Comments to the AWSC Code of Ethics
This Code of Ethics is intended for both the owners and breeders of American Water Spaniels who are members of the
American Water Spaniel Club, Inc., the American Kennel Club (“AKC”) recognized Parent Club of the American Water
Spaniel and the only AKC recognized Specialty Club of the American Water Spaniel. The Comments to the AWSC
Code of Ethics are intended to set forth the best practices for members to utilize when striving for the goals contained in
the Code of Ethics.
As a member of the AWSC, your conduct is reflective upon the Club, especially to non-members at AWSC events. You
should conduct yourself accordingly such that you will reflect credit upon the Club and other fanciers of the breed
regardless of the location or circumstance, but especially at club meetings and field events, and when participating as
exhibitors or spectators at dog shows.
In addition, comments made in public or on public forums also reflect upon the Club. Constructive criticism on a public
forum is acceptable. However, public criticism merely for the purpose of degrading the Club, another person, or another
person’s dog or breed is not constructive. Name calling or making false accusations is never acceptable. Civil discourse
about issues is a goal and sometimes members must agree to disagree, recognizing that theirs is not the only view.
The maintenance of the natural hunting ability and continued health of the breed should be paramount in any breeding of
an American Water Spaniel. As a breeder or someone involved in the breeding of an American Water Spaniel, breed
only with the intent that the puppies (1) exhibit natural hunting ability, (2) conform to the written standard as recognized
by the AKC, and (3) are physically and structurally sound, free from serious inherited defects. In order to accomplish
this, you must try to keep up with the latest information on genetics and heredity problems of the American Water Spaniel.
The American Water Spaniels that are to be bred should be physically and structurally sound and free from any serious
inherited defects, including, but not limited to, serious allergies and thyroid problems, immune system problems, coat
problems, or temperament problems. Breeding combinations that appear to be acceptable breeding stock, but that have
produced multiple offspring which are not acceptable for breeding, should not be bred again.
In order to assure that only healthy dogs and bitches are bred, and to improve the chances for healthy offspring, the
following minimum health clearances are recommended by the AWSC prior to breeding. AWS breeders may choose to use additional screening tools or to screen more frequently. Owners of non-breeding AWS are also encouraged to screen their dogs to help the AWSC better understand the prevalence of these conditions in the breed.
Dogs and bitches should have satisfactory results on these exams and be free from other serious hereditary problems if they are to be bred.
Hip Dysplasia:
OFA screening and classification as “Normal” at two years of age or older.
Eyes:
OFA Eye Certification within one year prior to breeding and up to eight (8) years of age.
Heart:
OFA Basic Cardiac Exam - Within one year prior to breeding, preferably by a veterinary cardiologist, or Advanced Cardiac Exam - At least once, at one year of age or older.
Breeders should take care in placing puppies and adult dogs by screening prospective purchasers with the intent of placing
them in responsible, permanent, and caring homes and be willing to help relocate them or take them back if, for any
reason, owners cannot keep the dog.
Breeders should require that any adult or puppy of obvious non-breeding quality be sold with a spay / neuter contract and
said puppies be registered with AKC limited registration. Furthermore, they should encourage a similar commitment to
the quality and preservation of the American Water Spaniel breed of prospective purchasers.
Breeders should place puppies in homes no earlier than 7 weeks of age, in healthy, robust condition, and be accompanied
by a complete health and vaccination history. They should also provide care and feeding instructions, AKC papers, and
written documentation of all agreed upon sales conditions and guarantees, including a pedigree of at least three
generations.
Breeders should honor all contracts regarding sales, co-ownerships, breeding rights, agreements, compensations, leases,
stud service, or any other written agreements set forth.