Maremma Sheepdog Club of America

Maremma Sheepdog Club of America

MSCA Code of Ethics Enforcement Guidelines

Violation of the MSCA Code of Ethics will result in written notification of:

  • CoE violation.
  • Loss of CoE Breeder Status until compliance is satisfied (except for accidental litters)
  • Resolution for compliance.
  • Compliance must be within 90 days.

Non-compliance (without trying to resolve violation) could result in any of the following:
          a. 6 (six) month ban from CoE Breeder Status.
          b. 1 (one) year ban from CoE Breeder Status.
          c. Permanent ban from CoE Breeder Status. 

Continued/repeated violation will result in a permanent ban from CoE Breeder Status.

Certain violations may be grounds for expulsion from the Club.

1.  RADICAL DEPARTRATURE FROM STANDARD: 
Reserved for the most evident deviations from the standard, like black markings, total lack of pigment (albinism), severely undershot or overshot, bob-tail, cryptorchid, major temperament issues, etc.
          Resolution: Affected dog(s) must be altered with veterinarian proof of alter submitted to the club 
          within the compliance period (veterinarian proof must verify dog’s tattoo/microchip number).

2.  HIP VIOLATIONS:  
     a. Breeding affected dogs: 
          Resolution: Affected dog(s) must be altered with veterinarian proof of alter submitted to the club 
          within the  compliance period (veterinarian proof must verify dog’s tattoo/microchip number).
     b. Breeding without hip certification: 
          Resolution: dog(s) must be certified with copy of certificate/link to OFA page submitted to the club 
          within the compliance period. Non-passing dog(s) must be altered with veterinarian proof of alter 
          submitted to the club within the compliance period (veterinarian proof must verify dog’s tattoo/microchip number).
     Caveat: all future breeding dogs must have hip certification before breeding (proven by copy of 
     certification/OFA page). 
     c. Accidental litter: (may retain CoE Breeder Status if agree to and working towards compliance)
          Resolution: dog(s) must be certified with copy of certificate/link to OFA page. Non-passing dogs 
          must be altered with veterinarian proof of alter submitted to the club within the compliance period 
          (veterinarian proof must verify dog’s tattoo/microchip number). If too young – must provide either 
          PennHip or OFA prelim. If OFA prelim is provided, must follow-up with OFA certification at 2 years 
          of age.

3. REPEATED INBREEDING: 
Warning letter providing educational information about the risks of inbreeding.
          Resolution: Cease inbreeding. 

4. SURRENDERS PUPPIES/DOGS TO SHELTER/RESCUE: 
MSCA will offer to help if it can.
          Resolution: Must make a concerted/demonstrable effort to remove puppies/dogs from shelter/rescue. 
          Removal of CoE Breeder status and a polite suggestion of no more breeding until they are able to be 
          responsible for dogs/puppies they are producing. 

5. NO SALES CONTRACT/WRITTEN AGREEMENT:
MSCA will offer a sample sales contract.
          Resolution: provide such to the buyer.

6. SOLD TO DOG WHOLESALER/RETAILER:
Warning letter.
          Resolution: Loss of CoE Breeder Status for 1 year.

7. ANY OTHER VIOLATIONS: 
Warning letter outlining violation, resolution, compliance period and what action could be taken if they do not meet compliance. Offer to assist/education as warranted.

Maremma Hip Testing Incentive Program

Have your MSCA registered Maremma’s hips certified through OFA or PennHip and receive a $25 rebate check from the MSCA!

Click “HERE” to learn more!

MSCA Breeder Incentive

 The MSCA would like to recognize those Breeders who are instrumental in educating their puppy buyers about recognizing the importance of hip testing and certification of their dogs – For every owner who submits proof of the puppy’s OFA/PennHIP hip certification, the Breeder of the puppy will receive a $5.00 credit towards their annual MSCA membership dues, up to the full yearly fee.

Click “HERE” to download form!