NCAMA Code of Ethics

NCAMA has adopted the Code of Ethics from its parent club, the Alaskan Malamute Club of America (AMCA).  This code is presented here verbatim.  Therefore, NCAMA may be substituted wherever there is reference to AMCA.

PREAMBLE

The Alaskan Malamute Club of America asserts that its membership has the obligation to the Alaskan Malamute breed to preserve the magnificence of the breed without exploiting it; and further asserts that its membership owes an obligation to the Club to uphold the high ideals set forth for all dog club organizations by the American Kennel Club. In addition, it is asserted by the Club that its membership owes an obligation to future members and others interested in the Alaskan Malamute breed to supply factual information without misrepresentation.

It is urged that dogs and bitches only be bred where it is conscientiously felt that such breeding will result in improvement of the breed, and that the owners of such bitch and dog in each breeding supply each other with accurate and complete information on their dog or bitch with respect to CHD probability, hip dysplasia and any other genetic fault or undesirable characteristics of which you are aware and have reason to believe could be a problem.

The Club considers all puppies to be of value, but contends that all puppies resulting from test breedings should not be placed unless they are altered or are test-bred clear prior to placement.

Each breeder should attempt to accurately evaluate each puppy for the prospective purchaser.

Should breeder become aware of the possibility or of the necessity for testing at a later date, the buyer should be so advised.

Where there is a written agreement, each breeder should be willing to replace a puppy that has been sold or to refund all or a portion of the purchase price if the puppy proves to have a structural defect. It should be considered acceptable to limit the time for such replacement or refund by written agreement and to provide for confirmation of any structural defect by the breeder's veterinarian.

Each breeder should maintain good sanitation and health care for his dogs not only for the sake of his dogs, but also to set a good example for prospective new owners.

Each breeder should offer assistance to the new owner with respect to the care and feeding of his or her dog, pointing out the need for selecting a veterinarian immediately for routine health care, and stressing the needed immunizations as well as yearly booster shots.

Each breeder should impress upon the new owner the importance of being a good "dog neighbor". Every Malamute becomes the "real representative of the breed" if involved in one misdeed.

It is recommended that all transactions involving breeding, or the sales of dogs or bitches of any age be evidenced by contracts in writing. It is further recommended that all Malamutes used in breeding be hip x-rayed by a veterinarian with an x-ray machine capable of producing x-ray pictures which would be acceptable to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals upon referral.

Every breeder should furnish prospective purchasers with information on hip dysplasia, and Chondrodysplasia or any other known genetic defect prior to the sale of any puppies. It would be of benefit to the breed and Club if brochures were provided at the time of sale or preferably prior to the time of sale in order that the buyer may become aware of the breed problems.

CODE OF ETHICS

1. In accordance with the ideals set forth in the Preamble, the Alaskan Malamute Club of America, Inc.., herewith sets forth the following as its Code of Ethics, and states that violation of any provision hereof by a member could constitute grounds for suspension of membership or expulsion from the Club:
2. No member shall knowingly be involved in the sale of dog(s) through pet shops or any other type of wholesale outlets, including but not limited to mail order houses, dog agents, or federally licensed dog dealers in the U.S. or any foreign country, or act as finder for agent/broker, or sell to institutions involved in research.
3. No member shall knowingly become involved in the sale of any dog(s) to any individual or outlet whose main reason for purchase is for resale.
4. No member shall sell any dog or bitch (of any age) without furnishing proper transfer papers, unless at the time of sale both parties sign a written agreement of sale in which a stipulation is made concerning when said papers will be furnished.
5. It is recommended that any puppy sold with the designation pet/companion be sold on a spay/neuter contract with the Limited Registration now supplied by AKC. It is recommended that adults sold as companions be sold on a spay-neuter contract. The breeder may retain the registration papers until proof of sterilization.
6. No member shall be involved in the breeding or selling of wolf-hybrid dogs, and no member shall knowingly sell a Malamute or provide stud service to any person known to breed wolf-hybrids.
7. No member shall offer for use at stud or use at stud any dog who has not been certified clear of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a qualified veterinarian, or a certified radiologist without a written stud contract stating that the stud has not been certified as indicated above.
8. No member shall sell any puppy whose sire and dam have not been certified clear of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a qualified veterinarian, or a certified radiologist unless there is a written contract of sale for said puppy which has been signed by both buyer and seller and which sets forth the sire and/or dam have not been certified as being clear of hip dysplasia as provided above.
9. If any dog or puppy being sold, or any dog used in open breeding has applied for a "Failed" to qualify for an AMCA CHD Certificate, or no number applied for, there shall be a written contract so stating unless the animal is neutered or sterilized permanently
10. Breeders should accept responsibility for those animals that are the result of their breedings, abandoned or found in shelters.
11. Advertising should be factual. It should not be worded so as to attract undesirable buyers nor to encourage raising and selling dogs for profit. Care should be taken to evaluate buyers with regard to the suitability of the home being offered.
12. AMCA members will exhibit good sportsmanship at all times.