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AKC Code of Sportsmanship
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Approved February, 2006
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PREFACE: The sport of purebred dog
competitive events dates prior to 1884, the year of AKC's birth. Shared values
of those involved in the sport include principles of sportsmanship. They are
practiced in all sectors of our sport: conformation, performance and companion.
Many believe that these principles of sportsmanship are the prime reason why our
sport has thrived for over one hundred years. With the belief that it is useful
to periodically articulate the fundamentals of our sport, this code is
presented.
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Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of
purebred dogs. |
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Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and
vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace.
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Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitment and obligation to the sport of
purebred dogs by injecting personal advantage or consideration into their
decisions or behavior. |
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The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no
other factors. |
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The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism. |
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The sportsman 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 sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.
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The sportsman
respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport
of purebred dogs. |
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Sportsmen find that vigorous
competition and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the
merit of their competition and the effort of competitors. |
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Sportsmen welcome, encourage
and support newcomers to the sport. |
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Sportsmen will deal fairly
with all those who trade with them. |
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Sportsmen are willing to
share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of his
breeding stock. |
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Sportsmen spurn any
opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon
them. |
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Sportsmen always consider as
paramount the welfare of their dog. |
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Sportsmen refuse to
embarrass the sport, the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part
in the sport. |
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