The purpose of the ASDI, Inc. Code of Ethics is to provide guidelines to its members to aid in fulfilling the objectives of the Club which are outlined in the Club Constitution.

Each member should:

1. Consider the welfare of the breed when engaged in any activities involving Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, including but not limited to, breeding, exhibiting, selling and placement, and refrain from any activities which would be prejudicial to the best interest of the breed and Anatolian Shepherd Dogs International, Inc..

2. Learn about the breed, its characteristics, the FCI Breed Standard and other pertinent information so as to further the advancement of the breed through the education of others without misrepresentation of the qualities of the breed.

3. Practice responsible ownership and display good sportsmanship in all activities involving Anatolian Shepherd Dogs.

4. Not make false or misleading statements about the dogs or character of any member who meets the standards of ASDI, Inc. Code of Ethics.

Each member that breeds a litter should:

1. Breed with the goal of producing balanced dogs of exceptional quality, that are physically and mentally sound, to preserve the working instincts of t.he Anatolian without exaggeration of type, size, aggressiveness or any other physical or mental attribute for any purpose. Be aware of the weaknesses and strengths of any dog or bitch, and of its parents and siblings, if possible, before considering the animal for breeding stock.

2. Avoid breeding from any stock having unstable dispositions or displaying behavior that would not reflect credit on the breed as livestock guardian dogs. Avoid breeding an unhealthy animal, one that has a serious defect or deviation from the breed standard, or one with any serious inherited problem requiring corrective surgery or medication to correct or control. Encourage spaying or neutering of puppies or adult Anatolians that are not of breeding quality.

3. Breed only from those Anatolians whose hips have been radiographed after 24 months of age and certified clear of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or Genetic Disease Control registry (GDC) and include the OFA or GDC number and rating in all advertising with Choban Chatter. Encourage all new owners to seek OFA or GDC certification of their Anatolians.

4. Not inbreed dogs, nor practice or knowingly abet crossbreeding or inbreeding.

5. Not engage in over-breeding of bitches for profit. Not breed any bitch more often than once per year or two out of three consecutive heat seasons, and then only if she is in robust health. Consider the local market for the puppies, be prepared to properly care for any that are not sold for several months.

6. Keep accurate records on all stock, breedings, sales, and registrations. Honestly depict stock in all advertising and sales. Be prepared to advise or instruct new owners with their dogs or to refer them to specialists when necessary.

7. Guarantee replacement or reimbursement to the owner if the breeder has produced a dog that develops any serious inherited defect. Be prepared to take back misplaced dogs.

Any Puppy or Dog Placed by a Member Shall:

1. Be clean, healthy, immunized and at least 8 weeks old. Its health record and a three generation pedigree (if known) provided to the suitable, qualified owner. The new owner should be informed about the idiosyncrasies of the breed and of the particular dog.

2. Not be raffled, sold through a broker, or other commercial means, or be surrendered to any animal shelter.

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

The Anatolian Shepherd is a very special breed of dog, developed over many centuries under rigorous working conditions to perform a specific job – protect livestock. As breeders of these dogs, we are dedicated to maintaining the same degree of uniformity in working behavior, temperament, soundness and overall conformation as these dogs have exhibited for millennia in their native lands.

As a member in good standing of the ASDCA, I hereby agree:

01. To abide by the ASDCA By-Laws and the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club.

02. That all advertising shall be honest and not in any way misrepresenting, fraudulent, or misleading.

03. To maintain the highest of standards of canine health, cleanliness, and care.

04. That no ASD will be knowingly sold to franchised commercial facilities, puppy brokers, puppy mills or agents. No stud dog will be knowingly bred to any bitch whose owner is directly or indirectly involved with any puppy broker, puppy mill, or any other commercial enterprise whose business is involved in like activities. No ASD will be sold or donated to a research laboratory. No dog will be offered as a prize or sold at auction.

05. All breeding done will be done with the intentions of improving the breed and never for purely commercial reasons.

06. 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.

07. All breeding Bitches and Dogs should be physically mature and at least two years of age with no disqualifying faults per the AKC Standard. Bitches should not be bred two heats in a row without veterinary approval.

08. Puppies will not be shipped before 8 weeks of age.

09. To realistically evaluate all puppies and to sell or place all nonbreeding ASD on spay/neuter contracts with limited registration papers (offspring nonregisterable).

10. To take responsibility for all offspring produced in my breeding program and to assist in their lifetime placements and re-homing if necessary.