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AKC CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP
PREFACE: The sport of purebred dog
competitive events dates prior to 1884, the year of AKC's birth.
Shared values of those involved in the sport include principles
of sportsmanship. They are practiced in all sectors of our
sport: conformation, performance and companion. Many believe
that these principles of sportsmanship are the prime reason why
our sport has thrived for over one hundred years. With the
belief that it is useful to periodically articulate the
fundamentals of our sport, this code is presented.
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Sportsmen respect the history, traditions
and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.
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Sportsmen commit themselves to values of
fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as
well as winning and losing with grace.
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Sportsmen refuse to compromise their
commitment and obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by
injecting personal advantage or consideration into their
decisions or behavior.
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The sportsman judge judges only on the
merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.
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The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts
constructive criticism.
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The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter
or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that
the judge's placements could be based on something other than
the merits of the dogs.
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The sportsman exhibitor refuses to
compromise the impartiality of a judge.
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The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and
policies governing the sport of purebred dogs.
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Sportsmen find that vigorous competition
and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate
the merit of their competition and the effort of competitors.
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Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support
newcomers to the sport.
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Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those
who trade with them.
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Sportsmen are willing to share honest and
open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of his
breeding stock.
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Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take
personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.
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Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their
dog.
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Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport,
the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in
the sport.
FEBRUARY 2006 AKC CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - NEW YORK,
NY
Ron Menaker, Chairman
Every sport has a Code of Sportsmanship. Some are
unwritten, informal guidelines that people learn along the way
in their journey to learning a new sport. Others are more formal
and rigorous, written out for all to see, appreciate and
embrace.
The Board of Directors, as a result of the Chairman's
Committee on Conflict of Interest, approved this month the
first-ever written Code of Sportsmanship for our sport of
purebred dogs. I have included the new code in its entirety. I
hope everyone in the fancy will take time to read and practice
the new code and appreciate the value a Code of Sportsmanship
adds to the experience of being a member of "the fancy."
Enjoy!
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