Our Executive Committee

The Ontario Basset Hound Association, acknowledging its responsibility to the breed, establishes this Code of Ethics to express its members’ commitment to maintaining the Basset Hound as sound, healthy, free from hereditary conditions, and consistent with the official CKC breed standard.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BASSET HOUND OWNER

Owners are responsible for keeping their dogs safe and under control at all times. They should ensure their dogs are well-trained, so they contribute positively to the community rather than causing disruptions. Owners must also prioritize their dogs’ overall well-being by providing proper care, including sufficient attention and socialization, as well as appropriate grooming, nutrition, veterinary care, housing, exercise, and training.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OBHA MEMBERS

Members are expected to conform to all rules and regulations of the Canadian Kennel Club.

Members are required to recognize the official Breed Standard set by the Canadian Kennel Club as the only definitive guideline for evaluating the Basset Hound’s physical characteristics and temperament in Canada.

Members are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all canine events and competitions, as well as in their interactions with fellow Club members, while complying with the rules and regulations established by the relevant governing authorities.

Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the goals and spirit of the OBHA Constitution and By-Laws. They should also show a friendly and supportive attitude toward newcomers and those interested in the breed. Although differences of opinion may arise, members must always treat one another with dignity and respect. Members should refrain from engaging in gossip and/or making false statements regarding their fellow members’ dogs, breeding practices or person.

Members are responsible for helping educate the public about the breed, recognizing that both they and their dogs serve as representatives of the Basset Hound, the OBHA, and the broader world of purebred dogs.

RESPONSIBILITIES THE BASSET HOUND BREEDER

OBHA members are urged to give careful and thoughtful consideration before deciding to breed a litter. Breeding should be undertaken only with the OBHA’s goals in mind: acknowledging the Basset Hound’s origins as a working hound, promoting the improvement of the breed through selective breeding of dogs that exhibit proper structure, soundness, temperament, natural ability, and character as described in the breed standard, and striving to preserve and enhance these qualities to the highest degree possible.

Members must ensure that both sire and dam are healthy and not at risk before breeding and complete all relevant health testing to support sound genetics. Breeding should aim to maintain or improve the breed standard using CKC-registered or registrable dogs of good conformation, sound temperament, and appropriate age and maturity.

Members are expected to act with honesty and fairness when dealing with other breeders, dog owners, purchasers, and the public. All advertising must be truthful and not misleading or deceptive in any way either by statement or omission. Clear, concise written contracts are encouraged for sales, stud services, and lease arrangements, and non-breeding agreements should be used when appropriate.

Members who breed should only sell puppies, provide stud services, or lease dogs to individuals who can demonstrate they will provide proper care and meet the intent of this Code of Ethics. No dogs or bitches should be bred for commercial purposes, or to animals owned by individuals involved, directly or indirectly, in puppy mills, puppy brokers, pet shops, or bulk litter sales. 

Members are expected to maintain meticulously accurate written record of the details of all matings, births, registrations, etc. as required by the CKC.

Members shall provide purchasers with all required information. The Animal Pedigree Act, a Federal Statute, requires that when a person sells a dog as purebred, or contracts to sell a dog as purebred, he must furnish a certificate of registration together with fully recorded transfer of ownership to the buyer. Articles XXXI, Section 3 of the By-Laws of the Canadian Kennel Club requires the breeder to furnish these papers at no additional cost.

Breeders should recognize and accept that they may be responsible for taking back any dog they have bred, or helping to rehome it, at any point in the dog’s life if necessary.