Code of Ethics

DPCC CODE OF ETHICS (Revised 2025)

By joining the DPCC, members agree to conform to the obligations it imposes on member conduct when buying, selling, breeding and exhibiting the Doberman Pinscher. All DPCC members therefore agree to comply strictly with all and each of the following standards of conduct:

  1. Abide by the Constitution, Bylaws and Code of Ethics of the Doberman Pinscher Club of Canada, Inc.
  2. Abide by the Code of Ethics of the Canadian Kennel Club, as well as Code of Practice for CKC Member Breeders
  3. Members must keep accurate breeding records, registrations and pedigrees; further, they should maintain the best possible standards of canine health, cleanliness and care.
  4. All services and sales arrangements shall be mutually agreed upon, stated in writing and signed by all parties involved, including all adjustments, deposits, replacement conditions, etc.
    • No puppy shall leave a breeder without a written contract signed by both parties
    • All puppies must be registered as per the CKC Bylaws
  5. All advertising must be honest and not in any way misrepresentative, fraudulent or misleading.
  6. The DPCC does not promote the breeding of albino (also sometimes called white) Dobermans. The albino Doberman Pinscher is a disqualification in our breed standard. All DPCC members are encouraged to research the bloodline of all breeding stock and avoid breeding to any dogs that might introduce the albino/white gene into any litters. Any member not following this policy will be refused membership in the DPCC.
  7. DPCC members shall support the efforts of the DPCC relative to health issues, and have their dogs tested for the following:
    • Hip dysplasia (OFA, PENN-HIP)
    • Von Willebrand (vWD) (genetic testing or by parentage)
    • Dilated Cardio Myopathy (DCM) (by at least 1 of the following: holter, echocardiogram or pro/bnp) within 1 year prior of the breeding
    • Chronically Active Hepatitis (CAH) by veterinary blood panel within 1 year prior of the breeding
    • DINGS (genetic testing)
    • Thyroid Disease (TGAA OR T4) by veterinary panel within 1 year prior of the breeding
  8. All dogs offered at stud shall not knowingly be bred prior to one (1) year of age and shall be in good health and free from communicable diseases and disqualifying faults. Any bitch accepted for stud service shall be at least eighteen (18) months of age, in good health, free from communicable diseases and disqualifying faults. All breedings that occur shall be done with the intention of the preservation and betterment of the breed, taking into consideration structure, health and temperament, as well as the ability of the breeder to be responsible for the puppies produced.
  9. No stud dog will knowingly be bred to any bitch whose owner is directly or indirectly involved with any puppy broker, puppy mill, pet shop, litter lot sales, or any other commercial enterprises whose business is involved in like activities. No stud dog shall be bred to a bitch that carries Z factor genetics or is white.
  10. No bitch will be bred for commercial reasons. All bitches will be bred with intentions of that particular breeding improving the breed.
  11. No member of the DPCC shall breed more than 4 litters per year that are to be registered under the sole kennel name of that member.
  12. No bitch shall knowingly be bred after the age of six (6) years without a veterinarian’s certificate certifying her general health and ability to support a litter of puppies. Under no conditions shall a bitch be bred after she reaches seven (7) years of age, nor will a bitch be bred more than four (4) times in her lifetime. No bitch shall be considered bred unless she has successfully whelped 1 puppy.
  13. No Doberman Pinscher shall knowingly be sold to commercial breeding facilities, puppy brokers, pet shops, puppy mills or guard dog business or agents thereof.
  14. All members shall honestly evaluate the quality of all Doberman Pinschers sold and fairly represent that evaluation.
  15. Prices of Doberman Pinschers shall be based upon individual quality. Members should maintain prices so as not to be injurious to the breed. When appropriate, some animals not considered as breeding quality shall be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club as non-breeding and should be sold with a written agreement to have the animal altered.
  16. At the time of sale, members shall furnish records to each buyer of all vaccinations and de-worming, pedigree and permanent identification details. Members will also provide signatures and paperwork necessary for any agreed co-ownership or non-breeding agreement.
  17. Members shall always conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit on the sport of purebred dogs and Doberman Pinschers in particular.