Garden State Mastiff Fanciers Club
 
CODE OF ETHICS
 
The Garden State Mastiff Fanciers Club requires its members to adhere to the following guidelines which constitute its Code of Ethics. The Club also requires that members, breeders and stud dog owners not aid or abet the violation of these guidelines by anyone else. This Code details certain practices necessary to implement the objectives of the Club as outlined in Article I, Section 2 of its Constitution.
 
1. I will consider only the betterment of the breed when breeding a
bitch or allowing a breeding with my stud dog, being
conscientious of controlling and eliminating inherited problems. A
breeder and stud dog owner shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of protecting the breed, and only when the parties involved agree the breeder is in a position and has the knowledge to give proper care to both the bitch and offspring.
 
2. I will not allow a bitch to be bred prior to her reaching twenty-two
(22) months of age, nor shall any bitch be bred after her seventh (7)
birthday. A bitch will not be bred more than once in any twelve (12)
month period unless she does not whelp a litter, the litter is
stillborn, consists of a single (1) pup, or as part of a veterinarian's
recommendation for treatment of pyometra. Any other reason would need to be stated in writing, along with a licensed veterinarian's certification of good health, to be received by the Recording Secretary at least fourteen (14) days prior to the breeding for the Board's approval.
 
3. I will sell a Mastiff only to a buyer whom I believe to be interested
in the protection of the breed and who would agree in writing to provide the highest quality of care for said Mastiff, including quality food,water, proper shelter from heat or cold; active companionship,
appropriate exercise, socialization and professional veterinary care
whenever necessary.
 
4. A GSMF member will sell each Mastiff puppy/adult on a written
contract signed by all parties. Said contract shall contain, but is not
limited to the provisions as follows:
a. Complete care/feeding instructions.
b. A record of inoculations and worming with a recommended continuation schedule.
c. Provide the buyer with a five (5) generation pedigree on the litter.
d. Furnish a signed AKC registration or transfer form, unless written
agreement is made with the buyer that such papers are withheld or are tofollow.
e. A provision that ensures that the breeder is contacted whenever an
owner can no longer keep a dog at any time in the dog's life and that
the breeder will take back that dog if asked to do so.
f. Stipulate that the buyer have a veterinary check-up within five (5)
working days of the sale, (or whatever is applicable in your state of
residence), to determine that the Mastiff is healthy. If the
veterinarian determines that the Mastiff is not in good health, the
breeder will, upon the Mastiff's return, refund the purchase price or
replace the Mastiff.
 
5. I will not knowingly sell or provide a Mastiff for resale, gift or
prize or to a broker/agent for resale. I will not engage in the
brokering of puppies, (selling or buying), EXCEPT in a case that would prevent a potential rescue situation. ALL SUCH CASES MUST be documented by letter to the GSMF Recording Secretary.
 
6. I will not sell a puppy/adult who is sick, nor will I ship or deliver
to the buyer a puppy less than eight (8) weeks of age.
 
7. I will show good sportsmanship at all times and in all matters
relating to Mastiffs. I will maintain the highest degree of honesty and
integrity. I will not knowingly make a misstatement of fact in any
serious discussion of my Mastiffs or the Mastiffs of any other Mastiff
owner that I might have with persons not qualified to judge the facts
for themselves. When advertising my Mastiffs in any media, (magazines, internet websites, mail, email, etc.), I will not make false or misleading statements. I will only use a picture of another owner's
Mastiff with the owner's express permission and I will clearly identify
that Mastiff and the Mastiff's owner in the ad.
 
8. I will take back any Mastiff bred/sold by me who has been displaced. If I am unable to do so, I will assist GSMF Rescue or a regional Mastiff club Rescue in the placement of said Mastiff. I will reimburse GSMF Rescue for all costs incurred not to exceed $300.00.
 
9. I will require the neutering/spaying of any puppy/adult or sell as
pet quality as soon as the dog reaches the appropriate age. The GSMF
Club recommends puppies deemed pet quality be placed with "Limited"
Registration; puppies whose quality is questionable should be placed
with "Limited" Registration which is reversible, if appropriate, when
said puppy becomes more mature and a better determination of quality can be rendered; show/breeding quality puppies should be placed with either "Full" or "Limited" Registration.
 
10. I will not sell, nor use, a Mastiff for the purpose of attack
training, fighting, or any other sport detrimental to the breed and its
reputation
 
11. I will not produce more than eight (8) litters in any twenty-four
(24) month period per household nor will I permit my stud dog to be used in a program which would exceed eight (8) litters per twenty-four (24) month period per household. I will not purposely evade these guidelines by putting my dogs in the name of friends or other family members.
 
12. I will provide the highest quality care to all Mastiffs that I own,
or that are in my possession, for as long as they are in my care
including quality food, water, proper shelter from heat or cold; active
companionship, appropriate exercise, socialization, and professional
veterinary care whenever necessary. I will never abuse, nor knowingly
allow abuse of these same Mastiffs.