1. INTENT:

This Code of Ethics shall ensure the health and well-being of all Belgian Laekenois, and ensure that ethical and proper breeding practices are observed.

As a responsible Belgian Laekenois owner, I agree that ownership carries the responsibility to properly care for the physical and mental needs of each dog I own. I understand that indiscriminate breeding may lead to over-population, the spread og heritable mental and physical health weaknesses, and other undesirable consequences for the breed.

I understand that it is important for the general public to become acquainted with the Code so that they do not become innocent participantsin improper care or breeding practices. I agree to inform those from whom I receive inquireis about Belgian Laekenois of this Code of Ethics.

2. HEALTH AND CARE:

I agree that proper maintenance and care is essential to the optimum development and sustained phsical and mental health of the Belgian Laekenois. In keeping with this belief, I agree to provide no less than the following for each of my dogs:

a. Adequate diet and ample water to assure proper growth and health maintenance.
b. Adequate time for exercise in contained, safe and sanitary area when not under direct supervision.
c. Regular health care including inoculations and treatments for parasites if necessary.
d. Prompt veterinary care in case of illness or injury.

I will comply with the leash laws in my community and with those of other areas when traveling.

I agree that proper temperament and health cannot be sustained without daily personal contact with my dogs and will take steps to ensure these needs are regularly met. In addition, I will provide adequate socialization, basic training for each of my dogs and will emphasize these necessities to inquirer's and new owners. Visiting dogs entrusted to my care will receive the same attention to proper care as do my own dogs.

I will not keep more dogs than I feel I can provide for properly under these guidelines.

3. RECORDS:

I will keep accurate and written records of all my breeding stock, mating and puppies produced, and pedigrees, and will register my breeding stock. ANy falsification of record of which I am aware will be reported promptly to the registration agency.

4. BREEDING:

I agree to use for breeding only healthy, sound, mature Belgian laekenois (at least 24 months of age) which have no hereditarily-transmitted health defect or disqualifying faults other than thosecaused after birth by non-genetic cause, as stated in the AKC (NOBLE) breed standard in conformation and temperament. I will not allow any bitch to have to produce litters or to be bred every season or in two consecutive seasons; and furthermore the bitch must be in robust health to be bred at all. I will refuse stud service to any bitch which I feel is unhealthy, unsound, or immature, or whose owners I feel connot properly raise/sell a litter.

I agree to educate myself sufficiently in the AKC (NOBLE) standard for the Belgian Laekenois in order to identify and assess the severity of faults in my own stock as deviated from the ideal in structure and temperament. I further agree that some medical conditions (for example, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataract, PRA) are known or suspected to inheritable defects. I will not knowingly use an afflicted dog for breeding and if owned by me, will insure the timely spay or neuter of that dog. In the event such medical condition(s) arise after a breeding has been done, full disclosure of the condition(s) will be made to all parties concerned (stud dog/brood bitch owners and puppy buyers).

I agree to hsve any breeding stock OFA or PennHip x-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia and examined for eye defects/abnormalities. I agree not to breed to dogs in North America which have not successfully passed such exams. I agree to try, to the best of my ability, to adhere to these same high standards when going outside North America for breeding stock. (Some countries do not provide eye or elbow exams when at the time of this Code's creation). I agree to make full disclosure of the examination results to all th parties concerned (the stud dog or bitch owner in a breeding arrangement, an potential puppy buyers).

In an effort to assist in the wise planning of breeding programs for the betterment of the breed. I will, to the best of my knowledge reveal my dog's strengths, weakenesses, and family health history to those who use my dog for breeding purposes or who purchase a dog from me for breeding purposes.

I agree to take responibility, to the best of my ability and knowledge, for each puppy I have produced if at any time during the dogs's life it's owners cannot keep it for any reason.

5. SALES:

I will refuse to recommend or to sell to breeders or owners who do not supporth the intent of this Code. Under no circumstances will I sell a dog that I have produced through a pet shop or any commercial outlet, nor will I sell a puppy or adult to anyone who may use the dog for commercial breeding purposes. I will not sell a dog through an agent, nor will I place or sell a dog via raffle or auction. I willcarefully screen all buyers for suitability, and will nt sell to anyone whom I believe cannot properly care for the dog.

I will use a sales contract or other written agreement with any sale, lease, stud service or other transaction involving a Belgian Laekenois. Terms of the agreement will be clearly stated, including price and guarantees, and I eill make every effort to assure myself that the terms are understood by all parties involved. I will abide by the terms of all contracts/agreements I sign.

I will give dog or puppy buyers accurate health, breeding and registration records and a four generation pedigree. i will provide buyers with additional information on care and maintenance, dependent upon the age/health of the dog and the experience of the buyers. I will do my best to accurately evaluate the quality and/or potential of te puppy or dog being sold. Unless agreed to in writing at the time of the sale, I will furnish registration papers with all dogs.

So that I may accurately assess my breeding program, I will make efforts to remain incontact with buyers and to obtain information on the physical and mental quality of each dog. I will make serious efforts to ensure that every dog purchased from me has a loving home and is properly cared for.

6. ADVERTISING:
I agree that my advertising, both oral and written, will be factual and not worded so as to misrepresent the rating, wins, or capabilities of my dogs; so as not to attract undesirable buyers or encourage the breeding of the Belgian Laekenois as a money-making scheme.

7. GENERAL CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP
I will conduct myself in a manner which will reflect credit on myself, the breed, the NOBLE, Inc. at all times. I will not co-own dogs or participate in breeding with persons who do not support he intent of the code.

If I become aware of mistreatment, abuse, or need for relocation of any Belgian Laekenois, I will notify one or all of the following (depending on circumstances): (1) The NOBLE, Inc Rescue Committee, (2) the dog's breeder, or (3) the owner of the dog's sire.

I pledge to help educate the general public on responsible dog ownership and ethical breeding and sales practices, and to courteously assist novice dog owners and exhibitors.

8. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION:
The NOBLE, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws (Article VI) provide for the investigation and discipline of violations of the Code of Ethics under the terms that substantiated violations of this Code constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the breed or the club.

Charges may be filed against a member for alleged intentional violation of this code. If the charges are substantiated, disciplinary action as detailed in the NOBLE, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws wll be instituted.

Signed: _________________________________________________ Date: _______________________