All members of the British Dalmatian Club undertake to abide by its general Code of Ethics.

CLUB MEMBERS
1) Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required.
2) Will agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on any of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, may report such operation to the Kennel Club.
3) Will agree that no healthy puppy will be culled. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes.
4) Will abide by all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act.
5) Will not create demand for, nor supply, puppies that have been docked illegally.
6) Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
7) Will not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties.
8) Will ensure that their dogs wear properly tagged collars and will be kept leashed or under effective control when away from home.
9) Will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are being exhibited.
10) Will only sell dogs where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the re-homing of a dog if the initial circumstances change.
11) Will supply written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home.
12) Will ensure that all relevant Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owner when selling or transferring a dog, and will agree, in writing, to forward any relevant documents at the earliest opportunity, if not immediately available.
13) Will not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items (not accompanying a dog).
14) Will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of a dog.
15) A Club, whose membership is so varied in every way, necessitates many kinds of activity to suit all tastes; but the dignity and prestige of the breed and members should always be upheld in whatever circumstances. With an ever growing membership, amongst whom are numbered not only dog lovers of many years standing, but many who are newcomers to the world of dogs, it is considered that a Code of Ethics might be appropriate and helpful to us all. It is appreciated that this will not eliminate the many wrong practices which we all know exist, but it does create a common basis for us all. More important, used with discretion it can be the means whereby the Committee may be empowered to ask a Member to answer a complaint against him or her, and in extreme cases expel that Member from the Club. We have tried, as concisely as possible, to set out our thoughts under the following headings: 1. Breeders 2. Exhibitors 3. Judges 4. Owners.

1. BREEDERS
The future of the Dalmatian is in the breeders’ hands. It is therefore of paramount importance that all breeding stock is kept in peak condition with good food, plenty of exercise and the type of living conditions which lead to a good and healthy temperament. This applies to stud dogs as well as bitches. In the light of current thinking, have you considered the absolute basics of having a litter? a) Is your bitch good enough to breed from?
b) Are both the dog and bitch free from known inherited defects?
c) Have you studied the Stud Dog and his pedigree in enough detail? I.e. suitability for your line.
d) Are both dog and bitch in prime health? No animal should ever be bred from which shows aggression or nervousness.
e) Discuss every aspect of rearing a correct and happy litter, having regard to cost, accommodation, supervision and time with an experienced breeder.

The following criteria should be observed:: a) No bitch should whelp before the age of two years, or over the age of eight years (the latter point is now a Kennel Club regulation).
b) No bitch should be bred from more than a maximum of four times.
c) A bitch should not whelp without an interval of at least 12 months since the birth of her last litter.

These paragraphs apply also to the Stud Dog owner.

Owner of Stud Dog
a) Is your dog good enough to breed from?
b) Be certain you have checked all the basic points above with the owner of the bitch.
c) Check that the bitch is correctly registered at the Kennel Club and without restrictions on the registration.
d) It is the duty of the Stud Dog owner to visit and check all litters personally and to confirm that the above recommendations have been met. They should always be available to give help and advice, particularly to novice breeders.

Total honesty is essential on both sides concerning background information and knowledge of known faults in previous litters. The resultant puppies will bear the pedigree of both sire and dam and the owners will carry equal responsibility for their welfare.

Selling Puppies
a) It is wise to have some puppy enquiries before contemplating a litter.
b) Question prospective buyers closely and, if possible, arrange for the whole family to visit you and meet the adult dogs. If you feel it advisable, arrange a visit to their home, either by yourself, the owner of the Stud Dog or the District Representative.
c) Make sure the puppy will not be left alone for long periods at a time.
d) Enquire as to the adequate facilities for exercising. Is there a fully enclosed garden?
e) Children must be taught to respect animals. If there are young children or a baby is expected, be sure to discuss any possible problems thoroughly.
f) Do not pass your puppy on until you can be sure it will receive kind and sufficient attention in every respect. It is essential that all new owners should feel able to return to the breeder for help and advice and, in case of disaster, for practical help on rehoming.
g) When selling puppies abroad, use the facilities of the Club to check on prospective owners; check what will happen to the dog if a show career proves unsuccessful. No dog should be sold to countries where they are not protected by Anti Cruelty Laws. Under no circumstances send potential show stock overseas unless it is absolutely top quality. A second opinion from a knowledgeable breeder should be sought.
h) When selling puppies in this country, the same standards apply. Explain any faults and also the changes, both for better and for worse, that can take place from eight weeks onwards! Total honesty is essential in every respect.

2. EXHIBITORS
Dogs do not ask to be exhibited. They will do so willingly and in return should be given that care and attention which makes it a pleasure for them. Note the following points:
a) Give ample opportunity to empty out before a journey and again before going on the bench and into the ring.
b) Supply a comfortable mattress or bench rung.
c) A coat may be necessary on a draughty bench, or when going from an overheated hall into a cold wind.
d) Provide regular opportunities for exercise.
d) If you must leave your dog unattended on the bench, check back regularly to ensure he is neither in trouble nor causing it.

By these and other means, you can alleviate the tedium and discomfort of a day cooped up on a bench. Above all, appreciate and allay the fears which a puppy or novice dog must suffer at his first shows. A serious shock at this stage may never be forgotten.

There are some who should not be at a show at all, most particularly bitches in whelp or those in season. No animal which is chronically nervous or bad tempered should appear in the ring.

In the showring, present your dog and yourself in and yourself in immaculate condition. Watch to see what the judge will require and ensure that neither you nor your dog interferes with any other. Treat your dog calmly and kindly – he is there only to please you, not to obtain prizes. Do not allow disappointment to mar your behaviour either to your dog or to other exhibitors, and certainly not to the judge. Malicious comment regarding the judging, other exhibitors or their dogs is totally unacceptable either in the ring or outside it.

3. JUDGES
All dogs should be treated with the utmost gentleness and puppies in particular should only receive the quietest and kindest of handling. Each exhibitor should be treated courteously and have the full attention of the judge.

Judges come under very close scrutiny and it is of the first importance that fair dealing is not only done, but is seen to be done. By their own demeanour both in and out of the ring, judges can create the right atmosphere and at the same time must be aware of all activities in the ring.

In addition to the Kennel Club Regulations regarding judging appointments, the following points should be considered:
a) A written report to be produced for every show.
b) Members should avoid canvassing for judging appointments and wait to be asked.

4. OWNERS
Whether or not a dog is shown, it must be realised that it is always a pet and must be treated as such. When undertaking the ownership of a dog you also assume total responsibility for its happiness and well-being and, equally important, for its behaviour both in and out of your home. Dogs prosper on a happy and interesting life, with good food, plenty of exercise, the right discipline and above all a great deal of love. Moreover, all Dalmatians crave human companionship. Those whose dogs do not live in the house should pay particular attention to ensure that their pets enjoy the items listen in the two previous sentences.

It is essential that veterinary assistance should be used whenever an animal of any age has to be put down.

Do not leave the dog at home for hours unattended. If you have children, particularly toddlers, do be sure the dog has a ‘get-away’ place which is totally forbidden to the children. Little fingers can be very cruel and constant teasing can ruin the best temperament. Children need to be taught to respect animals.

Be sure you realise that exercise is for every day, not just when you have a moment, or the sun is shining. Under no circumstances turn your dog out to exercise himself on public property. Your dog must be under your personal control at all times.

The initial approach to the showring is well set out in ‘Hints to New Members@. Take time to teach your pet dog the rules of good behaviour too. He can then take his place as a much love member of the family and not have to shut away because his own naughtiness creates a problem. Take your dog to a training class – your District Representative or Local Canine Society will advise you as to which one. A short court of lessons will teach you as well as the dog!

It should be remembered that together with the dogs, we enjoy a marvellous sport and hobby. Owners can be hurt to the core by spiteful comment or condemnation in the ring from the judges. To each and every dog lover their animals are precious and we destroy ourselves as well as others when employing malicious comment whether regarding stud dogs, bitches, litters or even their owners.

Breed Clubs are formed for the benefit and furtherance of the breed and the reputation of that breed is dictated by the behaviour of the members.

Breach of these provisions may result in expulsion from club membership, and/or disciplinary action by the Kennel Club and/or reporting to the relevant authorities for legal action, as appropriate.