Code of Ethics
Breeders who are members of the club subscribe to the DogsVictoria Code of Ethics AND the more specific Code of Ethics of the RRCV as follows:
As a member of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Victoria Inc.(Reg No 0010860A). I agree that I will abide by the following Code of Ethics and I clearly understand that to breach the Code could lead to disciplinary action under the Constitution and By-Laws of the Club.
1. I will ensure that at all times all Rhodesian Ridgebacks under my control are properly housed, bed, watered, exercised and receive proper veterinary attention when required.
2. I will not allow any Rhodesian Ridgebacks under my care to roam at large and when away from home I will ensure they are kept leashed, or under effective control.
3. I will breed only for the purpose of improving the standard of the breed and not for the pet market or any other commercial purpose.
4. I will cull (humanely euthanasia):
(i)Puppies with Dermoid Sinus. I will inform buyers of the Dermoid Sinus and how to detect it. Should a Dermoid Sinus be detected following sale of the puppy I will recommend euthanasia or neutering and take financial responsibility for surgical removal of the Dermoid Sinus(s).
(ii)I recognise ridgeless pups, blue/grey or any unusual colours are not in the standard, and I under take to desex them prior to leaving my care.
5. I will breed responsibly and only if I have the facilities, time and resources to adequately care for the litter.
6. I will strongly advise purchasers that Rhodesian Ridgebacks not required for breeding be desexed to prevent unwanted and crossbred litters.
7. I will not sell any Rhodesian Ridgebacks to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers, not allow a Rhodesian Ridgeback to be given as a prize or donation in a contest of any kind.
8 (a) I will not breed from any bitch registered in my name or Kennel name or on breeders terms before it is 18 months of age, or has reached 20 months at whelping and thereafter not more than once in each succeeding period of 12 months. If it is necessary through extenuating circumstances to breed from a bitch twice within 12 months I will rest the bitch on the third season. I will x-ray and grade as per Code of Ethics Section 16.
(b) I will only use at stud a stud dog over 12 months of age which has hip and elbow scores as per Code of Ethics Rule 16. I will not let my stud dog be mated to a bitch under 18 months of age or 20 months at whelping.
9. I will not permit any of my purebred Rhodesian Ridgebacks to be mated to a dog of a different breed, to a cross-bred dog, or to an unregistered Rhodesian Ridgeback.
10. I will not sell or otherwise transfer from my care any puppy under eight weeks of age, thus allowing for vaccinations to be given at six weeks of age, and the necessary ten to fourteen days for the vaccine to take effect.
11. I will ensure that all persons acquiring Rhodesian Ridgebacks from me clearly understand their responsibilities for the care and welfare of the animal.
12. I will provide to all purchasers of Rhodesian Ridgebacks sold or placed by me, written details of all dietary and immunisation requirements and/or an appropriate publication relating to the requirements of responsible Rhodesian Ridgeback ownership.
13. I will not misrepresent the characteristics of Rhodesian Ridgebacks or mislead any person regarding the performance of any Rhodesian Ridgeback. All advertising, oral or written will be factual, not false or misleading or worded so as to attract undesirable buyers, not to encourage the raising of pure bred Rhodesian Ridgebacks for the commercial market.
14. I will ensure when selling or transferring a Rhodesian Ridgeback to another person, that documents required by Victorian Canine Association Rule 85B (or appropriate registering bodies and their relevant (By-Laws) will be provided to the Purchaser or Transferee.
15. I will keep accurate records of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, matings and pedigrees and register my breeding Rhodesian Ridgebacks and puppies with the Victorian Canine Association (or appropriate registering body).
16. I will have my Rhodesian Ridgebacks x-rayed and graded for hip dysplasia and elbow disease prior to the first mating. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Victoria Inc recognise the AVA Lawson/Willis and/or PennHip schemes. Elbow scoring is required for any animal born after 1 July 2005.
17. I will not malign judges, fellow competitors or fellow Members by making false or misleading statements regarding their Rhodesian Ridgebacks, breeding practices or character.