Gala's Code of Ethics
At all times, I will act in a manner that is in the best interests of the breed. I will be honest in all matters pertaining to the breeding of Shetland Sheepdogs. I will follow all rules and regulations established by the AKC, including the keeping of accurate records of ownership, registration, breeding, stud service and placement of puppies.
I will provide the very best care for my dogs, including but not limited to high quality food, clean, fresh water available at all times, adequate times and room to exercise and socialize with other dogs, necessary and preventative medical care, love and attention.
I will take my hobby as a breeder seriously and will share my knowledge of the breed with others. I will present my breed to the public in a positive manner, assuring that the dogs are well behaved, clean and of excellent temperament.
I will make every effort possible to be a good neighbor, being careful to see that my dogs do not annoy my neighbors due to noise, poor care, unhealthy living conditions or lack of supervision. I will NEVER allow my dogs to run loose. I will make every effort to keep my dogs contained within my property limits.
I will not intentionally misrepresent my dogs or myself. I will make myself reasonably available to those who wish to learn more about the breed.
I will only breed those dogs that I know to be of excellent health; to be free of genetic defects for which diagnostic tests are available. ALL dogs will be tested for known genetic defects (Canine Hip Dysplasia, thyroid disease, eye disorders, and von Willebrand's Disease). I will not knowingly breed a dog that is a known or suspected carrier for Sheltie Skin Syndrome (dermatomyositis). Copies of test results are available on request. If at any time a genetic defect is discovered, that dog will be immediately removed from my breeding program and proper notifications made to puppy buyers whenever applicable.
I will not knowingly breed a dog with a questionable temperament, knowing that the excellent temperament of a sheltie is its greatest virtue.
I will ONLY breed with the intention of improving the breed and NEVER for profit.
I will make every effort to assure that puppies/dogs are placed in responsible loving homes. All companion puppies will be sold on strict spay/neuter contracts and registration papers will be held until proof of neuter has been received. Whenever possible, I will have the puppy neutered prior to placement. The sales contract will state that no companion puppy is being represented as show or breeding quality, and as such, must not be bred.
I will take back any dog that I have bred, at any time in it's life, for whatever reason. I will make every effort to find a suitable home for that dog. If no home can be found, I will keep that dog for the rest of it's life.
I will not knowingly sell to pet brokers, dealers or irresponsible breeders. I will not allow any dog bred/owned by me to be offered as a raffle or prize, regardless of the beneficiary.
I will not allow my stud dogs to be bred to bitches of questionable health, lineage, quality, or who have not been properly tested.
All puppies sold will be eligible for AKC registration and application for registration will be provided when proof of neuter is received. Puppies/dogs placed that have already been altered will have registration application supplied at time of sale. Every contract will contain proper identification for each puppy, including date of birth, Sire's name, dam's name and identifying colors/markings.
Puppies be be free of known disease and parasites at the time of sale. I will strongly encourage each puppy buyer to have their new puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible. Any known defects will be fully disclosed to the buyer.
I will not make false claims or statements in any advertising that can be misconstrued by the reader. When indicating Championship parentage, CH. shall only be applicable to dogs who are AKC champions of record in the US; dogs with foreign championships with be properly identified.
I will be active in sheltie rescue as necessary.
