American Presa Canario Association emblem

Official Standard

APCA Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics defines the commitments every APCA member accepts regarding ownership, breeding, health, and the preservation of the Presa Canario.

I

Article I

Responsible Ownership

  1. 1.1Members shall provide proper containment, socialization, and training appropriate to the Presa Canario's working temperament.
  2. 1.2Members shall not misrepresent the breed's temperament, exercise needs, or handling requirements to prospective owners.
  3. 1.3Members shall provide lifelong care and shall not abandon or neglect dogs under their ownership.
  4. 1.4Members shall comply with applicable local and state ownership regulations.
II

Article II

Ethical Breeding

  1. 2.1Members shall breed with the intent to preserve and improve temperament, structure, and working ability.
  2. 2.2Members shall not breed dogs known to carry disqualifying temperament faults or significant heritable health conditions without appropriate disclosure.
  3. 2.3Members shall avoid breeding practices intended solely to maximize litter volume at the expense of welfare.
  4. 2.4Members shall maintain reasonable spacing between litters in the interest of the dam's health.
III

Article III

Humane Treatment

  1. 3.1Members shall provide adequate shelter, nutrition, veterinary care, and social interaction to all dogs in their care.
  2. 3.2Members shall not use training methods that constitute cruelty or abuse.
  3. 3.3Members shall report suspected mistreatment of Presa Canarios to the appropriate authorities.
IV

Article IV

Health Testing

  1. 4.1Members who breed shall pursue appropriate, breed-relevant health screening for breeding stock.
  2. 4.2Members shall disclose known, relevant health findings to puppy buyers and co-owners.
  3. 4.3Members shall not conceal health outcomes affecting the breeding value of a dog.
V

Article V

Accurate Records

  1. 5.1Members shall submit truthful information for registration, including parentage, ownership, and dates of birth.
  2. 5.2Members shall not falsify pedigree information or misrepresent a dog's registration status.
  3. 5.3Members shall promptly report ownership transfers and status changes to APCA.
VI

Article VI

Transparency

  1. 6.1Members shall answer reasonable questions from prospective buyers and co-owners honestly.
  2. 6.2Members shall not misrepresent titles, achievements, or affiliations associated with a dog or kennel.
  3. 6.3Members shall disclose known conflicts between a sale and APCA's standards prior to transaction.
VII

Article VII

Puppy Placement

  1. 7.1Members shall evaluate prospective homes for suitability given the breed's working temperament.
  2. 7.2Members shall provide new owners with guidance on training, containment, and the responsibilities of ownership.
  3. 7.3Members shall remain available as a resource to buyers after placement, within reason.
VIII

Article VIII

Breeder Responsibility

  1. 8.1Members who breed accept responsibility for the outcomes of their breeding decisions, including offspring placed with others.
  2. 8.2Members shall take back or assist in rehoming dogs of their breeding when reasonably able to do so.
  3. 8.3Members shall cooperate with APCA's Ethics Committee in the review of reported concerns.
IX

Article IX

Owner Responsibility

  1. 9.1Members shall maintain accurate contact and ownership information with APCA.
  2. 9.2Members shall represent their dogs' registration status and pedigree accurately in any public or commercial context.
  3. 9.3Members shall support the safety of their communities through responsible containment and supervision.
X

Article X

Breed Preservation

  1. 10.1Members shall act in the long-term interest of preserving the traditional Presa Canario's type, temperament, and working ability.
  2. 10.2Members shall support APCA's registry as the accurate record of the breed's lineage within the association.
  3. 10.3Members shall participate, where able, in the education of new owners and breeders on preservation standards.

Acknowledgement

Agreement Upon Application

By submitting an application for APCA membership, an applicant acknowledges having read this Code of Ethics and agrees to conduct their ownership and, where applicable, breeding practices in accordance with the articles above. Continued membership is contingent upon adherence to this Code, and APCA's Ethics Committee may review reported concerns consistent with association procedures.

Document version: Adopted by the APCA Board — version 1.0

Effective date to be published by the Board.

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Membership in APCA begins with agreement to the Code of Ethics above.

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