This code is presented as a guide for all members of the Bald Eagle Kennel Club, whose foremost aims should be the welfare, improvement, and advancement of purebred dogs. This code outlines principles of general conduct to be followed by all club members.

• To be familiar with and abide by the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) regarding the registering and exhibiting of pure bred dogs.
• To promote the cause of responsible dog ownership.
• To provide adequate and humane living quarters, proper nutrition and veterinary care when necessary.
• To conduct oneself in a sportsmanship manner, both in and out of the show ring.
• To breed only mature dogs and bitches.
• To never offer dogs for raffle of contest prizes or for other types of "give aways".

The following persons will not be eligible to be members of the Bald Eagle Kennel Club:

• Persons who sell to Pet Dealers, Puppy Mills of to other sources of commercial distribution, singly or in litter lots; Persons who buy or sell dogs not bred by them as a means of livelihood, in part of or in whole, whether or not they are known as dealers (trafficking in dogs).

Membership Eligibility

There shall be three types of membership open to all persons who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purpose of this club:

A. Single -- Persons 18 years or older.
B. Family -- Couples or two individuals, 18 years or older, living in the same household.
C. Junior -- Persons under 18 years old, who are non-voting. A junior is eligible for adult membership without new application upon reaching his/her 18th birthday, providing the junior has been a club member for at least one year and upon payment of appropriate dues.

The Bald Eagle Kennel Club of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Inc. Will not discriminate relative to sex, race, religion, or creed.

Application for Membership

Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board of Directors and shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the Constitution, By-Laws, and Code of Ethics. The prospective member must attend two club meetings when applying for membership. All applications are to be filed with the secretary and are to be read at the next Board meeting of the club following its receipt. If there are no objections, the application information is next published in the Tailwagger, then read at the following regular club meeting. The applicant may be voted into membership by a majority vote at the next Board Meeting, there having been no objections on record.

Meetings of the BEKC are held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Lundy Building in the Little League Complex, South Williamsport. Board meeting starts at 7pm, regular meeting at 7:30.

LOOKING FOR A PUPPY ?
By Blair E. Frye

Buying a dog for your family can be a heart-warming or heart-breaking experience. The first thing a person should realize is that every different breed has different needs and that must be considered when choosing a dog. Temperament, size, activity level, children, and other pets will be factors of a happy or sad situation as a new puppy grows as a member of your family. Step one is identifying the breed(s) that will best fit your desires and situation and you can best provide for the dogs desires and needs. Only after step one, should you look at a puppy. Generally, only with pure-bred dogs, can you find an extensive history of traits, habits, problems, etc. to help decide what dog might be a wonderful addition to your home.

With all the horror stories you’ve heard, how do you best find a quality puppy that will develop true to the qualities you chose and likely be free of costly medical problems and genetic defects that only become evident as the dog ages. A few facts to help with this dilemma, no one can say absolutely that a particular puppy will develop as expected but the actual breeder will have the most information and experience to make the best guess. Good breeders are so proud and sure of their puppies that they will often give a guarantee in writing on every puppy they sell. On the other side, Puppy mills and “backyard breeders” are doing it for profit only or as an experiment. To quote the American Kennel Club (AKC) "A responsible breeder makes sure that every single puppy goes to an owner who will provide it with the same love and devotion for life that the breeder has provided for the first eight or ten weeks". If a puppy does not come of AKC registered parents from a respectable, ethical and knowledgeable breeder, you are taking a large risk of problems,diseases, and temperament issues over the life of that dog. Pet shops are not a source for an AKC pure-bred puppy. Although Pet shops offer registration papers on the puppies they sell, it is not necessarily even from a real organization. Be aware, there are registration papers available that appear to be AKC registrations and that “Papers” alone does not prove any dog is what it is supposed to be. Dog Shows began as a way for breeders to compete and promote their breeds and bloodlines and thus sell their progeny to the public and other breeders. AKC Dog Shows have evolved into primarily the “competition” and the breeding and selling of dogs is now secondary. The breeders that show are focused on breeding the absolute best specimens of their chosen breed therefore the best place to find the puppy you want. Only a very small percentage of the puppies born are of show quality and that insures that there are ample,extremely high quality pets available of all breeds to all the dog lovers out there looking. You also need to know, a responsible breeder will ask a prospective buyer many questions to ensure they do not put their puppy into a less than suitable and permanent new family. If a breeder does not ask you questions, they will not likely stand behind their dogs should a unforeseen situation arise in the future. Good breeders are committed to the safety and well being of each and every puppy they bring into this world, as well as the satisfaction of the new puppy owner. If you are ready for a puppy, go to a Dog Show.