THE NORWICH AND NORFOLK TERRIER CLUB CODE OF ETHICS

I. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS

1. Members are expected to abide by the Constitution and By-laws of the NNTC, and the rules of the American Kennel Club.
2. Members should adhere to the standards of the breeds as adopted by the NNTC, and approved by the American Kennel Club. They should make every effort to assist the novice and educate the public by providing information beneficial to the general well-being of the breeds, including grooming and training.
3. No members shall engage in false or misleading advertising, or any other misrepresentation of their Norwich or Norfolk. In competition they will not malign their competitors, but will conduct themselves in an exemplary and sportsmanlike manner. They will behave responsibly at show sites, trial sites, hotels and motels; and will treat other dog owners and their dogs with respect.
4. Members must maintain the highest standards of health and sanitation for their own Norwich and Norfolk, and they should demand the same high standards of other owners, members and non members alike.

1. The primary objective for breeding Norwich and Norfolk Terriers is to improve the breed and to produce physically and temperamentally sound offspring. To achieve this objective, member-breeders must
   • understand before breeding the basic laws of genetics, the standards of the breeds, and the difference between correct and incorrect.
   • breed only stud dogs or bitches of characteristic type, sound structure, and steady temperament.
   • perform tests on hips, eyes, heart, and respiratory function that will determine the genetic soundness of the dog or the bitch.
   • request a copy of the AKC Registration Certificate of the dog or the bitch, as well as the results of any genetic testing that may have been performed on either.
   • request such testing, if it has not been done, to insure a healthy litter.
   • maintain a carefully screened waiting list of potential owners, or, as the owner of the bitch, be prepared to keep all of the resultant puppies until suitable homes are found.
   • refrain from repeating any breeding which produced a genetic disease or defect.
   • reconsider breeding a bitch which required a C-section.
   • register and keep scrupulous health and breeding records on each litter.
2. The AKC requires that a male not be used at stud until he is at least 7 months old. A bitch may be bred on her third season, unless her first or second seasons occur after she is 18 months old; she must never be bred more often than two out of three consecutive heats, and then only if she is in robust health. A bitch must not be bred after 8 years of age.
3. The selling of Norwich and Norfolk Terriers must be done in a way that reflects each member-breeder's concern, and integrity:
   • All puppies and adults should be well socialized, raised in a clean environment, and released to a new owner in a well-groomed and healthy condition.
   • Any puppies sold should be sufficiently mature before they are released to a new owner; 10 to 12 weeks is recommended as an ideal age.
   • All puppies sold must be accompanied a dated list of inoculations and an AKC registration form. AKC provides an option for a limited registration which should be provided for companion quality puppies or adults exhibiting serious structural flaws, lack of proper breed type, poor temperament, or any other deviations from the breed standards. Such limitations and any other specific terms attached to the sale should be made by written agreement and signed by both the breeder and the buyer.
   • Written instructions for feeding, health care, training and grooming a puppy should be given to the buyer at the time of the sale.
   • Following any placement, a supportive dialogue should be maintained to ensure the dog's welfare and answer the new owner's questions regarding any aspect of its behavior, health or appearance.
4. Member-breeders should consider the growing problem of excess dogs ending up in shelters and exercise prudent restraint in their breeding programs. Litters should be limited to numbers consistent with sound breeding program and the best interests of the breeds.
5. All member-breeders must accept lifetime responsibility for the welfare of the dogs they breed. To the best of their abilities, they should stand ready and willing to take back or to rehome a dog should an owner become unable to keep it.
6. No member shall sell a puppy or an adult dog to a pet shop, laboratory, wholesale dealer or any other questionable person; Norwich and Norfolk Terriers must never be offered as prizes.