Code of Ethics

© Rich Knecht Photography

Purpose

As the AKC Parent Breed Club, the Miniature American Shepherd Club of the U.S.A. (MASCUSA), we are dedicated to promoting, preserving, and protecting our dogs and their owners. MASCUSA supports sound and responsible breeding practices aimed at the improvement and advancement of the AKC Miniature American Shepherd. We uphold the highest ethical standards among breeders, owners, and fanciers while fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and cooperation within the membership. MASCUSA has adopted the following Code of Ethics to foster these high standards and to advance the betterment of our breed. All members in good standing with MASCUSA agree to uphold this code.

Signatures

MASCUSA requires members to sign the Code of Ethics

  • with initial application for club membership and upon membership renewal
  • with Breeder Directory or Stud Dog Directory application submissions and renewals
  • with Awards program applications (HOF breeder/HOF breeder excellent)
  • with Futurity Litter Nominations

Enforcement

If a violation of the Code of Ethics appears to exist, the Board of Directors should be notified and action may be taken in accordance with the Constitution and bylaws of The Miniature American Shepherd Club of The U.S.A.

Member Conduct

MASCUSA members are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship in all activities involving the Miniature American Shepherd.

Members should avoid unnecessary criticism of another person’s dog.

Members should not exhibit any dog in conformation that has a known disqualification according to our breed standard.

A Mentor Breeder commits to educating the public in a positive way and graciously assisting novice breeders.

Breeding

When planning litters a breeder should:

  • plan each breeding with the primary goal of improving the breed.
  • select a stud and dam based on conformation, temperament, working ability, and intelligence, while carefully studying the Miniature American Shepherd Breed Standard, pedigrees, and basic principles of genetics.
  • before entering into any stud service arrangement, scrutinize the pedigree, health, temperament, conformation, type, clearances recommended by OFA CHIC, and working potentials of both sire and dam; keeping in mind the ideal Miniature American Shepherd as described in the Miniature American Shepherd Breed Standard.
  • use only individuals free of defects such as monorchidism, cryptorchidism, deafness, albinism, and other disqualifying conditions for breeding, except when related to size.
  • use only those dogs whose hips have been X-rayed for dysplasia and rated fair to excellent by OFA or have received a passing score by PennHIP.
  • use only dogs whose eyes have been examined and found free of ocular deformities by a qualified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Use of dogs with breeder option codes is at the breeder’s discretion but should be disclosed.
  • refrain from using dogs for breeding that consistently produce puppies affected with genetic issues.

Care and Conditions

All members should follow the most current AKC Care and Conditions Policy, which reflects the AKC’s values in promoting responsible ownership and maintenance of dogs.

Records

Each member who breeds a bitch or uses a stud for service should keep accurate records in accordance with AKC Regulations for Record Keeping and Identifying dogs.

Any member who falsifies a registration or knowingly misrepresents a pedigree, including limited-to-full registration with or from another registry, should be reported to the MASCUSA Board of Directors.

Sales

A breeder should carefully choose where they place their dogs or puppies and ensure suitable homes. With this in mind, Miniature American Shepherds shall not be donated for raffles, give-aways, or sold to dog wholesalers, brokers or retailers like pet shops.

A breeder should, for their own protection and that of the buyer, provide written proof of sale and guarantees that are signed and dated by both parties, either at the time of sale or prior.

The contract should include, but is not limited to:

  • a minimum of six months written guarantee against crippling or handicapping congenital defects on all puppies sold.
  • additionally, guarantee the sale of breeding stock puppies against all hereditary defects and any disqualifying faults for a similar period. (wither height not included)
  • if the Buyer cannot keep the dog, the breeder must be contacted and be willing to help re-home or take back the dog.

All guarantees should at least include the replacement of the puppy with another within a reasonable period of time after returning the originally purchased puppy.

A breeder should transfer all applicable registration papers when the purchase agreement or contract is finalized, unless the contract states otherwise and is signed by all parties.

Upon selling a dog or puppy, the breeder should also provide diet and care information, a health guarantee, and an inoculation record with the date administered, type of serum, and expiration date.

A breeder should refrain from releasing a puppy until it is at least 8 weeks old.

Advertising

The breeder agrees that all advertising for their kennel, dogs/puppies, and achievements should be truthful and honest in both content and implication. The breeder will mention the club, registry, and/or breed name (when applicable) before all awards they have received, such as Hall of Fame, ROM, Breeder of Merit, CH, Top 10/20, and others.

Breeders must exercise caution when discussing breeding potential with buyers, as breeding Miniature American Shepherds is a serious commitment that should not be taken lightly.

Using a club or AKC logo without proper permission is unethical and could be illegal.

The MASCUSA Code of Ethics includes adhering to AKC’s policies, including the AKC Code of Sportsmanship and Civility.

Supersedes Code of Ethics approved 04/07/2022
MASCUSA Board of Directors approved 11/26/2025