Code of Recommended Ethical Practices

Introduction: Xoloitzcuintli Club of America (XCA) members shall adhere to these Recommended Ethical Practices, the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America By-Laws and the AKC Rules and Regulations. Members will pledge to protect and preserve the Xoloitzcuintli, to act responsibly in all facets of breeding and ownership and shall consider the best interests of the breed, the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America and the American Kennel Club.

Article I, Breeding: Members will follow AKC’s Guide to Responsible Dog Breeding. The best possible standards of health and care shall be maintained. This includes adequate food, water, exercise, and protection from weather extremes, frequent grooming, mental health and the use of preventative medicine. All efforts shall be made to provide appropriate housing.

All litters produced are to be done with the intention of preserving the breed. Careful consideration of the stud dog and bitch will be given regarding temperament, overall health and condition, physical traits, inheritable disorders, genetic traits, soundness and conformity to the AKC standard of the breed. Good practice for breeding includes obtaining AKC breed health testing on sire and dam prior to mating when applicable. Xolos offered at stud and bitches accepted for stud service should be in good health and free from Canine Brucellosis and other communicable diseases.

Breeders will honor written contracts for all breeding agreements using their stock, including use of stud dog, lease of brood bitch, use of frozen semen, and co-ownership agreements. Breeders will not allow any puppy to leave its dam and littermates before the age of eight (8) weeks. Before departure to its new home, well-puppy veterinary care must be provided for all puppies with records supplied to buyer.

Article II, Registration: Breeding Xolos will be AKC registered or from registries which are acceptable to the AKC. Accurate records of all dogs, breeding and pedigrees will be maintained. All litters will be registered with the AKC. Breeder will inform buyers of AKC registration types.

Article III, Sales: Contracts or written agreements should be used to cover any purchases and sales. All contracts should be clear and complete with any and all conditions stated. A signed copy should be provided to each party involved.

To your knowledge, no dogs/puppies shall be placed, sold, provided or supplied for purposes of dog fighting or crossbreeding, to any commercial or laboratory establishments, nor for resale by a broker, or for raffle or auction.

XCA member shall represent all dogs fairly and honestly. XCA members will advise and support the buyer for the dog’s life and take the dog back at any time during its lifetime or help to re-home if it becomes necessary.

Article IV, Sportsmanship: Members will adhere to the AKC Code of Sportsmanship. Attention shall be placed on educating the public about the breed, improving one’s own knowledge about the breed, and demonstrating good sportsmanship behavior at dog shows, performance events, public forums, social media, and with the general public.

Article V, Infractions: Any member who is suspended from the AKC for any reason will be suspended from the XCA and will be considered for reinstatement to the club if and when the AKC reinstates.

I have read and agree to abide by the foregoing Code of Recommended Ethical Practices:

SIGNATURE:________________________________________Date: ___________

Rev. 10/21/20