National Parent Club of the Shetland Sheepdog in Canada
Code of Ethics
CSSA FANCIERS INC.
Operating as Canadian Shetland Sheepdog Association
MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS
Revision:March17,2025
Established in 1988, the CSSA is the National Shetland Sheepdog Parent club of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) representing purebred Shetland Sheepdog activities, and to preserve and enhance the purebred Shetland Sheepdog. Incorporated under the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporation Act in 2008, the CSSA is a national membership organization.
The Code of Ethics (COE) are member guidelines for a high standard of ethical practices in the breeding, buying, selling and exhibiting of the Shetland Sheepdog. Members agree to adhere to the By-laws, rules and regulations established by the CSSA Board of Directors and the CKC where applicable. It further recognizes that membership in the Club automatically obligates individuals to this Code of Ethics.
- Members shall promote honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and cooperation among breeders, owners, and exhibitors of Shetland Sheepdogs for the benefit of the breed.
- Members shall strive to educate, or direct toward resources that can educate, any novice owner who wishes to become involved with breeding and/or showing of the breed.
- Members shall not speak on behalf of the CSSA unless granted permission by its Executive.
- Members shall provide adequate shelter, nutrition, socialization, veterinary care and exercise for their dogs ensuring they are maintained in a safe and sanitary environment.
- Members shall not knowingly aid, abet, sell or supply any dogs or stud services/brood matrons to pet stores, wholesalers, raffles, lotteries, auctions, flea markets, consignments, laboratories (unless sanctioned by the CSSA) or as give-away prizes. Nor shall they place their own dogs using a Rescue Service.
- Members accept full responsibility for their breeding practices and shall take back dogs where an owner can no longer care for the dog or shall assist in re-homing said dog. Further, a member breeder of a rescued Sheltie, will upon notification from a recognized rescue organization, attempt to retrieve the dog from rescue in order to provide for the dog’s care.
- Breeders shall be familiar with and agree to abide by all Canadian Kennel Club rules and regulations including registration of litters, individual dogs, transfers of ownership and maintenance of accurate records of breeding, pedigrees, and sales.
- Breeders shall provide purchasers with details as to the health and care requirements of the dog. Permanent tattoo or microchip, and a record of vaccination shall accompany each dog when it leaves the premises. It is recommended puppies are placed after 8 weeks of age, having been health checked by a licensed veterinarian and receiving initial immunization.
- The overall objective of a member’s breeding program shall be to strive for breed improvement by breeding to the CKC Shetland Sheepdog Standard. Prior to breeding, all breeding stock should be screened for genetic disorders, such as but not limited to, current OFA CHIC breed specific guidelines.
- Breeders shall consider the age, health and welfare of their dogs before breeding them and will proceed with caution to avoid harm.
- Breeders shall strive to place any dog discharged from their care in a home that will adequately provide for the health and welfare of the dog and shall be discriminating in the placement of breeding stock.
- It is recommended that all contracts, agreements, and guarantees be in writing and include all agreed upon terms. Members shall honour in full, all terms they give in said documents.
- Advertising by members will be as factual as possible and shall not be false or misleading.
- Failure to adhere to this Code of Ethics may result in termination of membership as per the By-laws of the corporation. Members that lose CKC privileges or are in contravention of federal or provincial animal welfare legislation, will automatically lose CSSA membership.