Ethical Guidelines for dog hobbyists

The Ethical Guidelines outline the Finnish Kennel Club’s view of what is right and what is wrong — defining the common way its members should operate. The guidelines have been prepared primarily for the Finnish Kennel Club’s own operations, but they also take into account the requirements set by stakeholders of our operations.

In addition to helping individual members, the guidelines can also be a good tool for member associations. In future, there will be training on the guidelines at different events for different target groups.

The Ethical Guidelines in a nutshell

The Ethical Guidelines describe the Finnish Kennel Club’s values and principles, to which we are committed in our operations and in society. Our values are expertise, openness and active responsibility. Every dog owner and person responsible for a dog should familiarise themselves with the Ethical Guidelines and strive to comply with them in their dog care.

The Finnish Kennel Club’s Ethical Guidelines emphasise the well-being of dogs in all dog hobbies. In the guidelines, we apply the definition of animal welfare given by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Companion and Hobby Animal Welfare Council: well-being is an animal’s experience of its own psychological and physical state. Dogs have the right to species-appropriate behaviour and habitat, good health and functional capacity, as well as good treatment, positive feelings and experiences.

The guidelines cover, among other things, the welfare of dogs, responsible dog care, the principles of fair play for those participating in dog activities, the responsibility of show employees and persons organising the activities, trials, competitions, dog shows, breeding, and tackling unethical practices.

At the Finnish Kennel Club, we are committed to creating a non-discriminatory, open and positive dog hobby environment where everyone is treated fairly and equally. The well-being of dogs is taken into account and given priority in all trials, competitions and dog shows. Particular attention is paid to the dogs’ endurance and suitability for the required tasks. Dog hobbies provide stimulation and opportunities for dogs to realise their natural tendencies and provide significant social activities for humans.

Instructions

If you see or encounter something that is contrary to the Ethical Guidelines at dog hobby events, you should primarily intervene immediately on site.

- The Finnish Kennel Club’s Ethical Guidelines can be found here.