^{The Great
Dane Club of}^{Northern California}

^{Instructions for completing membership application}^:

¹⁾^{Read
membership guidelines and “Code of Ethics”. They are for your information and
to keep for your own records.}

²⁾^{Complete
the two-sided application.}

³⁾^{Secure
the signatures of two club members who have known you more than six months, are
not related to you, and are willing to sponsor you.}

⁴⁾^{Fees
include a nonrefundable $10 initiation fee and membership fees, some of which
go toward the Great Dane rescue allotment and are prorated.}

⁵⁾^{Make
a check out to the GDCNC for the amount of
$35}

⁶⁾^{Send
the completed application, along with your check to the membership chair:}

^{Connie Andronico, 42 Arlington Avenue,
Kensington, CA 94707}

^{Three classes of membership}^:

^{Open to any person in good standing with The
American Kennel Club and The Great Dane
Club of America who subscribe to the
purposes of this club, provided that such a person, or any member of their family
owns, or has owned a Great Dane, or applicants that are interested in the
welfare of the Great Dane.}

^Ø^{Regular Members}^{: any person (18) years of age, or older, who has
attended two club functions or dog shows, is acquainted with two club members
for at least six months, and is located in the area served by this club, may
make application. They must abide by “the Code of Ethics” of the Great Dane Club of Northern
California, Inc.}

^Ø^{Associate Members}^{: any person (18) years of age, or older, who abides
by the “Code of Ethics” of the Great Dane Club of Northern California, Inc. may
make application. They do not have any voting rights.}

^Ø^{Junior Members}^{: any person between the ages of (10) and 17)
inclusive, who abides by the “Code of Ethics” of the Great Dane Club of
Northern California, Inc. may make application.}

^{The “Code of Ethics” of the Great Dane Club of}^{Northern
California}^{, Inc.─a guide for the owners, breeders and stud
owners of Great Danes.}

^Ø^{Code:
“A system of principles or rules.”}

^Ø^{Ethics:
“A principal of right or good conduct, a system of moral values, the right conduct.”}

^{Ethical Behavior}^:

^{“Of or relating to moral
action, motive or character; conforming to professional standards of conduct.”
The CODE OF ETHICS is presented as an
informative guide for both current and future owners, breeders and stud owners
of Great Danes. The foremost aim is the welfare and improvement of the BREED.
The Constitution and the By-Laws of the Great Dane Club of Northern California,
Inc. (Article 1; section 2; paragraph a-h) indicate what the objectives of the
club shall be. This CODE OF ETHICS details certain practices and membership
obligations necessary to implement these objectives, thereby showing a
concerted effort to protect an advance the interests of the BREED. In applying
for membership, applicants agree to further the club’s objectives and conduct
all their activities in connection with the BREED in an ethical manner.}

^{Ownership Behavior}^:

^{The
Great Dane is a wonderful breed with many sterling qualities, but it is not the
breed for everyone. The Great Dane is an indoor dog, people/family oriented,
and in need of quality attention. The novice owner has a responsibility to
their Great Dane to seek the advice and guidance of established, reputable
breeders and/or experienced owners.}

^{A conscientious breeder will:}

^Ø^{Show
their pride of ownership and love of their Great Dane by always presenting a
clean and healthy companion, who is well-socialized and trained, thereby making
him an ambassador of the breed wherever he goes.}

^Ø^{Provide
and maintain proper housing and bedding suitable to the needs of this giant
breed.}

^Ø^{Keep
their Great Dane in a safe and sanitary environment at all times.}

^Ø^{Socialize
their Great Dane by exposing them to a variety of situations and stimuli
appropriate to their age and past experience.}

^Ø^{Through
humane
training methods, insure that their Great Dane behaves in a controlled, but
happy and outgoing manner, at all times.}

^Ø^{Never
allow their Great Dane to roam loose. A secured, fenced yard is a must!}

^Ø^{Will
keep their Great Dane on proper restraint when venturing off their property.}

^Ø^{Never
allow their Great Dane to become a nuisance to others in any way, shape or
form.}

^Ø^{Learn
and maintain correct grooming practices.}

^Ø^{Provide
fresh water indoors and out in adequate amounts.}

^Ø^{Provide
fresh food according to predetermined schedules.}

^Ø^{Provide
proper preventative veterinary care at all times and act promptly in times of
emergency. As a giant breed, the Great Dane can, and will, present certain
health problems and special needs not often seen by most small animal
veterinarians. Make sure that the veterinarian you select is familiar
and experienced in dealing with these problems. Do not wait until an
emergency arises, to talk to your veterinarian.}

^Ø^{Provide
correct and humane ear care whether cropped or natural-eared. Correct ear
cropping and after care is an art that not all veterinarians can provide.
Always seek experienced advice and help before, and after, you crop your dog.
Not all natural ears lie correctly without some help; therefore, also seek
advice from someone experienced with natural ears.}

^Ø^{Keep
abreast of new advances in the health, training and care of the Great Dane.}

^{Sportsmanship Practices}^:

^{As a member of the Great Dane Club of Northern California, Inc., you
have already shown an interest in the Great Dane and have taken the necessary
steps toward increasing your awareness. Many people prefer simply to maintain
companions only and many decide to try their hand at exhibiting their Great
Dane. There is always a viable place for both type of members in the club, with
each person contributing equally to the betterment and well-being of the breed
they love. Please keep in mind the following suggestions of appropriate
behavior when in engaged in dog related and/or club related activities.}

^{A GDCNC member should:}

^Ø^{Conduct
themselves at all times in a manner which will reflect credit upon themselves,
their club and their breed regardless of location or circumstances.}

^Ø^{When
confronted with a difficult situation, conduct themselves
as they would like to be treated under similar circumstances.}

^Ø^{Attempt
to show good sportsmanship, whether winning or losing, in or out of the show
ring.}

^Ø^{Will
refrain from conduct considered prejudicial to the best interests of the Great
Dane, dog shows and pure breed dogs in general.}

^Ø^{Not
engage in, and will discourage others from, maligning and making libelous,
slanderous or malicious criticism regarding another person and/or animal.}

^Ø^{Try
to present a positive image by outward conduct and a willingness to answer
questions by spectators, other exhibitors and the general public.}

^Ø^{Regardless
of location or circumstances, keep their facilities clean and not let their
dogs become a nuisance to others.}

^Ø^{Be
concerned with the well-being of the dogs and the people around them.}

^Ø^{Make themselves available to offer
advice to others less experienced and, if so needed, seek the advice of others
more experienced than themselves.}

^Ø^{Familiarize themselves with the American
Kennel Club (AKC) rules, regulations and correct procedures involved in
exhibiting purebred dogs.}

^{Breeding Practices}^:

^{The advancement, or decline, of a breed lies
exclusively in the hands of those who choose to breed their animals. AKC
registration is not an indication of quality nor does a certificate of
championship always indicate a superb breeding animal. At all times, a breeder/stud dog
owner must ask themselves three questions:}

^{1) Why
am I choosing to breed this animal?}

^{2) Of
what possible benefit, or detriment, to the Breed will this breeding be?}

^{3) Am I
fully prepared to deal with all the responsibilities and ramifications
resulting from this breeding?}

^{An ethical breeder/stud dog owner
should:}

^Ø^{Always
strive to produce dogs of sound mind and body.}

^Ø^{Never
breed a dog known to have a hereditary defect NOR continue to breed a dog who produces a hereditary defect.}

^Ø^{Prescreen
all breeding dogs for hereditary defects by use of the latest medical
techniques available and refrain from breeding to dogs who have not obtained
the required prescreening tests.}

^Ø^{Not
use a dog too young or too old for breeding. Suggested ages are two to
five years for a bitch—up to six years if she has previously whelped
a litter successfully; and two to eight years for a male.}

^Ø^{Not
breed a bitch on consecutive heats}^{unless the first litter consisted of a trouble free,
naturally whelped litter of three or fewer puppies; or if it is a part of the
veterinarian’s recommendation for the treatment of pyrometra.}

^Ø^{Make
a concerted effort to limit the number of litters whelped by a breeder
(including co-owned bitches) to a suggested limit of three in a calendar year.}

^Ø^{Realize
that the indiscriminate use of a stud dog can result in a decline of the Breed
and, therefore, plan and limit use to a suggested limit of ten times in a
calendar year.}

^Ø^{Grade
their litters and sell (place) pets on a spay/neuter contract and make full use
of the AKC Limited Registration form option.}

^Ø^{Carefully
screen all potential homes as to their suitability to own and care for their
Great Dane. Will never sell to pet shops, puppy mills or wholesale brokers.}

^Ø^{Provide
new owners with no less than: correctly filled out and signed
registration papers, 4 generation color pedigree, health record, feeding
schedule, important dates, written guarantees/contractual agreements, club
information, magazine, book references.}

^Ø^{Not
release a puppy prior to six weeks of age. Suggested age is 7-8 weeks or after
ear cropping and suture removal.}

^Ø^{Maintain
contact with buyers over the life of the dog to ensure its well-being. Stud dog
owners have an equal responsibility in tracking their dog’s get.}

^Ø^{It is
the responsibility of both the novice and the experienced breeder to always
avail themselves of a wide range of educational
material. A mentor is suggested for novice breeders, but do not expect the mentor, or any
other breeder, to take care of your litter and/or buyers. If you, as
the breeder (or stud dog owner), cannot provide your buyers with the necessary
information or skills needed to ensure the health and welfare of your puppies,
then do
not breed until you have the education and experience to do so. Strive
to be an ethical and reputable breeder, not just a producer of puppies.}

^{Rescue Practices}^:

^{While
it is hoped that no Great Dane ever should need to be rescued from a less than
desirable situation, nor that any should ever be surrendered to a humane
society or shelter, we do realize that this is not a very realistic hope in
today’s “throw away” society. As purebred dog owners, it is our duty to educate
the public at every opportunity regarding animal health care and
responsibilities. As breeders and stud dog owners, we must assume full
responsibility for those puppies we choose to produce.}

^{In this era of anti-dog prejudice, animal
right extremists and strict breeder-ban legislation, it is becoming
increasingly evident that, unless we take responsibility for our actions as
GDCNC members and as individuals, our rights to self-governing might well be
taken from us.}

^{An ethical breeder/stud dog owner
should:}

^Ø^{Realize
that they have a moral obligation to any animal of their breeding (sire or dam)
that requires a new home.}

^Ø^{Immediately
assess the situation: Can the animal safely remain where it is until a new home
is found? Can it be brought to their home or a foster home? Is there some
health or temperament problem? What are the appropriate measures to rectify the
situation?}

^Ø^{Not
knowingly place an animal with a health, temperament, training or socialization
problem without correcting the situation or making the new owners fully aware
of the existing conditions.}

^Ø^{Work
closely with Great Dane Rescue to provide support, foster care (if feasible),
provide transportation (if feasible), and volunteer time in any area where it
is appropriate.}

^Ø^{Contact
the rescue organization if they have a dog in need, or are aware of a Great
Dane that may need evaluation and a possible rescue.}

^Ø^{Refer
potential owners to the Great Dane Rescue organization.}

^{Although most of the
dogs which are surrendered to shelters and/or find their way to the rescue come
from unknown ancestry, uneducated owners and unenlightened breeders, there may
well come a time when a dog from your sire or dam will become a “rescue dog.”}

The Great Dane Club of Northern California

^{The Great
Dane Club of}^{Northern California}