Alaskan Malamute Association of Eastern Pennsylvania
Affiliate Club of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America
Alaskan Malamute Club of America Code of Ethics
Preamble
The Alaskan Malamute Club of America asserts that its membership has the obligation to preserve the Alaskan Malamute breed without exploiting it. It further asserts that its membership has an obligation to the club to uphold the high ideals set forth for all dog club organizations by the American Kennel Club. It is urged that dogs and bitches only be bred when it is conscientiously felt that such breeding will result in improvement of the breed.
Club members should strive to breed healthy dogs with good temperaments and place them in suitable homes. Club members should make themselves aware of health problems that affect the breed so that they may make educated decisions when planning a breeding.
Breeding is a responsibility that does not end when puppies go to their new homes. Good sportsmanship is a requirement of the AKC and is expected of AMCA members. Club members should set a good example, and offer assistance and mentoring to prospective and new Malamute owners with regards to care, health issues, training and suitable activities, as well as being a good “dog neighbor”.
Code of Ethics
1. Members shall abide by the rules of the American Kennel Club and uphold the Constitution and By-Laws of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America. At large members shall abide by the rules of their country’s kennel club.
2. No member shall knowingly be involved in the sale/placement of puppies/dogs through retail or wholesale outlets, mail order businesses, dog dealers/agents/brokers, or act as a finder for such operations. No member shall knowingly be involved in the sale/placement of puppies to any entity whose reason for purchase is resale. Puppies/dogs shall not be placed through auctions or raffles.
3. No member shall knowingly be involved in the breeding or selling of wolf hybrids.
4. No member shall sell/place any puppy/dog without furnishing registration papers unless both parties have signed an agreement stating when/if and under what circumstances papers will be furnished. If registration papers are not provided at the time of sale, information to identify the puppy/dog, (such as birth date, litter or individual registration number, pedigree, microchip number or tattoo) shall be furnished at that time. If the dog is not registerable the purchaser/adopter shall be so informed.
5. It is recommended that any puppy sold as a pet/companion be registered using the AKC’s limited registration application. Dogs/puppies bred by members outside the U.S. should use a comparable foreign limited and/or non-breeding registration where available.
6. Dogs used for breeding shall be cleared of hip dysplasia by OFA, Pen-Hip, comparable foreign registry, or a qualified veterinary radiologist. Dogs should be cleared of inherited eye diseases by CERF, a comparable foreign registry or a qualified veterinary ophthalmologist.
7. It is strongly recommended that members take full advantage of all practical DNA tests when selecting dogs for breeding. No member shall knowingly breed two dogs to each other who are carriers for the same genetic disease. Dogs may be used if their ancestors have been cleared by DNA testing.
8. When available, health screening and DNA testing should be used as a resource to manage, decrease, or eliminate genetic diseases in the breed. In planning a breeding health issues such as, but not limited to, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, allergies, heart disease, coat funk, and orthopedic disorders should be considered. Members are encouraged to store DNA with the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) or comparable facility as well as participate in health research of diseases in the Alaskan Malamute.
9. Members shall disclose known genetic status of the puppy/dog being sold and that of its parents. Screening or test results shall be disclosed in a written sales contract signed by the seller and buyer. If any of the above (hips, eyes, CHD, PN) have not been done it shall be so stated. A breeder’s policy regarding replacements or refunds due to health issues shall be clearly stated in their sales contract.
10. Breeders should understand and acknowledge that due to unforeseen circumstances they may need to facilitate in re-homing or rescuing dogs they have produced or sold. Purchasers should be made aware of this in their contract
11. Members shall provide secure facilities for their dogs that provide adequate space and protection from adverse or extreme weather. Water and food shall be provided on a daily basis. Facilities shall be clean and dogs shall have regular access to exercise. Members shall provide appropriate health care for dogs in their custody.
12. Health, registration, identification, breeding and sales records shall be kept current. It is recommended that dogs be permanently identified by tattoo or microchip and that breeders permanently identify puppies before they go to their new homes.
13. Members’ dogs should be well socialized and have basic obedience training.
14. Advertising and promotion of dogs shall be factual. Members will exercise care in evaluating perspective buyers and do their best to place dogs in suitable homes.
American Kennel Club's Code of
Sportsmanship and Civility
Preface
The tradition of competitive purebred dog events predates 1884—the year the American Kennel Club (AKC®) was founded. Those involved in these sports share core values, including a strong commitment to sportsmanship and a welcoming, respectful culture that embraces the diverse community united by a love of dogs. These values are evident across all aspects of the sport: conformation, performance, companion, and family dog activities. Many believe that the enduring principles of sportsmanship and civility are key reasons the sport has thrived for over 140 years. Recognizing that periodically reaffirming our shared values strengthens our community, the revised code will be shared widely to highlight the foundational values and principles that define the sport.
Code of Sportsmanship and Civility
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Sportspeople always place the welfare of their dog above all else.
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Sportspeople prioritize the long-term health and preservation of their breed, making decisions that reflect a deep commitment to responsible breeding and ownership.
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Sportspeople respect the history, traditions, and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.
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Sportspeople conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the sport, the American Kennel Club, and themselves.
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Sportspeople appreciate, encourage, and support all who associate with and participate in the sports by fostering an environment where respect, equity, inclusion, and courtesy are foundational.
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Sportspeople understand, uphold, and abide by all AKC bylaws, rules, regulations, and policies.
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Sportspeople contribute to a positive atmosphere at events by avoiding negative gossip, disparagement, or unsportsmanlike behavior.
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Sportspeople extend their values of civility, fairness, and respect to all digital and social media platforms.
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Sportspeople actively support the education and mentorship of newcomers, helping them learn the rules, values, and traditions of the sport in a respectful way.
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Sportspeople recognize that they are role models in the sport and strive to lead by example through humility, kindness, and ethical conduct.
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Sportspeople treat fellow exhibitors, judges, officials, volunteers, spectators, and AKC staff with dignity and respect, regardless of experience, background, or differences in opinion.
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Sportspeople are committed to fair play, honesty, courtesy, and competition, approaching both winning and losing with grace.
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Sportspeople understand that strong competition and civility can—and should—coexist. They appreciate the quality of their competitors and the effort put forth by others.
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Sportspeople uphold their responsibilities to the sport of purebred dogs and refuse to let personal gain or self-interest influence their decisions or behavior.
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The sportsperson judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.
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The sportsperson judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.
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The sportsperson 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.
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The sportsperson exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.
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Sportspeople are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.
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Sportspeople decline to exploit any positions of authority or recognition for personal advantage.
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Sportspeople appreciate those who have gone before them and realize they are responsible for maintaining and enhancing the sport for future generations.
Updated: July 2025