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.
-
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.
