Membership Code Of Ethics
1/6/2008
The Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America (ISAA) is a non-profit organization established for the express purpose of promoting and preserving the tradition and welfare of Iceland's national treasure, the Icelandic Sheepdog, in America. Every reasonable effort will be made to maintain a positive working relationship with the Icelandic Kennel Club and to conform to their standard whenever possible. Towards this end, the ISAA is dedicated to serving the best interest of the Icelandic Sheepdog through increasing public awareness, educational programs, establishing a resource network, and promoting proper husbandry and breeding practices of the Icelandic Sheepdog in America.
The ISAA, recognizing our responsibility to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Icelandic Sheepdog enthusiast, sets forth this code of ethics:
To educate the membership.
To preserve the genetic viability through careful breeding practices.
To keep the Icelandic Sheepdog sound, healthy and free of hereditary diseases.
To maintain the working ability of the Icelandic Sheepdog.
To conform to the AKC Standard of the Breed.
To be honest in the evaluation of animals used for breeding and/or offered for sale.
To exercise good sportsmanship in all activities involving Icelandic Sheepdogs.
It is the intent of the ISAA to support and promote breeding programs which will protect the quality of the breed. Prior to listing breeding studs or bitches, the ISAA requires that stud dogs and brood bitches meet the following minimum requirements:
Be recorded with the AKC or a recognized FCI country.
Be free of hereditary disorders including, but not limited to moderate to severe hip dysplasia and genetic eye disease including genetic cataracts.
Be sound in temperament as well as conformation.
Be matched for enhancing the viability of the gene pool.
Comply with breeding limitations as to not be over-used in a breeding program.
The ISAA recommends that the ISAA breeder/members protect the breed:
By selling and purchasing puppies whose sire and dam meet the above standards.
By assuring the general health of the sire and dam at the time of breeding and whelping.
By offering a warranty for the general health of the puppies at the time of sale.
By not supplying puppies for sale/resale to pet stores or other wholesale outlets.
By using the Limited Registration option and spay/neuter contracts for puppies known to be affected with hereditary disorders such as moderate to severe dysplasia, moderate to severe defects of temperament or conformation, cataracts, or other genetic eye disease, etc.
By exercising truth in advertising.
ISAA members are expected to:
Display good sportsmanship
Purchase puppies from breeders who comply with ISAA Breeder Regulations.
Exhibit cheerful willingness to help newcomers and observers of the breed.
Show restraint from public expression of negative remarks about fellow fanciers and breed enthusiasts.
Be gracious winners and runners-up.
Exceptions:
It is recognized that legitimate situations may arise wherein a member or breeder may wish to be granted an exception to this Code of Ethics. In such cases, members and breeders are expected to seek guidance from the BOD or seek professional advice.
The ISAA Board of Directors is available to offer advice and or assistance, as well as referrals to appropriate professionals, to members and non-members alike.