Code of Ethics

• Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs. 

• Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous 
competition, as well as winning and losing with grace. 

• 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. 

• The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors. 

• The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism. 

• 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. 

• The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge. 

• The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the 
sport of purebred dogs. 

• 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. 

• Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport.
 
• Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them. 

• Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and 
weaknesses of their breeding stock. 

• Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or 
bestowed upon them. 

• Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog. 

• Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, the 
American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in the sport.