Code of Conduct of the Spinone Club of America Approved: April 1994 Amended: May 1996 & 2001 and April 2002, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010

Definitions The singular includes the plural. "Dog" is gender neutral and age neutral. "Member" means a person who is a member of SCOA. "Person" means any natural person, corporation, association, or other form of legal entity. General Conduct Members shall: Put the well being of their dogs and the breed as a whole before any personal gain. Behave in a manner that reflects credit upon themselves, their dogs, the sport of purebred dogs, and SCOA, regardless of the location or circumstance. Behave honorably and exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Maintain the best possible standard of canine health, cleanliness and veterinary care in an atmosphere conducive to the stable development of their dogs. Participate in efforts to assess and improve the health of the breed, including sharing health information, providing samples and information for test development and sharing of information with other members. Educate themselves and others about the Spinone breed. Not sell, transfer or consign a dog to pet shops, unethical breeders, or other commercial ventures including lotteries, raffles or auctions. Act against the maltreatment or misuse of dogs. The SCOA Board is to be notified when a member becomes aware of the maltreatment of a Spinone. Act to ensure the welfare of any Spinone in a shelter or otherwise in need of placement and notify SCOA Rescue promptly. Breeding Members will strive to: Breed conscientiously, taking responsibility for the lives they produce, including responsible placement of all puppies produced by any breeding, to ensure the safety and well being of the individual dogs as well as the breed. This means, if necessary, breeders will take back any puppy and care for it until a new home can be found. Educate themselves in order to recognize the correct conformation of the Spinone and its relationship to the traditional function of the breed in accordance with the AKC breed standard. Breed only animals that are in good health and are physically and temperamentally sound. In order to achieve this goal, breeders should learn the basic principles of genetics prior to breeding a stud dog or brood bitch and apply those principles to breeding decisions. Stay informed on current knowledge and available testing for inherited diseases as per current SCOA Health Committee recommendations, including, but not limited to, cerebellar ataxia, hip dysplasia and eye conditions, and use such knowledge and tests to reduce the incidence of inherited disease. Also stay current on the health testing requirements necessary in order to list anticipated litters on the SCOA Litter Registry. Plan breedings to conserve and improve the breed, including temperament, conformation, breed type, and hunting instinct, keeping in mind the breed's function as a family companion and as a hunting dog. Remain familiar with AKC rules regarding recordkeeping, registrations, sales and transfers of dogs, and abide by these rules. Plan breedings to advance SCOA's goal to preserve and maintain the breed, and to act as its steward throughout future years. In accord with this goal, breeders should not breed animals that are known to have a serious inherited disease or defect that would likely be passed on to offspring and that, if inherited, would significantly affect the quality of life of any offspring produced. Advertise in a factual manner, refraining from language which would encourage the raising and selling of dogs for profit. Make every effort to evaluate prospective buyers to assess the suitability of the prospective home. Inform all prospective owners of both advantages as well as disadvantages of the breed. New owners should be given full and accurate pedigrees, together with general feeding and maintenance instructions for the dog. Disclaimers Persons using registries in which SCOA member breeders list puppies must decide for themselves which breeder is most suitable for their purpose. SCOA does not assume responsibility or liability for any claim arising in connection either with any alleged or actual violation of this Code of Conduct by advertisers in any SCOA print or electronic publication, or any other publication. Though SCOA may maintain a breeders registry for anticipated litters, any ratings, listings, gradings or other identifying information provided by referenced registries will not impose liability upon SCOA as to the accuracy of the information or the methods by which they were derived.