American Rottweiler Club Mandatory Practices

ARC MANDATORY PRACTICES

These MANDATORY PRACTICES and RECOMMENDATIONS are established in accordance with the objectives of THE AMERICAN ROTTWEILER CLUB. There are 4 sections in this document: Mandatory Practices for ALL Members; Recommendations for ALL Members; Mandatory Practices for BREEDERS, and Recommendations for BREEDERS. Mandatory Practices MUST be adhered to and Recommendations are strongly encouraged.

INTRODUCTION: The Rottweiler is above all a working dog and must exhibit the temperament, intelligence and structure of a working companion. The physical appearance should be as described in the current AKC Rottweiler Standard.

SECTION 1. MANDATORY PRACTICES FOR ALL ARC MEMBERS.

AS AN ARC MEMBER, I SHALL ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING MANDATORY PRACTICES:

Maintain the highest possible standards of health, cleanliness and care of all dogs. Dogs shall be contained within safe restrictions when the breeder/owner cannot personally supervise their safety.
Choose names for AKC registration which do not use prefixes or kennel names associated with other recognized breeders of Rottweilers in the U.S., Canada, Germany or any other foreign country, unless written permission is obtained from the original user of the name.
Observe the highest standards of sportsmanship and good will at shows, obedience and herding trials, and at any other event involving Rottweilers. Assist all newcomers to the breed so that they may be guided in the ways that can best conserve and improve the Rottweiler.
Any docking of tails shall be done within 7 days of birth. This does not apply to re-docking of an already docked tail. Dogs whose tails are left undocked, may only be docked as a result of a medical necessity.
The ARC membership list is for members’ personal and club use only. It is not to be sold or given away, nor is it to be encompassed into any business database.

SECTION 2. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL ARC MEMBERS.

AS AN ARC MEMBER, I SHALL ENCOURAGE THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED PRACTICES:

Encourage working titles to retain the breed’s correct working temperament. Encourage the showing of future breeding animals in the conformation ring, keeping in mind that the purpose of such shows is to improve the breed by objective evaluation of the animals in competition according to the Breed Standard.
Encourage members to participate in health studies which are listed by the Rottweiler Health Foundation. (www.rottweilerhealth.org)
Encourage members who are not using their dogs/bitches for breeding to have them tested for the various health clearances in order to provide better statistical results.
It is strongly recommended that ALL dogs/bitches, especially those used for breeding, have a Canine Good Citizen Certification and/or pass an ATTS Test.

SECTION 3. MANDATORY PRACTICES FOR BREEDERS

AS AN ARC MEMBER, WHOSE DOG OR BITCH IS USED FOR BREEDING PURPOSES, I SHALL ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING MANDATORY PRACTICES.

Study and strive to conserve and improve the breed in structure, health, temperament and working ability, never sacrificing one for the other.
Plan all litters with the goal of improving the Breed giving consideration to individual health benefits and concerns. Breed only AKC registered mature dogs and bitches which are no less than 2 years of age, have passed all required health tests, have stable temperament and no disqualifying physical faults according to the AKC Rottweiler Standard (i.e. entropion, ectropion, overshot, undershot, wry mouth, 2 or more missing teeth, unilateral cryptorchid or cryptorchid males, long coat, any base color other than black, absence of all markings).
In the interest of full disclosure of any identified health issues, any dog or bitch to be bred, (born after January 1, 2008) must have a CHIC certificate which provides a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is meant to encourage health testing and sharing of all results, normal and abnormal, so that more informed breeding decisions can be made in an overall effort to reduce the incidence of genetic disease and improve canine health. CHIC requires permanent identification (Microchip or Tattoo) and requires that certain evaluations are done and results released, regardless of pass or failure. (See www.caninehealthinfo.org for required Rottweiler evaluations). See Sections 6 & 7.
Dog and bitch to be bred, (born after January 1, 2008) must be OFA Cardiac “Normal” at 2 years of age or older. It is strongly recommended that the evaluation be performed by a Board Certified Cardiologist. See Sections 6 & 7.
Breed only dogs and bitches which have OFA certified hips.
Dog and bitches being imported into the United States must have all of the above required health clearances before being used for breeding.
The following applies to both dogs and bitches which reside outside of the U.S. and are being used for/bred to, either via a natural, fresh or frozen semen breeding: must be certified for hips and hearts as required in #s 4 & 5 above. CERF is not required; however the dog or bitch would be required to have certification from EVCO (European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) or another recognized registry. Because a CHIC # requires CERF, the dog or bitch would be exempt from this requirement.
Dog and bitches born before January 1, 2008 and being used for breeding, must conform to the health requirements from the previous Mandatory Practices (1999).
If a bitch is bred consecutively, it shall be on no more than 2 consecutive seasons. Bitches bred to more than 1 sire during a single season must adhere to the AKC regulations (http://www.akc.org/dna/multisire.cfm)
Offer at stud, with a signed written contract, only mature (no less than 2 years of age) healthy dogs, free of communicable diseases, and meeting all of the above requirements. Refuse stud service to any bitch not meeting the same requirements.
Sell all dogs with a signed, written contract. All dogs/puppies sold must be guaranteed to be in healthy condition, including adequate protection against known diseases. Keep and pass on to buyers accurate health, breeding and registration records and pedigree records of at least 3 generations. Registration papers may be withheld or breeder’s rights retained only by mutual agreement in writing, signed by both parties. Require that all Rottweilers not purchased as show and breeding stock be made incapable of reproducing, and require that limited AKC registration forms be provided, or that registration papers be withheld until a veterinarian’s certificate is received as proof of sterilization. Release puppies to their new home only after they reach 7 weeks of age.
Evaluate honestly according to the AKC Rottweiler Standard, and state clearly to the Buyer the quality of any Rottweiler sold. All advertising shall be honest and informative and shall in no way misrepresent the stock offered. Prices shall be based on individual merit and shall not be included in any advertising.
Sell only to responsible persons and not knowingly sell to anyone or any entity who engages in any activity which might exploit the breed. Rottweilers shall not be given as prizes, offered in raffles, or sold at auctions, nor shall Rottweilers be exploited in any detrimental manner.
Breeders recognize that they have a LIFETIME responsibility for puppies produced by their brood bitch or stud dog. Breeders and stud dog owners recognize the inherent obligation to provide a stable environment that protects each puppy’s physical and emotional well being. This includes helping to relocate to a new home a puppy (or adult dog) with which the owner is dissatisfied, or returning that puppy (or adult). Any provisions for refunds or reimbursement of expenses shall be handled in the contract between breeder and owner. Unless required to do so by law, no puppy or adult dog bred or owned by an ARC member shall be disposed of in an animal shelter or pound or knowingly be allowed to remain in the care of a rescue organization.

SECTION 4. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BREEDERS

AS AN ARC MEMBER WHOSE DOG OR BITCH IS USED FOR BREEDING PURPOSES, I SHALL ABIDE BY THESE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.

In an attempt to lower the incidence of elbow dysplasia in Rottweilers, it is strongly recommended to breed only normal elbows to normal elbows, or Grade 1 DJD to Normal elbows (for the purpose of maintaining a broader gene pool).
It is strongly recommended that all dogs and bitches used for breeding should have an AKC DNA profile.
It is strongly recommended that prior to breeding, consideration be given to disorders that may have a genetic component, including, but not limited to, cruciate ligament injuries, von Willebrand’s disease, hypothyroidism, and orthopedic disorders such as osteochondritis.
It is strongly recommended that prospective breeding candidates and their immediate relatives are not affected with (or not carriers of) hereditary disease for which there is diagnostic testing.
It is strongly recommended that Dogs be limited to 24 or fewer breedings (resulting in 3 or more live puppies) in a 12 month period to allow opportunity to realize their contribution (both positive and negative) to the gene pool. Note: Dogs’ semen can be collected and stored allowing them to produce puppies long after their life has ended.

As a member of the American Rottweiler Club, I have read and understand that I shall be required to abide by the above Mandatory Practices in all ways. I understand that these Mandatory Practices are applicable to all dogs owned, co-owned or leased by or from me. I further agree to abide by the above Recommended Practices to the best of my ability.

I understand and agree that upon receipt of sufficient written proof of violations of these MANDATORY PRACTICES, the Board of Directors will proceed according to the American Rottweiler Club Bylaws, Article VI. Discipline. I further understand and agree that should I, through no fault of my own, be in violation of any of the aforementioned provisions, I shall have recourse to the Board of Directors.

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