ETHICS: HONESTY AND COMMON SENSE

All functions will be held under the AKC Code of Sportsmanship, Code of Ethics, and AKC Rules & Regulations as is any AKC sponsored event.

AKC judges possess and project a commitment to integrity and ethical behavior that insures the reputation of AKC dog shows as fair and well judged. With common sense, judges can easily avoid situations which might raise ethical questions. Judges and exhibitors are honest, competent and dedicated. Nevertheless, it is possible to find yourself in an uncomfortable or inappropriate situation. These guidelines cannot address every
situation; however it can help you avoid improprieties perceived or otherwise. Obviously, some rules, policies and guidelines are clear. For example:
1) Judges should advise potential exhibitors not to enter under you when their presence or the presence of their dogs might give the impression of unfair advantage. Examples include but are not limited to:
…your employer or an employee.
…a relative.
…a person with whom you co‐own dogs.
…a person with whom you co‐breed dogs.
…a person with whom you travel to dog shows.
2) Exhibitors should not enter under a judge when their presence or the presence of their dogs
might give the impression of unfair advantage. Examples include but are not limited to:
…your employer or an employee.
…a relative.
…a person with whom you co‐own dogs.
…a person with whom you co‐breed dogs.
…a person with whom you travel to dog shows.
3) No entry shall be made at any show under a judge of any dog which said judge or any member of his immediate household or immediate family has been known to have owned, handled in the ring more than twice, sold, held under lease or boarded within one year prior to the date of the
show. These are only examples. The key is to avoid all situations that are likely to give the impression of impropriety. You must do everything possible to keep your reputation above reproach.

A HANDY RULE OF THUMB
There will always be “gray areas” that perplex judges and exhibitors. When faced with such a dilemma, ask yourself whether the situation, however innocent, projects an outward appearance of impropriety. A good rule of thumb is:
If you have concerns about whether something is inappropriate, you probably should avoid the situation.