Code of Ethics

In order to promote the highest ideals among Akita owners and breeders and aim for the continuous improvement of the Akita breed within the framework of the approved breed standard, I pledge that:

1. I will follow the rules of good sportsmanship and will be a credit to the breed, the club and myself in all Akita competitions and all activities including social media.

2. I will fully explain to all prospective Akita purchasers the advantages as well as the disadvantages of owning an Akita.

3. I will attempt to help and befriend novice exhibitors and owners and offer mentorship.

4. I will keep well informed in the field of genetics and work to eliminate hereditary defects from the breed.

5. Before entering into a breeding agreement or doing any breeding of my own dogs, I will carefully analyze the conformation and pedigrees of the prospective sire and dam, along with confirming that health clearances have been conducted. I shall refuse the mating if in my opinion it will not be in the best interest of the breed or if health checks are lacking. If I deny stud service, I will fully explain my reasons to the owner of the bitch.

6. I will participate in health screening of all Akitas prior to breeding. ACA recommends that hips/elbows/patellas/thyroid/eyes be certified by OFA or an equal organization such as Penn Hip. OFA recommends X-rays be done at 24 months of age or older.

7. When an Akita has hereditary faults of such nature and/or degree that his or her use for breeding would be detrimental to the furtherance of the breed, the Akita should be removed from any breeding program.

8. I will refuse to deal with dog wholesalers or to sell puppies to pet shops, and I will include in all stud contracts an agreement to be signed by the owner of the bitch that no puppies resulting from the mating will be wholesaled, sold, or given to pet shops or wholesale dog breeders or dealers.

9. Furthermore, I will refuse to wholesale (buy or sell) any registered breed of dog, singly or in litter lots, realizing that we as dog fanciers are responsible for not only our own breed but for others as well.

10. ACA recommends microchipping of all puppies sold. ACA also recommends leaving the breeder’s name on the microchip so the breeder will be contacted if the Akita becomes lost and the owner can’t be reached.

11. If I place an Akita and the home doesn’t work out, I will not allow the Akita to go to a shelter. I will work with the owner to find the Akita a new home or have them return the Akita.

12. When selling/placing Akitas on a limited registration, the ACA strongly encourages clear language to be included in the sales contract to discourage/prevent an intentional or “accidental” breeding.