AKC CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP
PREFACE: The sport of purebred dog competitive eventsdates prior to 1884, the year of AKC’s birth. Sharedvalues of those involved in the sport include principlesof sportsmanship. They are practiced in all sectors ofour sport: conformation, performance and companion.Many believe that these principles of sportsmanshipare the prime reason why our sport has thrived forover one hundred years. With the belief that it is usefulto periodically articulate the fundamentals of our sport,this code is presented.
• Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrityof the sport of purebred dogs.
• Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play,honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as wellas winning and losing with grace.
• Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitmentand obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by injectingpersonal advantage or consideration into theirdecisions or behavior.
• The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of thedogs and considers no other factors.
• The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructivecriticism.
• The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibitunder a judge where it might reasonably appear thatthe judge’s placements could be based on somethingother than the merits of the dogs.
• The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise theimpartiality of a judge.
• The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules,regulations and policies governing the sport ofpurebred dogs.
• Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civilityare not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the meritof their competition and the effort of competitors.
• Sportsmen welcome, encourage and supportnewcomers to the sport.
• Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who tradewith them.
• Sportsmen are willing to share honest and openappraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses oftheir breeding stock.
• Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personaladvantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.
• Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfareof their dog.
• Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, theAmerican Kennel Club, or themselves while takingpart in the sport.
