BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• The Nominating Committee selection will be the first order of New Business. (10/21/2006)

COMMITTEES and ongoing assignments (DEFINITIONS AND DUTIES)

• ADOA (American Dog Owners Association): Report items, which are of interest to dog owners. Report appears in Harp & Hound.
• AKC DELEGATE: Represent IWCA at AKC delegates meetings. Brings matters of concern to Board for recommendations.
• AKC GAZETTE COLUMNIST: Write columns and invite guest columnists for AKC Gazette IW breed column.
• ARCHIVIST: Store, organize and maintain the archives documenting the history of the club.
• ASFA DELEGATE: Represent IWCA at ASFA delegates’ meetings. Report matters of concern to Board for instructions.
• AUCTION: Collect and purchase items for and operate the auction at the national.
• BOUTIQUE: Collect and purchase items for and operate the boutique at the national.
• CANINE DOG LEGISLATION: Contact regional clubs and organize the distribution of materials from AKC to these clubs. Reports appear in H&H.
• CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION: Attend and report on AKC Canine Health Foundation meetings.
• CONTACT LIST: Update list of members who are willing to serve as contacts for breed information. This list is mailed out by the secretary in response to general inquiries.

• EDUCATION COMMITTEE:

  • IW education for the breeder/owner/fancier: Coordinate and arrange educational presentations at the National.
  • IW education for the Public: develop info packets sent when requested of the IWCA.
  • IW education for judges: Develop content and guidelines for seminars offered at our Nationals and for IWCA sanctioned seminars held by other groups around the country addressing the education of the prospective IW judge.

• FINANCE COMMITTEE: Prepare budget, select banking services and organize club finances.

• HARP AND HOUND EDITOR: Edit and publish the club magazine.
• ILLUSTRATED IW STANDARD COMMITTEE: Prepare an illustrated IW standard for judges.
• INSURANCE: Select and purchase liability insurance for club events.
• JUDGES SELECTION COMMITTEE: Compile suggestions from active members in preparing future judges' ballot.
• LIAISON COMMITTEE: Present issues that concern our regional clubs and other IW groups regarding IW. This group meets at the Nationals.
• LURE COURSING: Coordinate IWCA sponsored coursing events at National Specialty and at regional events.
• MEMBERSHIP: Receive applications for membership in the club. Provide list of applicants to the secretary and to the editor of Harp and Hound for publication, and receive resulting letters of comment.
• OBEDIENCE: Coordinate IWCA obedience events at the National Specialty.
• CHALLENGE TROPHY COMMITTEE: Responsible for all club trophies.
• PICTORIAL COMMITTEE: Plan, develop budget for, compile and publish a breed pictorial to update the earlier one done by Dot Arn.
• POLICY COMMITTEE: Compile and publish IWCA policies approved by the Board and/or by the membership at the Annual General Meeting.
• RESCUE: Responds to inquiries from the public, providing breed and rescue information.  Arrange for reimbursement funds, with proper documentation.  Maintain a Reimbursement Journal, with monthly totals to be included in the committee board reports.  Produce a Rescue Directory and keep the website directory up to date.  Coordinate rescue help for owners/shelters, using local rescue contacts. revised (10/20/2006)
• RESEARCH COMMITTEE: Conduct ongoing projects to finance health studies of the IW. Projects have included Holter monitor grants, Dr. Harpster’s cardiology reports for H&H, health lectures at the National, and von Willebrand, Thyroid and EKG testing at our National Specialty. Reports given to the Board and test results appear in Harp & Hound.
• SHOW DATE APPROVAL COMMITTEE: Keep open lines of communication between the IWCA and regional clubs regarding regional specialty show dates. (10/8/94)
• SPECIALTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Serve as the Board’s contact point for the show chairman of the national specialty regarding all matters that require direction or approval. (4-99) 
• Specialty Advisory Committee eliminated. (10/4/2003)
• SPECIALTY SITE: Review invitations to host future specialties. Distribute proper IWCA specialty form questionnaire. Report at Board meeting.
• WEBSITE: Design and develop material for the club’s web site. Obtain Board approval for materials. Maintain web site and report periodically to the Board on its activity.
• TROPHY COMMITTEE: Trophy Committee policy changes are to be made by the Board. (4/19/89)
  Committee named to develop new trophy rules. (1/95)

WINNING OF TROPHIES
 

Challenge trophies may only be retired by an active or associate member. (From Trophy Committee meeting on 5/28/86, affirmed by the Board 2/15/92)

Challenge trophies will be held by the club until retired. (5/5/96)

If an owner's name appears 3 times on the trophy, they would be the recipient. No trophy was set up as a perpetual trophy, and all trophies follow the policy of club tradition and are offered as either an outright win or as a 3-win trophy.

Concerning qualifying legs toward retirement of challenge trophies: Policy will be that challenge trophies may be retired only when won by same owner although with different dogs. Co-owners shall be treated as owners in this respect. (5/10/00)

A copy of the AKC registration showing exact current ownership of the winning IW must be submitted when winning each leg of a 3-win trophy. (10/3/92)

In the case of the Starbuck trophy, if 2 members co-own the winning hound, the trophy goes to the person who has the dog living with them, as long as the original qualifications are met. The Starbuck trophy is "For the Best Irish Wolfhound owned and bred by exhibitor or owned by exhibitor and sired by exhibitor's dog. Dog must be shown either by owner or amateur handler throughout the show. The term "exhibitor" shall include members of owner's immediate family". (From Trophy Committee meeting on 5/28/86, affirmed by the Board 2/15/92)

Mementos to challenge trophies should be given without discrimination as to member or non-member. When co-ownership is involved, the memento should go to the person who is showing the dog. (5/10/00)

REPLACEMENT OF CHALLENGE TROPHIES

The person retiring a trophy gets first choice in replacement, or can re-offer the same trophy. If the winner does not wish to replace the trophy, the person who donated that trophy gets second choice in replacement.

If neither the trophy winner nor the original donor want to replace the trophy, then it is offered to people who have requested to offer a trophy. A list of those people in the order of their requests should be maintained to be perfectly fair. (From Trophy Committee meeting on 5/28/86, affirmed by the Board 2/15/92)

When a trophy is being replaced, the club will purchase a suitable trophy and the donor will reimburse the club for the cost. (4/17/2000)  The purchased trophy will be of equal value to the one being replaced. (1/27/02)

Failure to respond to trophy chairman's letter of solicitation, failure of good taste in trophy selection or failure to provide trophy may result in the donor being replaced. (9/23/89)

Retired challenge trophies must be replaced within six months, or the winner relinquishes the right to replace them. (6/97)

CLASS TROPHIES

All trophies purchased for the specialty will be of similar quality. (1/30/93)

EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

IWCA SANCTIONED SEMINAR GUIDELINES (5/3/95)

Requirements for IWCA Sanction:

The Program must be intended for Irish Wolfhound judges and prospective judges (those who have applied or intend to apply for an AKC Irish Wolfhound breed license) but not limited to them.

Judges and prospective judges living within the seminar state and all adjoining states must be notified by mail at least two (2) months prior to the scheduled seminar date.

Persons completing the seminar will receive a "certificate of completion" presented jointly by the seminar giving organization and the IWCA. The certificate will be designed by the IWCA.

The objective of the seminar must be the continuing education of all participants. The seminar shall be administered by the local organization. Instructors/tutors must be qualified Irish Wolfhound judges/breeders/experts with skills in teaching. These instructors/tutors must be approved by the Board of the IWCA.

The seminar program shall include both classroom and "hands on" instruction/demonstration as major components, as outlined in the AKC "Judges Study Group Literature". The agenda and program content must be approved by the Board of the IWCA. This should include an introduction to the breed, history and purpose. The AKC Irish Wolfhound video could be used. There should be a "hands on" judging of groups of Irish Wolfhounds. One judge/breeder/expert should give opinions on the hounds and start discussion of the applicants’ placements. This person could also act as moderator. Discussion with a panel of "experts" should follow.

• The program agenda, program content outline and a list of the staff and instructors/tutors must be submitted to the Chair of the Education Committee with a copy to the Secretary for consideration by the Board of Directors of the IWCA at least 6 months prior to the proposed date of the seminar.

• Sanction will be given with written acknowledgment of approval by the Board of Directors of the IWCA.

Procedures for sanction approval by the IWCA.

1. All correspondence shall be through the education chairman of the IWCA.

2. The program agenda, program content outline and a list of the staff and instructors/tutors must be presented by the education chairman at a meeting of the Board. The program agenda, program content outline and list of the staff and instructors/tutors must be approved prior the sanctioning by the IWCA.

3. The education chairman shall mail the notification to the requesting organization within 30 days of the Board’s decision. A copy of this notification shall be mailed at the same time to Pure-Bred Dogs/ American Kennel Gazette for publication on the seminar page.

4. Following the seminar, the judge’s education committee is to be given a list of attending judges and any critiques or other feedback, in order to improve future educational efforts. The IWCA will keep records of attending judges. Critiques, forms for the seminar (quizzes, etc.) will be handed in with the applications for the "certificate of completion".

NATIONAL SPECIALTY

JUDGES FOR THE IWCA NATIONAL SPECIALTY

Beginning with the 1990 Specialty, there will be a contract with both the specialty judge and the sweepstakes judge. (9/24/88)

Conformation judges for the IWCA National Specialty shall be asked not to judge Irish Wolfhounds (point shows, specialty matches and sweepstakes) anywhere in the Continental United States or Canada during the six months preceding and two months following the IWCA Specialty. (10/3/92)

Specialty Judges are to be invited to the Welcoming Reception and to all other events to which all club members are invited. (9/23/89)

Judge Replacement Policy  (8/3/2007)

In the event that a Judge engaged by the IWCA to judge its National Specialty is unable to fulfill his/her assignment, the Judge(s), in contracted order will be given first right of refusal. If a substitute is not established, then the results from the most recent judges’ election will be utilized, starting with the next judge on the list until the position is filled.

In the event that an advertised judge is unable to fulfill his/her assignment either after the opening of the show or after part of the classes have already been judged, the IWCA will substitute a judge according to the AKC Rules and Regulations, Chapter 7, Sections 10-11.
 

CONFORMATION JUDGE

Policies concerning the selection process for the conformation judge are described in the "Elections" section.

The conformation judge is to receive lodging and all meals during the specialty. This includes his/her guest. Reimbursable expenses include reasonable transportation costs, lowest economy air fare, booked thirty days in advance, the rental of an economy car or if driving, mileage at the current IRS rates.

The judge must be contacted to ascertain his/her terms. In case he/she charges a fee, the Board is to be polled for approval. A contract will be drawn up by the secretary for the specialty judge.

Should the conformation judge not wish to attend the specialty dinners, the club will reimburse a hospitality person for the cost of taking the judge, his/her guest and himself/herself to dinner two nights during the show. Exhibitors shall not be invited to these dinners.

The conformation judge agrees to provide exclusively to the Editor of Harp & Hound magazine, a written critique of all winners plus first through fourth in all classes, within 60 days of the specialty. Once this critique is published in Harp & Hound, the judge may then release it to other publications.

A request will be made of the conformation judge to make comments at the judges' dinner.

The conformation judge for the IWCA National Specialty shall be provided with a copy of the official photo album of his/her assignment as a judges' gift.

SWEEPSTAKES JUDGE

To be eligible for consideration for this assignment, sweepstakes judges shall have owned Irish Wolfhounds for at least ten years prior to the time of their nomination, bred at least four litters and finished a championship in at least four Irish Wolfhounds. The sweepstakes judge is selected by the Board of Directors.

The sweepstakes judge is to receive one night's lodging, lunch the day of his/her assignment and dinner at the judges' dinner, this includes his/her guest.

The sweepstakes judge for the IWCA National Specialty shall be provided with a copy of the official photo album of his assignment as a judges' gift.

LURE COURSING JUDGE

The lure coursing judges will be selected by the Board, based on recommendations from the Lure Coursing Committee. (5/24/01)

The lure coursing judges will receive no fee, but will receive reasonable travel expenses, one night’s lodging if necessary, and judges’ dinner. (5/24/01)

The lure operator can be reimbursed for the rental of equipment and reasonable expenses and will be provided lunch. Lure operators must be approved by the lure coursing committee because of their importance to the safety of the dogs. (5/24/01)

OBEDIENCE JUDGE

The obedience judge will be selected by the Board, based on recommendations from the Obedience Committee. (5/24/01)

The obedience judge will receive a fee up to $100, and will be reimbursed for driving expenses at the current IRS mileage rate, lunch the day of the assignment and one night’s lodging. (1/13/96)

SHOW CHAIR

The Show Chair shall:

• be an IWCA active member

• present to the Board the names of all proposed committee chairs

• send progress reports to the Board on a regular basis

• consult the committee appointed by the Board on all items regarding the specialty (original policy amended 4/99)

• consult the obedience and lure coursing Board committee chairs for all matters regarding said events.

SHOW TREASURER

The IWCA club treasurer shall be the show treasurer.

The Treasurer must be contacted for all financial matters. Money from the boutique/auction, raffle, beg letter, entries, etc. shall be presented to treasurer. As needed, the show chair shall receive an advance from the treasurer, and shall present an accounting of all money spent.

BENCH SHOW COMMITTEE

The Directors and Officers of the IWCA make up the bench show committee and this should be so stated in the specialty premium list. If problems arise during the specialty which may require a bench show committee, the show chair is to report to the IWCA President.

AKC SPECIALTY APPLICATIONS

AKC specialty applications are sent to the IWCA secretary after closing of the previous specialty. The secretary shall forward the AKC specialty applications to the new show chair, along with a current membership list.

SPECIALTY INSURANCE

Liability insurance must be provided to protect the IWCA, its Board of Directors and Officers and the show committee. Contact the treasurer.

SPECIALTY CONTRACTS

All contracts shall be presented to the treasurer for approval and authorized signature. This includes contracts for the show site, motels, meals, guest speakers and the show photographer.

Contracts for the specialty judge and sweepstakes judge are handled by the secretary, who will send copies to the show chair. Obedience and lure coursing judges contracts are handled by respective Board committee chairs, who will send copies to the show chair.

SPECIALTY SHOW SITE

When the specialty show is on the motel grounds, the motel shall be designated as part of the show site. Proper tenting shall be provided, when needed, to protect club trophies, ribbons, judges, judges' tables, holding ring, judges' ringside tutorial, boutique, etc. Electricity shall be provided on the show grounds for microphones, computers, etc. Water and lavatories shall be available on the show grounds.

Clean-up receptacles shall be provided at the specialty site as well as at specialty motels.

Local Health, Fire, Emergency and Police Departments shall be notified in advance of the specialty. A safety coordinator shall be appointed. The Disaster and Emergency Plans Form shall be prepared for show site and motels, in accordance with current AKC Show Rules. Copies of these plans are to be available.

No vendors shall set up or sell on the show or motel site, except for food services. Exceptions must be presented to the Specialty Advisory Committee for approval.

SPECIALTY MOTELS AND MEALS

Motels, lunches and dinners should be available at a reasonable cost to the IW fancy.

HOSPITALITY TABLES

Hospitality tables shall be set up at motels with specialty information and clean-up bags. Tables should be staffed with volunteer greeters the day prior to the specialty. Emergency information, directions with maps, names, addresses and telephone numbers for police, fire, health, veterinarians and hospitals, etc. shall be available at the hospitality tables and on the show grounds.

MEETING ROOMS

Meeting rooms must be arranged for:

• The IWCA Board Meeting, which is held the day before the specialty.
• The annual general meeting, if it is to be held at the motel
• The Board reception on the first night
• The boutique and auction
• Education seminars, if any are scheduled to be held at the motel
• Any research testing scheduled to be held at the motel

The Show Advisory Committee and all event chairs should be consulted to ascertain if any other event accommodations are needed.

The IWCA show chair shall provide a lockup room, tables, chairs, microphone, easels for the boutique/auction during the IWCA reception, auction night and show site. The Boutique/auction shall set up inside or outside during the specialty, depending on the weather.

CLEAN-UP

Clean-up equipment and waste bags shall be provided at specialty motels.

MOTEL RESERVATIONS

Rooms shall be reserved for the specialty judges, where needed. If the motel is the show site, the Trophy chair shall have a room close by the show grounds for easy access.

Motel and travel information shall be sent to the secretary for distribution to the Board, for posting on the web site and for use in responding to inquiries.

A block of rooms shall be reserved for IWCA Board of Directors and Officers. Board members make their own reservations.

VETERINARIAN

Emergency veterinarian clinic shall be listed in premium list, along with detailed directions and office hours.

OTHER SPECIALTY EVENTS

A roped off area for judges' education shall be provided ringside.

The lure coursing field should be sufficient to run a course of at least 600 yards and 6-7 turns with lengthy straights in between. It should be examined for size and safety by the Field Chairman and, if possible, a lure operator, prior to a decision being made. It should be reasonably close to the show site and fenced if possible. (5/24/01)

WELCOMING RECEPTION

The IWCA Board hosts a reception for the IW fancy the evening prior to the specialty. (2/7/88) The boutique will be set up in the reception room, so display tables, easels and the ability to lock the room are required. Auction items are also displayed at this reception.

SPECIALTY CATALOG/PREMIUM LIST

The IWCA HARP & HOUND trademark shall appear on the premium list cover, on the catalog cover and on all ribbons. No logos or trademarks shall appear in the specialty catalog or premium list other than the IWCA HARP & HOUND trademark. No agents' names shall appear in the specialty catalog or premium list. No advertising shall appear in the specialty catalog or premium list, including superintendents.

The Secretary maintains a current list of members' names and addresses, for the mailing of the premium list, and beg letter, etc. IWCA maintains a mailing service company service for 2nd class mailing of the specialty information. Second class mailing costs less but takes longer to arrive, so the premium list must be sent out to exhibitors earlier.

The number of catalogs ordered is determined by the entry, contact the treasurer for guidance. 24 catalogs and 24 premium lists are sent to the secretary.

COMMITTEES NAMED

The premium list shall enumerate the various committees and chairmen that make up the show committee. The IWCA Board of Directors shall be part of the show committee.

APPRECIATION PAGE

An appreciation page is a way for the club to recognize the generosity of its members. It acknowledges all persons who made donations in response to the beg letter, to the boutique/auction, and to the trophy table, as well as other donations. This list shall be limited to individuals only, not businesses or kennels or dogs. The appreciation page list shall be submitted to the show chair for inclusion in the premium list and later will be updated for inclusion in the specialty issue of the HARP & HOUND magazine.

SPECIALTY LOGO

The specialty logo for tees/sweat shirts shall be coordinated between the show chair and the boutique and auction chairs. The specialty logo shall not appear in or on the premium list or catalog. The specialty logo appears on the premium list wrapper or envelope along with an order form printed inside for tee/sweatshirt pre-sales.

SPECIALTY RIBBONS

Specialty ribbons shall contain the AKC trademark, the IWCA HARP & HOUND trademark, the specialty dates, city and state. Ribbons for events other than AKC events shall contain the IWCA HARP & HOUND Trademark. Per AKC rules, no other ribbons can be awarded in the ring, nor can such ribbons be recognized in the specialty catalog or premium list.

SPECIALTY TROPHIES

The Club will be responsible for all regular class trophies, including performance events. (5/24/01)

The Challenge Trophy Chair shall handle all challenge trophies and their mementos, as well as trophies for non-regular classes. (5/24/01)

Special trophies for performance events will be the responsibility of the Board committee chair for these events. (5/24/01)

The treasurer shall provide the trophy chair with the names of currently paid members, in order to determine which winners are eligible for challenge trophies.

SPECIALTY PHOTOGRAPHER

The photographer shall work with the HARP & HOUND editor to provide proper photos for club magazine and archives.

RESEARCH RAFFLE

The show chairman shall coordinate the raffle with the research committee. Raffle funds are sent to the treasurer.

SPECIALTY BEG LETTER

Prior to the specialty, a beg letter is written and mailed to the membership (domestic), requesting donations to the IWCA specialty fund. An active member shall write the Beg Letter. (5/24/01)

BOUTIQUE/AUCTION

No consignments shall be accepted for the boutique/auction. The IWCA boutique/auction shall not support the National Specialty. They currently support Rescue/Health/Education.

OTHER SPECIALTY POLICIES

A copy of the AKC Show Trials Manuals, AKC Dog Show Rules and Regulations, Rules Pertaining to Discipline, Lure Coursing Rules and Regulations, Obedience Trial Rules and Regulations, etc. must be at the specialty according to AKC rules.

The IWCA will award up to 3 Awards of Merit at the National Specialty. (1/29/2005)

Class placements shall be posted at the show site after each class.

Set Veterans Obedience age at 6 years old. (10/8/2005)

IWCA STANDARD FOR ETHICAL CONDUCT

(approved 1/13/96)

The following standard of conduct should govern the members of the IWCA in all actions concerned with breeding, selling, exhibiting, owning and protecting this breed. It is difficult to cover all situations and for this reason members should follow THE INTENT of this standard even when specific areas are not covered.

The protection of any breed is in the hands of its owners.

Adherence to the Breed Standard insures that dogs will continue to be bred who conform to this standard through type and physical and mental qualities.

This Standard for Ethical Conduct is designed to guide and educate those people who desire to protect their dogs from those who would damage the breed through lack of understanding or interest.

Responsible Ownership

The owner should put the welfare of each of his dogs above personal gain, profit and/or personal convenience. It should be remembered that each creature in our care is an individual with needs, hopes and desires, which we as its human advocates are responsible for providing. They are, above all, our pets and friends.

General Conduct of Members

Members will:

1. Provide the best possible standards of health care for the physical and emotional well-being of their dog(s). This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate food, shelter, sanitation, immunizations, regular health checks, medical care as needed, and attention, exercise and affection always.
2. Control their dogs at all times, both on and off your premises, in the form of fencing, leashes, or the appropriate training to effect this control. Avoid discredit to yourself and the dogs by curbing your dog where required and cleaning up after your dog in public places.
3. Identify their dog(s) by using collars with tags, tattooing, or microchip implants.
4. Make every effort to educate any new owner or interested person, and to be both instructive and constructive in their comments.
5. Demonstrate good sportsmanship both inside and outside the show ring at all times.
6. Always behave in a manner that will be conducive to the advancement of our breed and our club.
7. Conform to all the items regarding placement and sales listed under this Standard of Conduct if it becomes necessary to sell, give away or otherwise place a dog.
8. In all questions of ethics not covered by the Standard of Conduct, act in the best interest of the breed and treat others as they would wish to be treated.
9. If any of their dogs need to be euthanised, have this done in the most humane manner by a veterinarian. It will not be done at a dog pound, humane society or experimental lab. Nor will their dogs be left alive at any of these places.

No member will:

1. Fail to protect the dogs in their ownership by providing the attention and care outlined in this Standard of Conduct.
2. Knowingly falsify pedigree or breeding information.
3. Sell puppies to pet stores either on consignment or outright.
4. Supply puppies for raffles or other such enterprises, including donations for fund raisers, shelters, etc.
5. Sell to unethical breeders or persons whose intention to resell the dog is known or suspected.
6. Maliciously degrade another member’s Irish Wolfhounds or kennel.
7. Import or export litters of Irish Wolfhounds, or sell entire litters within the United States, either to a private party or for commercial resale.
8. Buy or sell bitches in whelp.
9. Use their membership in the Association in advertising or other promotional activities.

Breeding:

The purpose of breeding the Irish Wolfhound is to bring their natural qualities, as outlined by the Breed Standard, to perfection. In order to do this, one must:

1. Have a clear understanding and complete comprehension of the standard.
2. Have a basic knowledge of genetics.
3. Be informed about the pedigrees of both dog and bitch – understanding faults and weaknesses on both sides.

There exists a constant danger that disreputable or ignorant breeders may, by improper practices, produce physically and mentally unsound specimens of the breed.

In addition, a member who undertakes to breed a bitch or use their stud dog on a bitch must:

1. Never breed for the pet market but only to preserve the breed and improve on one’s breeding program.
2. Breed only those animals free from hereditary defects.
3. Breed only those animals which have attained the minimum height as specified by the standard.
4. Be prepared to provide the proper care for both the bitch and litter and retain the puppies for as long as is necessary to find the proper homes.
5. When using one’s stud dog, the owner must be prepared to take responsibility for placement of the puppies, referring prospective purchasers to the bitch owner and helping with screening of homes, if necessary. In other words, treating those puppies as if they were owned by themselves.

Both bitch and dog owners should:

1. Ascertain that some homes are available prior to the breeding.
2. Have a contract covering placement of puppies, screening of buyers, fee, return service and any other specifics.
3. Not split the litter in lieu of a stud fee for the primary purpose of resale, as this is considered unethical.

In general:

1. The only justifiable reason to breed is to preserve the breed and improve one’s dogs. One should never breed for personal profit or commercial exploitation of the breed.
2. While it is expected that breeders will sell their most promising puppies to other serious students or guardians of the breed, breeders should sell on a non-breeding contract and encourage spaying and neutering of all others.
3. Breed only those bitches between the ages of 24 months and 6 years which are in excellent health.
4. Breed an individual bitch no more than two out of three consecutive seasons, and this only under exceptional circumstances, and not produce more than 3 litters in her lifetime.
5. Breeders will act responsibly toward all puppies produced by their bitch for the lifetime of the puppies.

Care and Sale of a Litter

• Be prepared to give up 3 months of your life to care for the bitch and puppies. This bitch needs supervision and care while in the whelping and nursing phase and the puppies need constant care and socialization from birth until they leave at 10-12 weeks.
• All puppies shall be provided with proper veterinary care and a clean and safe home environment. They should have dewclaws removed, be parasite free, have a good diet and the necessary immunizations
• Any puppy which is deformed or irreversibly ill shall be humanely destroyed.
• Bearing in mind that all puppies and dogs should only be sold only to loving homes, the litter may be graded as to quality but do not term them "show quality" as it is difficult to ascertain this prior to 10-12 weeks. Grading them as to "promising", "better than average" or "pet quality" is preferable.
• Any pet puppies should be sold on a non-breeding contract.
• Only the most promising puppies should be sold without the non-breeding contract, and then only to homes after the breeder has carefully investigated the new owners’ qualifications for becoming future breeders.
• Prospective buyers should be screened on their desire and ultimate intent for each Wolfhound. Their interest and ability to provide a safe, adequate and loving home should be determined. Fenced yards and crates should be strongly recommended.
• Give the prospective buyer an honest appraisal of cost management, as well as the physical, mental and nutritional needs peculiar to the breed.
• No puppy should be released to its new home prior to 10 weeks.
• Every puppy, at the time of sale, should be accompanied by the following:

1. Feeding instructions.

2. Medical records which include number and type of vaccines, dates of vaccinations, date of dewormings.

3. A 4-generation pedigree.

4. An IWCA membership application.

5. A copy of this Standard of Ethical Conduct .

6. A Bill of Sale.

7. A copy of the Standard.

8. AKC registration specifying "Breeding" or "Non-breeding".

• Breeding arrangements should never be established which would encourage the average buyer to undertake a breeding program. If a "Breeder" does not have the time, facility or desire to manage the mating, whelping and aftercare of a particular potential matron, that bitch should not be passed to another person, just to produce puppies. THIS PRACTICE IS CONSIDERED TO BORDER ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A "PUPPY MILL" AND IS HIGHLY DISCOURAGED.
• All new owners should be told to have their puppies checked by a Veterinarian within 48 hours of delivery.
• All new owners should be advised to keep the breeder informed about the development of the puppy and should be told to contact the breeder immediately concerning any health problems, physical abnormalities and/or death of the dog.
• The breeder should likewise keep in contact with the new owner for the life of the dog.
• The contract of sale should include a stipulation whereby the breeder will be notified of any plan on the part of the owner to resell or otherwise dispose of the puppy. This stipulation would also require the buyer to either return the dog to the breeder or place it with new owners who have been approved by the breeder.
• If a puppy is to be co-owned, a contract should be drawn covering all details of the co-ownership and signed by both owners.
• Puppies under the age of 11 weeks should not be exported or imported.
• Each breeder should be willing to replace a puppy that has been sold or to refund all or a portion of the purchase price if the puppy proves to have a structural defect. Such problem should be confirmed by the breeder and owner’s veterinarians.
• All advertising of puppies and adult dogs, written or oral, should be factual and honest in both substance and implication.

Records

Complete and accurate breeding records shall be maintained as follows:

For the sire and dam of the litter:

1. AKC registered names and numbers and date of whelp.
2. A 4-generation pedigree of both parents.
3. Names and addresses of registered owners.
4. Dates of actual breedings.

For the litter:

1. Date of whelp and AKC litter number.
2. Number and sex of puppies whelped alive.
3. Number and sex of puppies dead at birth (While this is not required, this is important for breeder’s records).
4. Registered name, sex and sale date of each puppy.
5. Name and address of owner of each puppy.
6. When possible, follow through on cause and date of death of any dogs bred.

Showing

Members should:

1. Show and encourage the showing of high quality dogs only.
2. Exhibit only the most creditable ring deportment and accept the services of only those professional handlers whose behavior is exemplary.
3. Help the novice exhibitor. Be kind, constructive and honest in your comments.
4. Exhibit only those dogs in good physical and mental condition.
5. Not exhibit under excessive weather conditions.
6. Show veterans only if they are in top physical condition.

ELECTIONS

NOMINATING COMMITTEE PROCEDURES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Standard Operating Procedures

Objective:
     The Nominating Committee shall be selected and shall operate in accordance with the IWCA Bylaws, Article V., Section 4, and carefully follow the procedures below to insure that the intent of the bylaws and the integrity of the board and the nomination process are maintained. Realizing this is one of the most important functions of the board, its members shall handle nominating committee appointments after careful deliberation, taking care to select individuals who understand and endorse the club’s mission, as prescribed in the bylaws. Any active member of the club is eligible to stand for election or serve on the nominating committee, providing he or she is a member in good standing with the IWCA and AKC.

Responsible Individuals:
     Primary Responsibility: Nominating Chair and Committee
     Secondary Responsibility: Secretary (as outlined below)


I.  Responsibilities of the Secretary

NOMINATION OF CONFORMATION JUDGES

A current list of all active judges will be sent out to the membership with a nomination ballot. Active members will be asked to nominate up to 3 judges and return their nominations to the Judges’ Selection Committee. The committee counts the ballots and brings ballots/tally sheets to the winter Board meeting. The Board then places the top five nominees on the ballot. In case of ties, the total number may exceed five. For example, three judges could tie for first and three judges could tie for second. In such a case, all six judges would be listed and all others would be dropped. 

INSTRUCTION TO VOTERS

A. Marking of Ballots

Vice-Presidents:
There are five (5) positions to be filled.  Place a mark by the person, or persons, you feel most qualified to serve in this office.  The person with the most votes will be considered first Vice President.  The person with the second most number of votes will be considered second Vice president and the remaining persons will be ranked accordingly.

Directors:
There are four (4) positions to be filled.  If there are more than four (4) candidates running, the four (4) with the most number of votes will fill the four positions.  Place a mark by the person or persons you feel most qualified to serve in this office.  (AGM 5/02) 

B. Mailing of Ballots
If you wish your ballot to be secret, place it in the small white envelope and seal the envelope. If your identify is revealed by you somewhere within the outer envelope, it will be assumed that you have waived your right to secrecy and your ballot will not be for that reason declared invalid.

C. Tallying of Ballots
The by-laws require that these candidates be ranked. Place the numeral "1" next to the name of the candidate you wish to be senior and use consecutive numerals to rank the remaining candidates. A blank will be counted as a vote for last place. A candidate who is preferred by a majority of voters over another is said to have one "win". Ranking is done according to the number of wins.

The ballots will be counted at the Annual General Meeting in accord with the approval method of voting. (AGM 5/02)

JUDGES
Place a mark by the person or persons you feel are the most qualified to judge the IWCA Specialty.  The two judges with the highest number of votes will be selected to judge the two shows in question.  Either of the two winning judges may serve in whichever of the two years that best meets their scheduling needs.  (AGM 5/02)]

ADDITIONAL ELECTION POLICIES

• In the eventuality of a tie for First Vice-President, on the basis of precedent, the winner will be decided by the toss of a coin. (4/19/88, reaffirmed 4/18/90)

• All election results are to be posted ASAP at show headquarters and at the show site. (5/3/95)

• Ballots are to be sent to a CPA firm, and delivered to the tellers at the AGM. (6/97)

POLICIES RELATING TO COMMITTEES AND ONGOING ASSIGNMENTS

CONTACT LIST

• The Contact List will be up-dated yearly. (2/7/88)
• The following disclaimer will appear on our contact sheet "listed members and/or breeders are members in good standing in the IWCA but in no circumstances does IWCA guarantee the services of said members and/or breeders." This disclaimer will also appear in Harp & Hound No. 2, 1996 with the following "any member referring another member and/or breeder to the public should use this disclaimer, and any member and/or breeder who does not wish his/her name provided by the IWCA to the public should immediately notify the IWCA" (5/5/95)

RESCUE COMMITTEE

• The IWCA establishes a Rescue Committee chaired by a National Rescue Coordinator. (5/13/92)
• The IWCA will consider payment of up to $500, additional funds require board approval, for medical costs for a rescue IW, only after the party has already applied for reimbursement from a regional club in their area, and if the need is not addressed by a regional club. Reimbursement will then be authorized upon a veterinarian statement of spay/neuter and receipted bill. All spay/neuter reimbursement requests will be sent to the National Rescue Coordinator (NRC). The NRC will direct parties to regional clubs in their area. If the request is not or cannot be addressed by an appropriate regional club, then the costs, up to the approved limit will be paid out of the IWCA Rescue Fund according to our guidelines. Reimbursements are to be on a first come, first serve basis until monies have been exhausted. (1/22/94) revised (10/20/2006)
• Approve the changes Jean Minnier requested to be made in her Rescue Report. (10/21/2006)

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Accounting Practices: The organization is a not-for-profit corporation and maintains its accounts on the cash basis of accounting. Consequently, certain revenues are recognized when received rather than when earned, and certain expenses are recognized when cash is disbursed rather than when the obligation is incurred.
• Inventory of books and jewelry for resale is carried at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method), or market.
• Tax exempt status: The organization is exempt from Federal Income Taxes under Section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

• The Finance Committee is established to oversee the funding of the Club. Its membership consists of the President, Treasurer, and another Board member, appointed by the President. (4/17/91)
• The Finance Committee will establish a budget for all committees needing one. (10/9/93)

HARP & HOUND

• Harp & Hound will be mailed using third class mail rates. (4/19/88)
• The position of Editor will be a five year term, beginning 1993. (10/3/92)
• The Editor can appoint an Associate Editor. (10/3/92)

JUDGES SELECTION COMMITTEE

• Accept the new wording in “Judges Selection” report presented by Jacqueline Carswell. (10/21/2006)

IWCA WEBSITE

• IWCA maintains a web site. All specialty information; motel, dinners, tees/sweats sales, and specialty schedule is to be published on this site. No logos or trademarks shall appear in the web site other than the IWCA HARP & HOUND trademark. No advertising shall appear in the web site other than for Club merchandise. (1990, 1998 revised)
   

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

• Accept the “new” version of Nominating Committee procedure presented by Joe Pitt, (with one change) as amended. (10/21/2006)                                                              

MEMBERSHIP

• The membership chairman will keep files of membership applications. (9/23/89)
• An applicant for active membership should be an associate member for at least two years. A spouse of an active member can apply for active membership without first being an associate member. (5/18/94)
• New associate members are sent both Harp and Hounds for the year to which their dues are first applied, even if they join after the first issue has been mailed. (5/24/01)
• Associate memberships are not transferable. (1/22/01)

OFFICERS

Secretary:

• Any member who does not want their address published on the membership list should send that request, in writing, to the club secretary. (9/28/86)
• The IWCA will place ads (listing name, address and telephone number of Breed Information Chair) in every issue of selected dog magazines, to include: AKC Gazette, IW Quarterly, Dog World and Dog Fancy. An information packet will be sent without charge upon requests. (10/2/87) In addition, the IWCA address is on the AKC 900 number, for public breed information. IW informational materials are sent to all requesting AKC clubs presenting educational tables at their AKC events.
• The Secretary is to request from the seven regional clubs an annual statement of research, education and rescue to be printed in Harp & Hound. (10/8/94)
• Secretary will send a general mailing at least 60 days prior to each Board meeting, to include new membership applicants and the Board actions from the last Board meeting. (4/13/2007)
   

Treasurer:

• The Treasurer will ensure that a list of all items available for purchase from the Club is printed on the reverse side of the annual dues notice. (2/7/88)
• The Treasurer will send report to members of the Board by mail prior to meetings, to include comparative statements. (10/8/94)

REGIONAL SPECIALTIES

• The Board will approve only one (1) specialty per year for any regional specialty club. (5/18/94)
• Regional Specialties may not be held sooner than one month prior to the National specialty and one month later than the National Specialty. Exceptions may be considered on a case by case basis. (10/9/93) (10/3/92) (5/24/01)
• To accept the proposal of Joe Pitt with the changes made by the Board –“Regional Specialties may not be held sooner than one month prior to the National Specialty and 30 days later than the National Specialty. Dates for Regional Specialties must be approved by the Board of Directors of the IWCA. Specialties sponsored by regional clubs must be separated by 30 days if the location of the shows is within a 200 mile radius of each other. Preference for dates is to be given to the club who has the oldest AKC approved corresponding show dates. Exceptions may be considered on a case by case basis. Effective date is Jan. 1, 2007. (2/3/2006)
• The IWCA Board may approve Regional Specialty Dates for 2 years in advance. (10/21/2006)
   

OTHER POLICIES