This Code of Ethics* serves as a cornerstone for North American Coton Association (NACA) Members’ organizational accountability, as well as responsibility to the Cotons de Tulear in their charge, and the potential new owners of the dogs they produce.
MEMBERSHIP
1. All NACA Members should promote and foster high standards among fellow breeders,
owners, and fanciers to preserve the welfare and authenticity of the Coton de Tulear breed.
2. NACA Members are expected to conduct themselves in a civil, responsible, and truthful
manner.
3. NACA Members adhere to a Code of Conduct published on the Club’s communication
venues. Belligerence, insults, slurs, profanity, and/or degrading comments are avoided.
4. NACA Members understand exhibiting their Cotons is a sport, and that they are
expected to express good sportsmanship in all activities.
5. NACA Members will refrain from unnecessary criticism of other people’s dogs.
6. NACA Members encourage sportsmanship and cooperation to enhance and raise
awareness of the unique characteristics of the purebred Coton de Tulear breed.
BREEDING
1. NACA Breeders shall plan each breeding with the paramount goal of producing offspring
that meet the Coton de Tulear Breed Standard.
2. NACA Breeders will select stud dogs and females by evaluating conformation and
temperament through a careful study of the Breed Standard and the principles of genetics.
3. NACA Breeders will not breed any male or female until they are both physically and
mentally mature, and will breed within the bounds of the minimum and maximum ages
permitted in UKC registration policies.
4. NACA Breeders will provide the appropriate documentation, for those concerned,
regarding the results of any health testing or will disclose if any such examinations have
not been done.
5. NACA Breeders will not knowingly breed monorchids, cryptorchids, or dogs with vicious or
shy temperaments.
6. NACA Breeders will not breed dogs with serious defects or disqualifications addressed in
the Coton de Tulear Breed Standard.
7. NACA Breeders will refrain from breeding a Coton de Tulear that, although free from
serious or disqualifying defects, consistently produces unhealthy puppies.
8. NACA Breeders have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that
are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence, and soundness of the breed, and must
take the responsibility to see that serious faults are not perpetuated.
9. NACA Breeders commit that Cotons, owned or co-owned by them, will only be
mated to purebred Cotons de Tulear.
10. NACA Breeders are limited to breeding only the Coton de Tulear breed and one other
type of purebred dog.
11. NACA Breeders are public ambassadors who pledge to help educate the general
public, as well as to assist the novice Coton de Tulear breeder.
HEALTH
1. NACA Breeders vow to maintain a rich and diverse gene pool, understanding that
diversity is important for the long-term health of our breed.
2. NACA Breeders agree to perform appropriate health tests for breed-specific
conditions appropriate to their Coton de Tulear lineages.
3. NACA Breeders will give the highest health priority to the selection of breeding Cotons and
will not continue to breed dogs that perpetuate life-impairing, inheritable disorders.
4. NACA Breeders will strive to provide people with puppies that are healthy.
5. All NACA Members will maintain high standards of health and care for their Cotons.
PLACEMENT
1. NACA Breeders will be selective in the placement of their Coton de Tulear puppies, and
take care with the type of homes in which they will live.
2. NACA Breeders will refrain from releasing any puppy until the minimum age of 8 weeks
of age.
3. NACA Breeders will provide their owners with their puppies’ veterinary examinations
and vaccine records.
4. NACA Breeders provide loving environments with age-appropriate socialization and
training while rearing their litters of puppies.
5. NACA Breeders mentor their new Coton puppy owners regarding feeding, training,
grooming, and veterinary care.
6. NACA Breeders place all their Coton de Tulear puppies with a contract.
7. All NACA Members’ Cotons will never be sold to dog wholesalers, retailers, pet shops,
or at auctions.
ADVERTISING AND RELATIONS
1. NACA Breeders’ advertising of dogs/puppies will be factual and honest, both in substance
and implication.
2. NACA Breeders believe breeding purebred dogs involves serious responsibilities, which
cannot be taken lightly.
3. NACA Breeders will not advertise their dogs/puppies as UKC registered if they are not.
4. NACA Breeders will encourage dog/puppy owners to become involved in UKC events
and to embrace the Total Dog philosophy.
RECORDS
1. NACA Breeders will keep accurate records and retain those records consistent with UKC
registration policies. These records will include, but are not limited to: stud service
documents, pedigrees, all litters produced, breeding and whelp dates, and all dogs/puppies
sold.
2. The United Kennel Club expects National Breed Club Members to register their Cotons
and litters with UKC, whenever possible.
IMPLEMENTATION
A violation of NACA Code of Ethics, Constitution & Bylaws, and/or Code of Conduct
requirements may result in removal from the COE Breeder Directory, as well as
potential suspension or revocation of all Club privileges, without refund of dues paid,
according to the procedures outlined in the Bylaws of the North American Coton
Association.
*This Code of Ethics is an adaptation of UKC Code of Ethics specifically for NACA Members.