Caucasian Ovcharka Society of America 

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Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is established in accordance with the objectives of the CSCA as set forth in the Bylaws. It is established to set a standard of conduct by all members of the Caucasian Shepherd Club of America. It is presented as a guideline for the use of CSCA members and the general public when buying, breeding, selling and exhibiting Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a massive, powerful dog breed, developed to protect people and property with its life no matter the conditions. As breeders, we have taken stewardship of the breed, and must breed in such a way that working ability, temperament, soundness, and conformation is maintain.


As a member in good standing of the CSCA, I hereby agree to the following:

I. General

a)  Members will consider the welfare of the breed when engaged in any activities involving breeding, exhibiting and selling of CSDs, and will refrain from any actions which would be prejudicial to the best interests of the breed and the Club.
b)  Members will maintain humane conditions of all dogs in their possession.
c)  Members will never abuse or knowingly allow abuse of these same dogs.
d)  Members will provide appropriate and safe containment and control of their dogs at their residences and while in public.
e)  Members will properly train their dogs to ensure the safety of the dogs and others.

II. Breeding

a) All breeding done will be done with the intentions of improving the breed and never for purely commercial reasons.
b) No breeding shall be done with CSDs without AKC FSS or FCI registration.
c)  All breeding stock shall be in good health and free from communicable disease.
d)  All breeding dogs/bitches must be certified radiographic free of hip dysplasia at age 2 or more by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or comparable agency. Copies of this certification to be provided to puppy buyers, upon request. Screening for elbow dysplasia, genetic illness, and cardiac disease strongly recommended.
e)  All breeding Bitches and Dogs should be physically mature and at least two years of age with no disqualifying faults per the FCI #328 Standard and sound of temperament.
f)  If a bitch is to be bred to more than one stud dog during one oestrus cycle as allowed by the AKC, the owner of the bitch shall follow all AKC requirements and verify parentage of all offspring including companion animals.
g)  It is strongly suggested that, to protect all parties, stud service contracts are to be made in writing and executed and signed by both parties.
h)  Puppies will not be shipped nor released from the breeder's care before 8 weeks of age.
i)  All breeders shall realistically evaluate all puppies and to sell or place all nonbreeding CSD with limited registration papers (offspring non-registerable).
j) To take responsibility for all offspring produced in my breeding program and to assist in their lifetime placements and re-homing if necessary.

III. Sales

a)  No member of the club shall engage in wholesaling of litters of CSDs or individual sales of puppies or adults to pet shops, pet dealers, catalog houses or other commercial establishments, nor shall they be given as prizes in contests nor exploited to the detriment of the breed or of pure-bred dogs. Donation of puppies or adult CSDs is not allowed to laboratories or any entity. No CSD is to be offered at auction.
b)  All CSDs sold shall be in good health and condition, free from communicable disease. No adult or puppy shall be sold without adequate immunization against disease in terms of its age.
c)  Puppies will not be shipped nor released from the breeder's care before 8 weeks of age.
d) The Breeder shall disclose any known health and hereditary issues of sire and dam to the buyer prior to sale.
e) Breeders will ascertain information about the buyer and home conditions prior to sale.
f)  The Breeder will ascertain information about the buyer and home conditions prior to sale.

IV. Infractions

Violations or infractions to the Code are to be brought to the Board's attention and dealt with in the manner prescribed by the Club's Constitution and By-Laws.