The purpose of this Code of ethics is to provide guidance and information to all West Highland White Terrier breeders and owners, and is fully endorsed by the North of Ireland West Highland White Terrier Club. Membership of the North of Ireland West Highland White Terrier Club assumes acceptance of this Code.

 Anyone who knowingly acts in breach of this Code shall be refused membership, or if a Member, can be referred by the Committee to a Special General Meeting of the Club proposing expulsion from membership in accordance with Rule 7 of the North of Ireland West Highland White Terrier Club.

 In breeding members main concern should be to produce healthy, sound and typical stock. Members should breed only from mature dogs and bitched believed to be clear from known defects.

 No West Highland White Terrier which has any physical defect or which shows definite departure from the standard, should be sold without the buyer being made fully aware of such defect or departure from the standard and its possible consequences. Members should sell only animals which to the best of their knowledge, are in good health at the time of sale. No puppy should leave the breeder before the age of 8 weeks.

 No bitch should be required to have more than six litters, due  regard being given to the number of puppies whelped. No bitch should be mated on more than two out of three successive seasons, and never without regard to the well being of the bitch. No bitch should be mated before her second season and never before the age of fourteen months, nor after the age of seven years.

 No Member should breed a litter unless he has the time and facilities to devote proper care and attention to the rearing of the puppies, and to the well being of the dam, and no Member should provide stud services unless he/she is satisfied that the owner of the bitch has such time and facilities. Members should do all in their power to discourage breeding from inferior specimens, and those Members who own stud dogs should refuse service to such specimens. Particular care should be taken where the owner of the bitch is not a Member of a West Highland White Terrier breed Club registered with the Kennel Club.

 Unregistered stock should not be used for breeding. Stud service should be refused to unregistered bitches.

 Where the Breeder wishes to endorse registration as, for instance, progeny not eligible for registration', then the purchaser must be made clearly aware of such an endorsement and consequences before the sale is agreed.

 When selling stock, advertising by members should be as factual as possible. Misleading exaggerations or unfounded implications of superiority should not be used. Members should refrain from making unfair or untrue statements about the dogs or practices of others.

 New owners should be provided with a minimum of, a three generation pedigree, diet sheets, details of worming and inoculation advice. Transfer of ownership form and all relevant Kennel Club documents should be provided at the time of sale, or as soon as possible afterwards.

  Puppies/Adults cannot be exported unless the Ministry of Agriculture guidelines have been followed regarding age and health regulations for the country of import and, where age is not specified, not before the age of twelve weeks.

 No West Highland White Terrier should be sold to countries where they are not protected by anti-cruelty laws. (if in doubt consult the Ministry of Agriculture, R.S.P.C.A., or the Kennel Club.)

 No West Highland White Terrier should be  given or sold to Commercial, Wholesale or Retail Dealers, nor to Laboratories or as Raffle/Competition prizes, nor donated to a contest of any kind. Nor should Stud Services be available to such outlets.

Prospective buyers of  West Highland White Terriers should be screened for suitability and should be advised of the characteristics of the West Highland White Terrier as a breed with the need for grooming and exercise. West Highland White Terriers should not be sold to homes where they will be regularly on their own for the majority of the day.

 Members should be aware that they have a life long commitment to any puppies that they breed, and in the event of difficulties to be of assistance where possible.

 Members are advised to keep accurate records of their sales for their own benefit and protection.

 In matters appertaining to 'loan of bitch' or 'stud' agreements, members are advised to seek Kennel Club advise and act accordingly.

 Members of the North of Ireland West Highland White Terrier Club are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner to judges and fellow members, both inside and outside the ring. Abusive language and conduct is especially deemed to be contrary to harmony and good fellowship among members. Serious cases of misconduct will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Rule 7 of the Club.

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