About the Lancaster Kennel Club

We are a not-for-profit all-breed kennel club consisting of owners, breeders, and exhibitors of all breeds of pure-bred dogs. The Lancaster Kennel Club was organized to promote canine education for the community of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is established in accordance with the aims and objectives of the Lancaster Kennel Club, Inc. It is a guide to protect and advance the interests of pure-bred dogs by promoting and maintaining superior breeding standards and encouraging sportsmanship in competition at dog shows, performance events, match shows and other events engaged in by Lancaster Kennel Club members. Adherence to this Code is strongly recommended.

Health

Owners should maintain the highest standards of health and veterinary care, nutrition and cleanliness for their canines, in order to insure the dog's physical and mental well-being. This care should be given at all times and in all places, not just to show dogs.

Registration and Breeding

Owners should breed only AKC registered pure-bred stock to other similarly registered AKC pure-breds, endeavoring to improve the breed, and rejecting matings of stock with defects which could be detrimental to the breed. Dogs and bitches should have sound temperaments and meet AKC breed standards. Only mature bitches should be bred and then provided with the best pre-natal care. All breeders should keep accurate pedigrees and records of all breedings of their stock.

Sales

Breeders should be diligently concerned with finding suitable homes for their puppies and should never sell or make consignments to pet shops or commercial dealers. Puppies must be honestly evaluated and fairly represented to the buyer. Any puppy not deemed to be qualified for breeding must be spayed or neutered. Contracts stating this requirement are strongly recommended.

Puppies should go to their new homes only after they are at least seven weeks old and with all appropriate documentation: bill of sale, contract, pedigree, AKC registration form, veterinarian health certificate, and care and feeding instructions. Good communication with the new owners will insure that the puppy is well cared for and will encourage them to participate in club and other dog activities, such as matches and shows.

Sportsmanship

Owners and breeders should conduct themselves in such a manner that will reflect favorably upon themselves, their pure-bred dogs, and the sport of pure-bred dogs, at all times and in all circumstances.

Canine Legislation

The Lancaster Kennel Club is a participating member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs and the American Kennel Club. We support their legislative efforts within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well as on the National level.