Parson Russell Terrier Association: Constitution and ByLaws

This Code of Ethics outlines the essentials of responsible behaviors for Parson Russell Terrier owners, exhibitors, potential breeders, and breeders, whose foremost aim should be the health and welfare of their dogs and the breed. It is important to keep the welfare and health as the primary criteria in breeding or selling Parson Russell Terriers. No member should engage in false or misleading advertising or any misrepresentation of the Parson Russell Terrier. 

The objective is to encourage and promote the breeding of purebred Parson Russell Terriers, striving to perfect their natural qualities. Members should accept the breed standard approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence for breeding the Parson Russell Terrier. 

Members must not sell dogs to any commercial wholesaler or retailer, nor donate dogs to auctions, raffles, or research. It is essential to help purchasers with advice and instruction for the life of the dog and to share knowledge. New individuals interested in performance or conformation should be encouraged to attend AKC and PRTAA licensed events. 

Members should be willing to take back or assist in re-homing animals they have sold or placed if circumstances change in the buyer's life. Dogs must always be exhibited in a condition that aligns with the breed standard. They should be clean, without excessive use of products, and exhibit proper temperament. Knowingly exhibiting inferior quality dogs to gain championship points is detrimental to the breed and must be avoided. In the spirit of good sportsmanship, members should make every effort to exhibit their dog each day they are entered, understanding that while circumstances may arise, deliberately pulling an entry to break points is strongly discouraged. 

Make puppy sale referrals only to those member/breeders who are believed to adhere to these Bylaws. All members must comply with American Kennel Club and Parson Russell Terrier Association of America rules as they apply. 

Cyber-bullying, which involves using electronic devices or social networking sites to intimidate, harass, or gossip, is considered prejudicial to good sportsmanship. No member should communicate in a false or misleading manner through the internet, telephone, or email. 

Members must behave in a sportsmanlike manner and avoid disparaging other owners, exhibitors, breeders, or their dogs, displaying good sportsmanship at all times. The AKC/PRTAA strongly supports public accommodations that allow individuals with disabilities to use service dogs, while also condemning the mischaracterization of dogs as service animals when they are not, or attempting to benefit from a dog's service status when the individual is not disabled. 

Consistent or flagrant disregard for this Code of Ethics constitutes conduct prejudicial to the breed and/or the club. Approved 1-19-2016. 

Follow this link to the AKC Code of Ethics: https://images.akc.org/pdf/AKC_code_of_sportsmanship.pdf