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AKC Code of Sportsmanship
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 judges 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.

G2
(Got it Dad)