The ARBMR believes that the welfare of individual Mi-Ki and the entire Mi-Ki breed are of paramount importance. Therefore, I agree to act in accordance with the following American Rare Breed Mi-Ki Registry [ARBMR] Code of Ethics at all times. I understand that actions contrary to the American Rare Breed Mi-Ki Registry [ARBMR] Code of Ethics will be grounds for disciplinary actions of the ARBMR.

I. RECORDS and REGISTRATIONS
I understand that the records of the ARBMR depend upon the accuracy of the information I provide and that this information is vital in tracing and understanding health, temperament and genetic traits.

If I choose to breed my Mi-Ki(s), I will maintain complete and accurate records of all breeding dates, whelping, and sale of puppies. This information includes:
(1) Whelping Date
(2) The number of puppies in the litter
(3) The sex and color of each puppy delivered
(4) The sex, color, and reason for all puppies that die before reaching 10 weeks of age.
(5) The name, sex, and color of each puppy surviving
(6) The name and address of each owner of each puppy transferred.

II. BREEDING
I realize that the purpose of breeding a Mi-Ki is to bring a new, healthy, cherished life into the world. That each individual Mi-Ki will ideally reflect the ARBMR Breed Standard, will exhibit no behavioral or health problems, and will be genetically sound. There exists a constant danger that ignorant or disreputable breeders may jeopardize the Mi-Ki breed by inbreeding and other improper breeding practices, produce physically, mentally, and/or temperamentally unsound Mi-Kis to the detriment of the breed and to the detriment of the puppies that are produced.

A. If I decide to breed Mi-Kis, I will:
1.) Provide my Mi-Ki(s) (male and/or female) with nurturing human attention, a proper diet to ensure excellent health, regular professional health examinations and care, bathing and grooming, frequent access to the outdoors whether that be within a fenced yard or walking your Mi-Ki on a leash.
2.) I will only permit Breedable/Show Quality Mi-Kis that I produce to be bred. I will never breed from or to a None Breedable/Pet Quality Mi-Kis. If any breeder breeds their bitch or dog to a None Breedable/Pet Quality Mi-Ki this will result in, all pups being sold as None Breedable/Pet Quality and neutered. Breeding a None Breedable/Pet Quality Mi-Ki may result in removal from the ARBMR and a permanent ban on registering dogs produced by the breeder.
3.) All female Mi-Kis must be in excellent health, of good temperament and at least 1-year-old or second heat cycle before breeding. To breed a Mi-Ki less than one year old will result in, a warning from the ARBMR.
4.) I understand that the bitch as well as the dog is to be registered as a Breedable/Show quality before to any breeding takes place. The Potentially Breedable Mi-Ki must pass all health examinations and to be classified as a "Breedable".
5.) No female can be bred after her eighth (8^th) birthday, and no female can be bred after six [6] years old without submitting a complete health exam from your licensed veterinarian to the ARBMR before the breeding takes place.
6.) If I use the services of a separately-owned stud dog, I will require a written contract between myself and the owner of the stud dog prior to breeding. I understand that this requirement is in the best interest of both parties as well as a benefit to the Mi-Ki breed. The terms of the contract can be simple or complex, but cannot negate the terms of the ARBMR’s Code of Ethics.
7.) I will always be selective with respect to the conformation, health, and temperament of the bitch and stud dog.
8.) I will breed only after careful consideration of the ARBMR Standard as it applies to the two Mi-Ki’s involved and to their Pedigrees.
9.) I will never breed from or to any Mi-Ki known to me to have any inheritable, disqualifying, disabling, or potentially disabling defect.
10.) I will judge all puppies I produce according to the Mi-Ki Breed Standard.
11.) I acknowledge that it is the breeder's responsibility to have each puppy produced properly registered with the ARBMR. I further understand that this requirement for registration will enable the ARBMR to better understand the Mi-Ki's genetics and to help the ARBMR track each Mi-Ki and help insure the Mi-Ki’s health and happiness.
12.) At the point of sale, I will, to the best of my ability to designate the puppy as either “Pet Quality” or Potentially Breedable.
13.) I will comply with the regulations of the ARBMR Registration of every puppy that I produce. These are, in part:
(a.) I will submit my litter registration within four weeks from the date of whelp. I will provisionally register all puppies in my own name and will submit new owner information to the ARBMR as that information becomes available.
(b.) I will assist all my buyers in their submission of a change of registration classification from Potentially Breedable to either Breedable or Pet Quality after the individual puppy has reached (10) ten months of age or older. I understand that it is in the best interest of the Mi-Ki breed, the buyer, and my own breeding program to receive this information.
(Refer to sections III G, III H and III-I., below).
(c.) I will submit my ARBMR fees at the time I submit the registration to the ARBMR. These fees are listed below:
(1) Temporary Registration fee, Potentially Breedable: $10.00
(2) Permanent Registration fee, Pet Quality: $15.00
(3) Permanent Registration fee, Breedable: $5.00
(4) Litter Registration fee: $15.00

B. As the owner of a Stud dog, I realize that I must exercise exemplary conduct in the use of my dog in order to abide by the standards set forth in this Code of Ethics. Therefore, with careful consideration to this Code of Ethics
1.) I will offer my Stud dog for breeding purposes only if the stud dog is at least (10) ten months of age, has passed all health exams, has an excellent temperament, and is registered as a (A) Breedable with the ARBMR. (Refer to sections III G, III H and III-I., below)
2.) I will breed my Stud dog only with Registerable Breedable females (bitches) which I feel are an asset to the Mi-Ki breed, the female must be at least (12) twelve months of age and the female’s owner(s) agree(s) to abide by, sign and date the ARBMR Code of Ethics for this breeding and for this litter. An ARBMR Code of Ethics Breeder must own the bitch in good standing with the ARBMR.
3.) I will be as helpful as possible in assisting the owner of the bitch with the placement of any puppies resulting from the use of my stud dog. I realize that I am as responsible as the owner of the bitch is for these puppies.
4.) I will require a written contract and/or changes to a pre-existing contract between the owner of the bitch and myself before any breeding takes place. I understand that this requirement is in the best interest of both parties as well as a benefit to the Mi-Ki breed. The terms of the contract can be simple or complex, but cannot negate the terms of this Code of Ethics.

C. As the owner of a brood female (bitch) I realize that I must exercise exemplary conduct in the use of my Mi-Ki in order to abide by the ARBMR standards set forth in this Code of Ethics. Therefore, 1.) I will not breed a bitch before 12 months of age or second heat cycle and then only if she is mature and in excellent health.
2.) I understand that the ARBMR highly recommends no more than one litter per year with breedings only every other heat cycle.
Exceptions: Some bitches may come into heat only once each 9-12 months; these females can be bred on consecutive heats if they are healthy and if a veterinarian has confirmed that they have fully recovered from their last whelping.
As a Mi-Ki breeder, I recognize that it is not in the best interest of the Mi-Ki breed or any other breed for me to breed more than one breed of dog. I understand that the ARBMR highly recommends that I do not breed any more then a maximum number of (2) two dog breeds.

III. BREEDER CARE and TRANSFER of PUPPIES and/or ADULT MI-KI DOGS
A. I will provide all Mi-Ki’s with proper veterinary and home care, which includes:
1.) The elimination of internal and external parasites on a regular basis recommended by my vet.
2.) At least one Health examination by a qualified professional under the age of 1 year. (Recommendation: Heart, Eyes, and Patella’s)
3.) The necessary vaccinations suggested by my licensed veterinarian
4.) A properly balanced, nutritional diet as recommended by my licensed veterinarian.
5.) A sanitary, protective, and stimulating environment for growth and development

B. To the very best of my ability, I will screen all potential Mi-Ki owners to determine their suitability and their motives in acquiring a Mi-Ki. Before delivery, I will provide them with full instructions as to the care and requirements of a Mi-Ki and will pay close attention to their ability to provide my puppy with adequate care and physical facilities.

C. To the best of my ability, I will assign the classification Potentially Breedable or Pet Quality to each puppy that I produce. I will classify a puppy as Pet Quality if I know or have reason to believe that:
1.) The puppy is a possible cryptorchid
2.) The puppy lacks black pigment on its nose, lips or eye rings at the Breedable age
Exceptions: Some Mi-Kis will have the pink pigment on its nose, lips or eye rings if the Mi-Ki is dilute or has self coloring. (Refer to the ARBMR Mi-Ki Breed Standard).
3.) It will exhibit unsound structure or a genetic (inheritable) health, behavioral, or major conformational defect.

D. I understand that there may be other reasons to classify a puppy as Pet Quality that has not been listed above. I will inform the ARBMR and my buyer in writing of my reason for classifying a puppy as “Pet Quality” should this occurs.

E. I will explain to each new owner of a Pet Quality puppy in writing that said puppy cannot be used for breeding and must be spayed/neutered by six (6) months of age. [Note:If I transfer ownership of a Pet Quality puppy older than six (6) months old, I understand that it is my responsibility to have that puppy spayed/neutered before that puppy is sold. ]

F. I will explain to each new owner of a Potentially Breedable puppy that predicting the conformation and health of an adult Mi-Ki based upon the appearance of a puppy is difficult and sometimes problematic. That is: I fully understand and will inform my buyer that a puppy judged by me as Potentially Breedable Quality when it is immature may not be suitable for breeding when it is fully mature and would therefore be designated Pet Quality

G. All puppies sold as POTENTIALLY BREEDABLE must be evaluated by at least ten (10) months of age or older to be classified either (A) BREEDABLE (should they pass all health exams) or (B) PET QUALITY (should they fail one of the examinations). These evaluations are the responsibility of the owner and it is also the responsibility of the ARBMR to check all requirements of each individual Potentially Breedable Mi-Ki. The evaluation requirements are listed in II. F, below.

H. For a Mi-Ki to be classified as a BREEDABLE, the individual must be evaluated when it is at least ten (10) months of age or older by the owner's veterinarian. The veterinarian must complete and sign the ARBMR's Health Evaluation form. If the veterinarian does not feel competent to evaluate a particular section OR if the veterinarian finds possible symptoms of disease or malformation, the owner must have the individual Mi-Ki re-evaluated on those points by a Board Certified Veterinary Specialist in the particular health area in question.

I. There are (3) three forms required for a single evaluation. All can be completed via a single appointment with a veterinarian. Please download each form and have your own veterinarian perform the evaluations and sign the forms
*Brief Instructions (for veterinarian and owner)
*The General Health Examination
*The 3 profile Photo Evaluation Sheet

J. I will not allow any puppy to leave for its new home before it is 12 weeks old. The ARBMR highly recommends 12 weeks as the appropriate age of transfer.

K. Each of my Mi-Ki’s, at the time they are released to new owners, will be accompanied by the following:
1. Feeding instructions and all schedules that the individual has been used to while living in your home.
2. Copies of written medical records including dates of all vaccinations, types of vaccine used, and dates of de-worming
3. A written statement of the name, address, and telephone number of the examining veterinarian if not on the vet’s Health Certificate form.
4. A written Health Guarantee, this is generally listed within the breeder’s contract. Various sorts can be used, but any health guarantee should compensate, in some form, the buyer if the puppy develops an unforeseen genetic defect that alters the individual's ability to lead a full life or prevents a Potentially Breedable Mi-Ki from being classified as Breedable.
5. A written statement disclosing fully, any known or strongly suspected health defects that afflicts the puppy.

L. I will keep records of all the new owner's name, address, telephone numbers, (Home, Business, and Cell) and email address. I will periodically contact the owner of my puppies to check and see how my puppy is doing with their new owner.

M. I will recommend, in my written contract, all new owners to have their Mi-Kis checked by a veterinarian of their choice within (72) seventy-two hours of delivery of their Mi-Ki.

N. If the buyer is not satisfied with my Mi-Ki, I will always be willing to accept the return of the puppy within a reasonable time, replace the puppy with another puppy (when a puppy meeting the same requirements as the original puppy; (i.e. same sex, value, quality) is available, and will return to the buyer all or a reasonable percentage of the purchase price. In such cases the cost of shipping, if any, is the responsibility of the buyer. This information should be included in your written contract.

O. I will explain to all new owners that both the ARBMR and I are concerned with the welfare of individual Mi-Ki and the breed. To that end, I will require and/or encourage all new owners to keep me informed of any problems that develop with their Mi-ki during its lifetime and to report its eventual cause of death.

P. I will ask the new owner(s) of any Mi-Ki acquired from me to advise me if they are ever unable to keep their Mi-Ki, so I can either take the Mi-Ki back or assist in finding it a suitable new home. I will request the assistance of the ARBMR to find the Mi-Ki a new home (if necessary).

Q. I will only advertise my Mi-Ki(s), written or oral, the information that I provide will be factual and honest in both substance and implication.

R. I will be certain that any advertising I do of my Mi-Kis, written or oral, will in no way conflict with the goals of good breeding and placement and care expressed in this Code of Ethics. I will not, for example, suggest that acquiring a Mi-Ki is a good way to make money [or words to this effect or implication] as an emphasis in my advertisement.

IV. GENERAL CONDUCT of ARBMR MI-KI OWNERS
I will at all times understand that the ARBMR exists to protect individual Mi-Ki’s and to protect and preserve the breed. As a breeder, I will cooperate for the good of our breed. These aims must be uppermost in all activities concerning the breed.

A. I will:
1.) Maintain sanitary living conditions for my Mi-Ki(s). Such conditions include, but are not limited to, proper temperature, fresh air, and keep Mi-Ki’s in my care well-groomed (or clipped), free of parasites
2.) I will provide my Mi-Ki(s) with fresh, nutritive food and clean water on a daily basis
3.) I will house my Mi-Ki(s) indoors at all times.
4.) I will make certain that my Mi-Ki(s) remains free of ALL parasites including, but not limited to heartworm, and worm infestations.
5.) I will insure that my Mi-Ki(s) obtains adequate exercise and play. I will walk my Mi-Ki(s) and/or provide my Mi-Ki(s) access to a fenced outdoor area.
6.) I will assure that my Mi-Ki(s) has excellent medical care throughout its life.
7.) I will make sure my Mi-Ki(s) is given euthanasia should my Mi-Ki companion's physical quality of life become irretrievably, unremittingly, and unredeemably bad
8.) I will provide educational information to each owner or interested person about the Mi-Ki breed.
9.) I will share information -- especially health information – with other Mi-Ki breeders and the ARBMR, so that this information might benefit an individual Mi-Ki or the Mi-Ki breed.
10.) I will always demonstrate good sportsmanship should I choose to enter my Mi-Ki(s) in a competition.
11.) I will conform to Section III of this Code should I ever have to transfer ownership of my Mi-Ki(s).

B. I will NOT:
1.) Knowingly falsify Pedigree and Registration information
2.) I will not sell my Mi-Ki(s) to pet shops, brokers, test facilities, flea market dealers, or unethical breeders, either on consignment or outright
3.) I will not supply my Mi-Ki(s) for auctions, raffles, or other such enterprises
4.) I will not knowingly sell a Mi-Ki to an unethical person or sell a Mi-Ki to any person whose intention is to resell a Mi-Ki
5.) I will never permit my Mi-Ki(s) to go to a pound or animal shelter or to be given to a commercial "home finder" agency or breed rescue/kennel rescue or private individual who will claim to find a Mi-Ki a home. I will first contact the Mi-Ki’s breeder regarding placing my Mi-Ki(s) in another home. I further understand that the ARBMR will assist me if I so desire. If I know a Mi-Ki has been given to a pound or breed rescue/kennel rescue or relocation agency, I will notify the ARBMR at once.
6) I will not maliciously degrade another Mi-Ki. I will ONLY share facts, NOT stories. I understand that if a rumor indicates that some person or persons are possibly in violation of this Code of Ethics, I will bring this situation to the immediate attention of the ARBMR so that the allegation can be properly dealt with by the ARBMR.

C. I understand that the Mi-Ki breed has special requirements for human contact and love. I will not keep more Mi-Ki(s) than I can provide with reasonable attention, love, and companionship.
1.) I will provide my Mi-Ki(s) with direct human companionship and love every day.
2.) If I find that I can no longer care for my Mi-Ki(s), I will work with the breeder, other Mi-Ki breeders, and the ARBMR to find my Mi-Ki(s) an appropriate new home(s).

V. ENFORCEMENT, APPEALS, and EXCEPTIONS
I will comply with any ARBMR inquiry regarding my practices as a Mi-Ki owner or breeder. I realize that any such inquiry is conducted in the spirit of seeking the truth for the betterment of the Mi-Ki breed or of individual Mi-Kis and is not and will not be conducted in a mean-spirited fashion. I will work with the ARBMR for the betterment of the breed and individual Mi-Ki’s.

A. I understand that it is my obligation to report suspected breeches of this Code of Ethics to the ARBMR. In addition, I realize that the ARBMR will gratefully consider allegations that a person or persons have violated or is violating this Code of Ethics from others. The ARBMR will not take any punitive actions without investigating the allegations fully and if possible, openly (via its publications).

B. If the ARBMR requests that I answer an alleged violation of the Code of Ethics, I will do so in writing within a (2) two-week period after notification.

C. As a breeder, I understand that the ARBMR may request to visit my home. I must grant a visit by an ARBMR designated representative within a one-week period or risk the immediate expulsion from the ARBMR.
[ Note: I realize that the ARBMR understands that some delays may be unavoidable. In such a case, I will endeavor to comply with an inspection request as soon as possible and will explain any delay fully in writing to the satisfaction of the ARBMR ].

D. I understand that the ARBMR may take action to ensure that the Mi-Ki owner found in violation of this Code of Ethics by one or more of the following means, as deemed appropriate
1.) Publishing false information about the Mi-Ki breed, ARBMR, another member/breeder, etc. DO NOT share information that you do not know as fact]
2.) Should the violation(s) be especially egregious, the ARBMR may seek action against the violator(s) through federal, state, or local authorities.
3.) Temporary or permanent expulsion from the ARBMR
4.) Temporary or permanent, limited or complete ban on registering Mi-Kis with the ARBMR
5.) A probation period of (6) six months, for a first violation of the Code of Ethics. During a probation period, any further violation of the Code of Ethics will result in harsher penalties which can include sanctions D.4 and D.5 (above).

E. I understand that if the ARBMR’s investigation reveals that I am in violation of the Code of Ethics, I have the right to appeal this decision publicly through a letter to be published in the ARBMR 's officials.

F. It is understood that legitimate exceptions to this Code of Ethics may arise from time to time. In such cases, an ARBMR Mi-Ki owner may request that the situation be reviewed by the ARBMR officials. In certain cases, with sufficient evidence that the welfare of individual Mi-Ki or the Mi-Ki breed is to be assured and in no way compromised, then the ARBMR may publicly waive any of the foregoing provisions.

G. I understand that the ARBMR views the relationship between breeders, buyers, owners, and other organizations as a cooperative venture whose primary goals include the health and well-being of the breed and of individual Mi-Kis. The ARBMR welcomes and deeply appreciates all people who put the welfare of the Mi-Ki first and foremost.

H. I understand that this Code of Ethics is a work-in-progress. It will never be perfect, but it will continually improve through the input of concerned Mi-Ki admirers, owners and breeders. I grant the ARBMR the right to publicly announce my support of this Code of Ethics.

I. For participants in the ARBMR: I have read this document and I hereby agree to comply with this Code of Ethics.

J. Pursuant to article "I" above, I will not subscribe to any other Code of Ethics or policy statement that would render my adherence to any aspect of this Code of Ethics null and void.

K. Pursuant to article "I" above, If I should ever desire to abrogate my signed intent to comply with this Code of Ethics or to participate in the ARBMR, I will notify the ARBMR in writing of my intent.

I have read and understand ALL the terms and conditions of the ARBMR’s Code of Ethics and agree to comply with ALL the terms and conditions listed in the ARBMR’s Code of Ethics. By signing and dating the ARBMR’s Code of Ethics (below), I understand that I am eligible to register my kennel name and Mi-Ki(s) with the ARBMR. I also understand that by not signing and dating the ARBMR’s Code of Ethics, I am not eligible to register my kennel name and Mi-Ki(s) with the ARBMR.

Signature of Mi-Ki owner or owner(s): _______________________________________________
Date of Signing: ____________________, 20____