The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Southern California, in keeping with its aims of breeding the best possible dogs, while preserving their unique beauty and character and promoting the best possible care and training of these dogs, adopts the following code:

1. Breeders shall  strive for perfection of the Bernese Mountain Dog in accordance with the official standard set forth by the American Kennel Club.  In this regard they shall:

 a.  Maintain high standards of health and care for their dogs.

 b. Use only physically and temperamentally sound stock, and will refuse stud service to any bitch that is unregisterable or shows obvious defects.   They shall study and learn the good and bad points within their stock, never doubling up on a known and visible fault.

 c. X-ray for evidence of hip displaysia at age two years or older, and seriously consider not breeding dogs with evidence of hip displaysia or other known breed disorders.

 d. Refrain from breeding a bitch until her second season, preferably waiting until at least 18 months of age.  A bitch shall be bred no more than two out of three seasons, depending on the size of the litter whelped and her condition.  It is suggested that, in most cases, a period of one year elapse between litters.

2. Breeders will not sell stock without true representation to the purchaser, nor use misleading or untruthful statements in selling or advertising.

3. No member shall sell adults or puppies to any known retail or wholesale pet outlet.

4. A buyer should be supplied with a four-generation  pedigree, with information on inoculations and other veterinary care that the dog has had, and instructions on the care, feeding and training of the Bernese Mountain Dog.

5. A breeder will guarantee the health of his stock subject to a veterinarian’s examination within 48 hours of sale.

6. A breeder should try to keep in touch with the progress of dogs of his breeding in order to better analyze his own progress.

7. Breeders shall exhibit at dog shows and matches where feasible.

8. Members shall endeavor to obedience train their dogs.

9. Members shall, at all times, exhibit good sportsmanship at all events related to the club and dog shows.

10. Members shall not degrade any other member or kennel.

Members agree to comply with all American Kennel Club rules and regulations and the rules and by-laws of the constitution of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Southern California.