NWRTA BYLAWS

Click here for the Constitution & Bylaws

The objects of the club shall be:

  • to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred rat terriers and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection;
  • to urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by The American Kennel Club (AKC) as the only standard of excellence by which rat terriers shall be judged;
  • to do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed and to encourage sportsmanlike competition in all canine-related competitive events;
  • to conduct sanctioned matches, specialty shows, obedience trials, agility trials, field trials, and any other event for which the club is eligible under the Rules and Regulations of The American Kennel Club;
  • to provide educational opportunities for club members, exhibitors, judges, breeders, and all other canine enthusiasts and owners to learn about the rat terrier, including care, training, health testing, and breeding, to promote the humane treatment of canines, and to learn about participation in American Kennel Club events.


NWRTA CODE OF CONDUCT

As a member of the NWRTA you agree to abide by the following code of conduct.

If necessary the club may invoke disciplinary action or expulsion as outlined in article VI the club’s bylaws.

Code of Conduct:

  • Uphold a welcoming environment by treating others impartially, regardless of race, color, age, gender identity, sexuality, national origin, disability, religion or any other real or perceived differences. Members will treat each other with respect, civility, and good sportsmanship at all times and in all communication.
  • As representatives of the club, members will conduct themselves in a responsible manner that will not damage the reputation of the club, its activities and or its members.
  • Comply with Federal and State laws, club policies, bylaws, ethics, and the AKC Code of Sportsmanship.
  • Keep accurate accounting of records, registration papers, titles, and pedigrees.
  • Protect the integrity and security of club information, including but not limited to: Club documents, member information, digital communication, contract agreements and negotiations, and financial information.
  • Keep only as many dogs for which they can provide a high standard of health care, shelter, nutrition, attention, affection, and overall care.
  • Provide appropriate training, exercise, and supervision to ensure their dogs are well mannered, kept in safe conditions, and are not abused or neglected.
  • Ensure that in all dog related activities, the dog's welfare takes precedence over considerations of competition participation and results, breeders, trainers, owners, organizations, sponsors, and officials.

AKC CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP

Members of the NWRTA, as fanciers, breeders, and owners of Rat Terriers, are expected to agree to and uphold the AKC Code of Sportsmanship, AKC Bylaws, personal conduct policy, rules, regulations and policies.

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. 

• Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs. 

• Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace. 

• 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. 

• The sportsman judge only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors. 

• The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism. 

• 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. 

• The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge. 

• The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport of purebred dogs. 

• 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. 

• Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport. 

• Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them. 

• Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock. 

• Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them. 

• Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog.

• Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in the sport.