NASA Code of Ethics

The Special Code supports the aims and objectives of the Association by advising and informing our members of good practice.

All members of N.A.S.A. should adhere by these principles to ensure a high standard is maintained.

1. All breeding should be aimed at the improvement of the breed. Before breeding a litter, equal weight should be given to type, temperament, health and soundness. The hope of financial gain should not be a primary consideration.

a) No animal should be bred who has any major hereditary defect.
b) A dog or bitch that produces progenies that are dysplastic, have eye defects or any other health defect should be withdrawn from breeding programs.

2. No bitch should whelp under the age of two or over the age of eight
2a) No bitch should be bred from on consecutive seasons unless permission from the Kennel Club has been granted

3. Stud dog owners have a similar responsibility and should only allow their males to be used to advance the breed. They should also accept an equal responsibility for the health and aftercare of the resulting progeny.

4. All animals should be x-rayed for Hip Dysplasia and scored under the Kennel Club/BVA scheme or fully scored under a recognized international Kennel Club approved scheme.

5. All animals should be certified clear of eye defects within twelve months prior to being mated

6. It is recommended that breeders encourage all owners to have their dog's hip scored and annually tested for eye defects. We will get a clearer picture of the health of the breed as a whole by this means.

7. Breeders and stud dog owners should keep accurate records. The details of mating, pedigrees, progeny and all sales or exchanges of Australian Shepherds should be kept for a minimum of five years.

8. Breeders and owners should be open and honest about their dog's health. The Association's Breed Advisor is available for help and advice and responsible for collating information, which will be forwarded to the relevant researchers.

9. A puppy should not be released until it has attained the age of seven weeks. When it is to be transported by rail, sea or air it should not be released until it has
attained the statutory age.

10. No puppies should be exported to countries where anti-cruelty laws, when enforced, do not protect them or where there is any doubt as to the national attitude towards dogs.
No dogs or puppies should knowingly be sold to laboratories, pet shops or dealers in dogs, or to any person known to sell to laboratories, pet shops or dealers, nor should stud services be provided to such persons (For this purpose a dealer is defined as any person who regularly buys dogs or puppies in the hope of selling them for profit). No dog or puppy should be offered as a prize in a raffle or competition.

12. Breeders should ensure the suitability of prospective homes for each puppy and be prepared to advise and help the owner for the rest of its life.

13. Any Member breeding a litter should have facilities and be willing to take back any of his stock for re-homing.

14. Breeders should provide the purchaser with a written contract, proof of sale and a minimum of a signed three-generation pedigree at the time of purchase. Together with a diet sheet and information about training, worming and inoculation.

15. Members should offer help and advice in all aspects relating to the Australian Shepherd to any person showing interest in the breed.

16. Members should be able to voice their opinions but refrain from unnecessary criticism of other members and their dogs and be sportsmanlike in all events and competitions.