Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics and Sportsmanship has been established to maintain and improve the quality of Giant Schnauzer stock and to provide Giant owners with principles to protect the breed from exploitation, irresponsible promotion, or careless breeding. The members of The Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc. have approved this code by majority vote of the entirety. Questions regarding its interpretation and application to specific situations may be directed to any of the club officers, regional directors, breeder education committee, health and heredity committee, or information center.

Core Principles
  • Conduct myself with integrity, sportsmanship, and civility, honoring the traditions of the sport and the Giant Schnauzer breed.
  • Respect and uphold the bylaws, rules, regulations, and policies of the AKC and GSCA.
  • Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants.
  • Recuse myself from any activities, deliberations, or decision making for which a conflict of interest may exist or the appearance of such may reasonably be perceived by others.
  • Recognize that owning, exhibiting, and breeding Giant Schnauzers is a privilege that carries serious responsibility.

Conduct in Competition
  • Commit to fair play, honesty, courtesy, and graciousness in both victory and defeat.
  • Avoid influencing or compromising a judge’s impartiality; decline to exhibit where conflicts may exist.
  • Accept constructive criticism professionally; offer feedback only with permission and respect.
  • Avoid negative gossip, disparagement, or unsportsmanlike behavior.
  • Appreciate the effort and skill of competitors, understanding that strong competition and civility can coexist.

Ethical Breeding & Puppy Placement
  • Breed only to improve the Giant Schnauzer temperamentally, structurally, and physically, putting the welfare of the breed above profit or personal advantage.
  • Do not use for breeding any dog that is shy, vicious, nervous, unreliable, or has serious defects, and ensure sterilization if such dogs are placed.
  • Health testing: All breeding stock should be screened for hips, elbows, thyroid, eyes (CAER), cardiac, applicable genetic disease (PRA-prcd, PRA, DCM, HUU, etc.), and other breed-relevant conditions. Results should be available through OFA. Breeders should use health testing results to make informed decisions on breeding a particular Giant. Anyone intending to breed Giants should keep themselves educated on available health testing technologies and procedures.
  • Bitches should not be bred more than once a year unless deemed medically appropriate through veterinarian consultation.
  • Breeding age: Bitches recommended between 2–8 years; stud dogs not recommended before 2 years. Any dogs used for breeding under 2 years of age should have health preliminary testing for hips and elbows in addition to the other screening (listed under health testing) completed and submitted to OFA. Breeder consultation with veterinarian is required for exceptions to these age requirements.
  • Puppies will not be placed before 8 weeks of age. Provide AKC registration, medical records, 3-generation pedigree, and feeding/care instructions. Breeders have full responsibility for future placement if rehoming becomes necessary at any point for the life of the dog.
  • All agreements and transactions including puppy sales, ownership transfers, accepting deposits, guarantees, co-ownership arrangements, guardian home placements, rehoming, stud dog services, and bitch leasing will be covered by written contracts, and all contracts will be honored.
  • Encourage age-appropriate spay/neuter or hormone-sparing sterilization, use limited registration, and/or include contractual penalties to prevent indiscriminate breeding of pet-quality dogs.
  • Advertising must be truthful and informative. Clarify “show prospect” expectations and extent of responsibility.
  • Support education, conformation, companion, and performance events to maintain intelligence, temperament, trainability, and structure. Encourage new owners to participate in conformation, companion, and performance activities and to apply for membership in the club.
  • Kennel names associated with a recognized breeder of Giants, in the United States or abroad, will not be used in AKC registered names except with the written permission.
  • Giant puppies or grown stock will never be sold or disposed of through pet shops, wholesalers, commercial dealers, or paid agents. Breeders will deal directly with the individual buyer, making every effort to be sure that he/she will be responsible Giant owners and that the new home will be satisfactory.

Online Conduct & Class Participation
  • Be generous, thoughtful, and respectful when giving feedback online or in person.
  • Always ask for consent before offering advice; respect others decisions to decline feedback. Accept requested feedback in the spirit in which it was given.
  • Bullying, belittling, or hostile behavior—whether in person or online—is unacceptable.

Mentorship & Community
  • Encourage and support newcomers, offering guidance and connections to club resources and its members.
  • Serve as a role model promoting civility, fairness, and ethical behavior.
  • Uphold the sport and breed for future generations.

Enforcement & Consequences
  • Failure to follow the above principles may result in consequences, up to and including expulsion from the club, being enforced in accordance with the Discipline Article of the Constitution and Bylaws. Retaliation against those reporting concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited.

Final Commitment
  • I will strive to reflect the best values of our sport and breed. My conduct—at shows, online, at club events, and in daily interactions—has the power to build or harm the community. I choose to lead with kindness, integrity, respect, and dedication to the welfare of my dogs and the preservation of the Giant Schnauzer breed.