Revised B.C.U.K. Code of Ethics

(Following AGM 31.5.2014, Agenda item 10.)

Bergamasco Club UK – BCUK was formerly known as Bergamasco Owners and Friends
Fraternity – BOFF and changed its name on 9th May 2021. BCUK is referred to as The Club

Breeders/Owners:

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 who performs an operation on any
   of their dogs which alters the natural conformation of the animal, or who carries out a
   caesarean section on a bitch, may report such operations 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. As a member of The Club I undertake to adhere to the Rules and Regulations laid down by
    The Kennel Club and the Bergamasco Standard laid down by them. I will conduct myself in
    such a manner as to reflect credit upon The Club and upon Bergamascos. I will display good
    sportsmanship at all times and refrain from criticising other breeders’ stock in a way which
    may be considered vindictive. I will maintain a high standard of health and care for my
    Bergamascos.
16. If I cannot keep my Bergamascos, I will notify the Committee (Health and Welfare Officer),
    after prior reference to the breeder.
17. For the purpose of this Code of Conduct, the wording ‘breeder’ shall mean both the Owner of
    the Stud Dog and the owner of the Breeding Bitch.
18. As a breeder of Bergamascos, I will try to improve the quality of the Breed, having regard to
    the Breed Standard, by using a dog well suited to the bitch and to prevent the doubling up on
    major faults.
19. I will refuse stud services to any bitch not registered with the Kennel Club or the affiliated
    Kennel Club for the country the bitch is registered in if overseas.
20. I will only sell Bergamasos in good health to the best of my knowledge at the time of sale.
21. I will provide each purchaser at the time of sale with an accurate pedigree, a diet sheet and
    general care information which shall include information about the development of the coat. I
    will provide the Kennel Club Registration documents within a reasonable length of time,
    unless otherwise agreed. I will encourage purchasers to join The Bergamasco Club UK.
22. I will assist the owner in every reasonable way during the life of the Bergamasco, including
    assisting with rehoming if this becomes necessary, by liaising with The Club’s Welfare
    Officer.
23. I will not sell any Bergamasco which has a known major fault/abnormality without ensuring
    the buyer is fully aware of that (or those) fault(s) or abnormality(ies) in writing.
24. I will not breed Bergamascos unless both the sire and the dam have been x-rayed and
    scored for hip dysplasia under the KC/BVA scheme. The hip scores must be given to the
    Health and Welfare Officer. (Note: Point 28 may be used below in cases where an older stud
    dog which is too late for hip scoring)
25. I will ensure that the purchaser is fully informed as to any restrictions, endorsements or terms
    that may apply to the purchaser of the Bergamasco.
26. No Bergamasco bitch should be mated before reaching the age of 24 months or whelp
    puppies after 8 years of age (KC rule – section B3.22(c)). A male Bergamasco should not be
    used at stud until his hips have been scored.
27. There should normally be a lapse of a minimum of 12 months after the birth before another
    Litter is contemplated.
28. In exceptional circumstances, the committee may use discretion in the application of the above Code of Conduct.

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.

Proposed: Reyna Knight Signed: Reyna G Knight Date: 31.5.2014
Seconded: Val Rottger Signed: V Rottger Date: 31.5.2014