical and emotional well-being. This includes helping to relocate to a new home a puppy or adult dog which the owner is unable or unwilling to keep or taking that puppy or adult dog back. No puppy or adult dog owned or bred by an FLCA member shall be disposed of in an animal shelter.
Any puppy sold as a show prospect which subsequently develops a genetic disqualifying defect shall be replaced by the Breeder with another show prospect puppy with the first puppy being returned to the Breeder or money refunded to the extent of the difference between the price of pet quality puppies and show quality puppies from the same litter or any other mutually agreeable alternative.
ADVERTISING
The FLCA member agrees that any advertising, oral or written, shall be factual and not worded to attract undesirable buyers or to encourage the raising of Finnish Lapphunds as an easy money scheme.
EXHIBITION
The FLCA member exhibits Finnish Lapphunds in conformation, companion and performance events in conformity with the rules of the American Kennel Club as well as other breed and canine performance organizations and in the spirit of good sportsmanship.
When traveling with Finnish Lapphunds, the FLCA member takes reasonable precautions to maintain hotels and show grounds in a clean condition. When confronted by a situation not covered by this Code of Ethics, the FLCA member conducts himself or herself in the best interest of the breed and as he or she would like to be treated in similar circumstances.
ENFORCEMENT
Failure to conduct oneself in compliance with the Code of Ethics shall be considered prejudicial to the best interests of the Finnish Lapphund breed. Upon receipt of sufficient written proof of violation of this Code of Ethics, the Board of Directors will proceed according to the Constitution of the FLCA.