Membership
Information
The Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club is a non profit dog breed club formed with the following objectives (quoted from the CBdFC constitution):
- To encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Bouvier des Flandres dogs, and do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
- To urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by The American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which Bouviers des Flandres shall be judged.
- To do all in it's power to protect and advance the interests of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, obedience trials, herding trials and other organized activities.
- To conduct sanctioned and licensed specialty shows, obedience trials and herding trials under the rules of the American Kennel Club.
- To encourage and promote responsible dog ownership.
For questions about becoming a Member please contact:
Trisch Wentz
CBdFC Constitution
The Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club Constitution
ARTICLE I: Name and Objects
SECTION 1
The name of the club shall be the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club.
SECTION 2
The objects of the Club shall be:
(a) to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Bouvier des
Flandres dogs, and do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
(b) to urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as
approved by The American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by
which Bouviers des Flandres shall be judged.
(c) to do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed by
encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, obedience trials and
herding trials and other organized activities.
(d) to conduct sanctioned and licensed specialty shows, obedience trials and
herding trials under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club.
(e) to encourage and promote responsible dog ownership.
SECTION 3
The Club shall not be conducted or operated for profit and no part of any profits
or remainder or residue from dues or donations to the Club shall inure to the
benefit of any member or individual.
SECTION 4
The members of the Club shall adopt and may from time to time revise such bylaws
as may be required to carry out these objects.
(Revised November 9, 2002)
CBdFC BY-LAWS
The Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club Bylaws
ARTICLE I: Membership
SECTION 1
Eligibility
There shall be four types of membership open to all persons who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of this Club:
- Regular; open to all persons’ eighteen (18) years of age or older.
- Family membership; which shall be for two (2) or more people living in the same household. A family membership shall be entitled to no more than two votes and those voting must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
- Junior; with all the rights and privileges of membership except voting and holding office, open to those persons under age eighteen (18) years of age.
- Associate membership; open to all persons 18 years of age or older. Associate members may not vote or hold office, and will be entitled to participate in all Club activities, and will receive the newsletter.
While membership is to be unrestricted as to residence, the Club’s primary purpose is to be the representative of the owners, breeders and exhibitors of Bouvier des Flandres in its immediate area.
SECTION 2
Dues
Individual membership dues shall not exceed $50.00 (fifty dollars US) per year, payable on or before the first (1st) day of January of each year. No member may vote whose dues are not paid for the current year. Family membership dues shall not exceed one and one-half times individual membership dues. Junior membership dues shall be half of the individual membership. The treasurer shall send to each member a statement of his/her dues for the ensuing year. The amount of yearly dues shall by set by the board no later than at the October board meeting. Dues notice will be sent out at least thirty (30) days prior to becoming due.
SECTION 3
Election to the Membership
Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form approved by the Board of Directors. The application shall state the name, address, and other information as may be requested on the form and it shall carry the endorsement of two members in good standing with the Club. The applicant shall agree to abide by the constitutions and by-laws of the Club and those of the American Kennel Club. Accompanying the application, the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year. All applications are to be filed with the Secretary and each application is to be read at the first meeting of the Club following its receipt. At the next Club meeting the application will be voted upon and affirmative votes of 3/4 of the members present and voting at that meeting shall be required to elect the applicant. Application shall be voted on by secret ballots.
Applicants for associate membership shall not require endorsement of any member, and will not require election to membership.
Applicants for membership who have been rejected by the Club may not reapply within six (6) months of rejection.
SECTION 4
Termination of membership
Membership may be terminated;
- by resignation. Any member in good standing may resign from the Club upon written notice to the Secretary; but no member may resign in debt to the Club. Dues obligations are considered a debt to the Club and they become incurred on the first day of each fiscal year.
- by lapsing. A membership will be considered lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid ninety (30) days after the first day of the fiscal year; however, the Board may grant an additional ninety (90) days grace period to such delinquent members in meritorious cases. In no case may a person be entitled to vote at any Club meeting whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting.
- by expulsion. A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article IV of these by-laws.
ARTICLE II: Meeting and Voting
SECTION 1
Club Meeting
Club Meetings shall be held within the greater Salem, Oregon area, no fewer than four (4) times per year at such hour and place as may be designated by the Board of Directors. Written notice of each meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such meetings shall be twenty percent (20%) of the members in good standing who are eligible to vote.
SECTION 2
Special Club Meeting
Special Club meetings may be called by the President, or by a majority vote of the members of the Board who are present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Board; and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by five (5) members of the Club who are in good standing. Such Special meetings shall be held within the greater Salem, Oregon area at such place, date, and hour as may be designated by the person or persons authorized herein to call such meetings. Written notice of such a meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary at least five (5) days and not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting, and said notice shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other club business may be transacted thereat. The quorum for such a meeting shall be twenty percent (20%) of the members in good standing.
SECTION 3
Board Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be no less than sic (6) tmes per year in the greater Salem, Oregon area at such hour and place as may be designated by the Board. Written notice of each such meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary at least five (5) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be a majority of the Board.
SECTION 4
Special Board Meetings
Special Board Meetings may be called by the President, and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a written request signed by at least three (3) members of the Board. Such Special Meetings shall be held within the greater Salem, Oregon area at such place, date and hour as may be designated by the person authorized herein to call such meetings. Written notice of such meetings shall be mailed by the Secretary at least five (5) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be a majority of the Board.
SECTION 5
Voting
Each regular member in good standing whose dues are paid for the current year shall be entitled to one vote at any meeting of the Club at which she/he is present. Family memberships are entitled to no more than two (2) votes. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any Club meeting or election.
ARTICLE III: Directors and Officers
SECTION 1
Board of Directors
The Board shall be nine (9) members in good standing, comprised of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer elected for one year terms and five other persons elected for two year terms, with three positions elected in even years and two positions elected in odd years with the exception of the founding year. Those elected at the Club’s Annual meeting, as provided in Article IV, shall serve until their successors are elected. General management of the Club’s affairs shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2
Officers
The Club’s officers, consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the Club and its meetings and the Board and its meetings.
- The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board, and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those particularly specified by the by-laws.
- The Vice-President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the President in case of the President’s death, absence or incapacity.
- The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the Club and of the Board and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the Club. She/he shall have charge of the correspondence, notify members of meetings, notify new members of their election to membership, notify officers and directors of their election to office, keep a roll of the members of the Club with their addresses, and carry out such other duties as are prescribed in these by-laws.
- The Treasurer shall collect and receive all moneys due or belonging to the Club. She/he shall deposit the same in a bank designated by the Board, in the name of the Club. Her/his books shall at all times be open to inspection by the Board and she/he shall report to them at every meeting the condition of the Club’s finances and every item of receipt or payment not before reported; and at the annual meeting she/he shall render an account of all moneys received and expended during the previous fiscal year. The Board shall arrange for an independent audit at the close of each fiscal year. The Treasurer shall be bonded in such amount as the Board of Directors shall determine.
- The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person in which case the Board shall be comprised of the officers and six (6) other persons.
SECTION 3
Vacancies
Any vacancies occurring on the Board or among the officers during the year shall be filled until the next annual election by a majority vote of all the then members of the Board at its first regular meeting following the creation of such vacancy, or at a Special Board meeting called for that purpose; except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice-President and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice-President shall be filled by the Board.
ARTICLE IV: The Club Year, Annual Meeting, Elections
SECTION 1
Club Year
The Club’s fiscal year shall begin on the 1st day of January and end on the 31st day of December. The Club’s official year shall begin immediately at the conclusion of the election at the Annual meeting and shall continue through the election at the next Annual meeting.
SECTION 2
Annual Meeting
The Annual meeting shall be held in the month of November at which Officers and Directors for the ensuing year shall be elected by secret, written ballot from among those nominated in accordance with Section 4 of this article. They shall take office immediately upon the conclusion of the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to her/his successor in office all properties and records relating to that office within thirty (30) days after the election. Failure of a retiring officer to turn over properties, records or funds will result in that person being designated a member not in good standing.
SECTION 3
Elections
The nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected. The nominated candidates for other positions of the Board who receive the greatest number of votes for such position shall be declared elected. If the final slate consists of only one candidate for each office, the nominees shall be declared elected at the time of the Annual meeting and no balloting will be required.
SECTION 4
Nominations
No person may be a candidate in a Club election who has not been nominated. During the month of August, the Board shall select a Nominating Committee consisting of three members and two alternates, not more than one of who may be a member of the Board. The Secretary shall immediately notify the Committee and alternates of their selection. The Board shall name a Chairperson for the Committee and it shall be her/his duty to call a committee meeting that shall be held on or before September 1.
- The Committee shall nominate at least one candidate for each office and candidates for the open positions on the Board, and immediately report their nominations to the Secretary in writing.
- The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each member in writing of the committee’s slate at least two (2) weeks prior to the October meeting.
- Additional nominations may be made at the October meeting by any member in attendance, provided that the person so nominated does not decline when her/his name is proposed, and provided further that if the proposed candidate is not in attendance at this meeting, her/his nominator shall present to the Secretary a written statement from the proposed candidate signifying her/his willingness to be a candidate. No person may be a candidate for more than one position.
- Nominations cannot be made at the annual meeting or in any other manner other than as provided in this Section.
ARTICLE V: Committees
SECTION 1
The Board may each year appoint standing committees to advance the work of the Club in such matters as; Bouvier rescue, education, specialty shows, obedience trials, herding trials, trophies, annual prizes, membership and other fields, which may be served by committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board. Special committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid it on particular projects.
SECTION 2
Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board upon written notice to the appointee's), and the Board may appoint successors to those persons whose services have been terminated.
ARTICLE VI: Discipline
SECTION 1
American Kennel Club Suspension
Any member who is suspended from the privileges of the American Kennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.
SECTION 2
Charges
Any member may prefer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the Breed. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $50.00 (fifty dollars US) which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the Board following a hearing. The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the Board or present them at a Board meeting, and the Board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct which would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the Breed. If the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct that would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the Breed, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date of a hearing by the Board not less than three (3) weeks nor more than six (6) weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges to the accused member by registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in her/his own defense and bring witnesses if she/he wishes.
SECTION 3
Board Hearing
The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained, after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board may by a majority vote of those present reprimand or suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Club for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing. If the Board deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before her/his fellow members at the ensuing Club meeting which considers the Board’s recommendation. Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its findings shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the Board’s decision and penalty, if any.
SECTION 4
Expulsion
Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at a meeting of the Club following a Board hearing and upon the Board’s recommendation as provided in Section 3 of this Article. Such proceeding may occur at a regular or special meeting of the Club to be held within sixty (60) days but no earlier than thirty (30) days after the date of the Board’s recommendation of expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in her/his own behalf, though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the Board’s finding and recommendation and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak on his own behalf if she/he wishes. The members shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A 2/3 vote of those present and voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the Board’s suspension shall stand.
ARTICLE VII: Amendments
SECTION 1
Amendments to the Constitution and By-laws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by twenty percent (20%) of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the Board by the Secretary for a vote within three (3) months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary.
SECTION 2
The Constitution and By-laws may be amended by a 2/3 secret vote of the members present and voting at any regular or Special meeting called for that purpose, provided the proposed amendments have been included in the notice of the meeting and mailed to each member at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting.
ARTICLE VIII: Dissolution
SECTION 1
The Club may be dissolved at any time by written consent of not less than 2/3 of the members. In the event of the dissolution of the Club other than for purposes of reorganization whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the Club nor any proceeds thereof nor any assets of the Club shall be distributed to any member of the Club but after payment of the debts of the Club, its property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization, for the benefit of dogs, selected by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IX: Order of Business
SECTION 1
At Club meetings, the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be as follows:
· Roll call
· Minutes of last meeting
· Report of President
· Report of Secretary
· Report of Treasurer
· Report of Committees
· Election of Officers and Board (at annual meeting)
· Election of new members
· Unfinished business
· New business
· Adjournment
SECTION 2
At meetings of the Board, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:
· Reading of minutes of last meeting
· Report of Secretary
· Report of Treasurer
· Reports of Committees
· Unfinished business
· New business
· Adjournment
ARTICLE X: Parliamentary Authority
SECTION 1
The rules contained in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised” shall govern the Club in all cases to which they are applicable and which they are not inconsistent with these by-laws and any other special rules of order the Club may adopt.
ARTICLE XI
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to make this organization a partnership or to make any member of this organization in any way responsible or liable under the partnership law for the acts, debts, defaults or liabilities of any character whatsoever of any member.
(Revised November 9, 2002)
CBdFC Code of Ethics
Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the club's Code of Ethics.
The Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club Code of Ethics
I. Conduct
Members of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club shall strive to conduct themselves in a manner which reflects positively upon themselves and the Bouvier des Flandres. The actions and behavior of members of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club, Inc., reflect directly on the organization and on the breed. It is, therefore, imperative that all members conduct themselves in a manner which reflects a high regard for good sportsmanship, responsible dog ownership, integrity and respect for others.
Members shall:
1.1 Offer assistance and support to other Bouvier owners, (especially novices), and encourage basic training and the earning of titles.
1.2. Maintain all areas in a condition which encourages a positive attitude toward Bouviers and their people. This includes but is not limited to cleaning up and disposing properly of dog's waste.
1.3. Notify a board member of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club, the breeder of the Bouvier (if known), or proper authorities in the area if aware of possible maltreatment, misuse or need for relocation of any Bouvier.
1.4. Advertise and represent Bouviers and related activities honestly and factually.
1.5. Exhibit only Bouviers which are healthy, clean, groomed and well-behaved (not a danger to other dogs or people).
II. Care
Members of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club shall adequately provide for all dogs under their care.
Members shall:
2.1. Provide the physical requirements which include appropriate food, water, basic grooming and a sanitary & safe environment.
2.2. Provide appropriate veterinary care and have knowledge of canine contagious diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, (Adenovirus 2), leptospirosis, parvovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza, bordetella, and rabies.
2.3. Have or seek clear understanding of canine health and nutritional requirements in all stages of development.
2.4. Provide for the mental & emotional needs of a Bouvier which include affection, training and social interaction throughout any Bouvier's life so they do not become a nuisance or a danger to others.
2.5. Be encouraged to obtain health screening or certificates (OFA hips, elbows, heart, thyroid, PennHip, CERF-eyes, etc.), and provide that information to their Bouvier's breeder.
2.6. Microchip or tattoo each Bouvier.
III. Breeder/Seller Conduct
Members of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club who breed (stud dogs and/or brood bitches) or sell Bouviers shall do so carefully and knowledgeably. A breeder's primary- goal should be the improvement of the breed.
Members shall:
3.1. Be prepared to be fully responsible for all offspring produced or Bouviers sold. It is incumbent on the breeder/seller to keep track of each Bouvier throughout its lifetime and to endeavor to ensure that it leads a quality existence.
3.2. Become knowledgeable about the structure, temperament and the mental stages of development of the Bouvier.
3.3. Be familiar with heritable disabilities and problems which are known to occur in the breed (hip and elbow dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, cataracts, etc.)
3.4. Be aware of growth and nutrition-related diseases (osteochondritis dissecans, panosteitis, etc.).
3.5. Clearly outline in writing the terms of the breeding.
3.6. Breed only dogs/bitches that are at least 24 months old and registered by the AKC or its foreign equivalent.
3.7. Breed and/or sell only Bouviers that are in good health (i.e. fully immunized, free from communicable disease and internal or external parasites, etc.) All known health problems of the individual dog, its parents, littermates or full siblings from previous litters must be disclosed in writing.
3.8. Only allow a bitch to produce puppies during non-consecutive heat cycles.
3.9. Maintain complete and correct breeding records and pedigrees, and strictly comply with AKC requirements for registrations and transfers of ownership.
3.10. Provide immunizations and parasite control.
3.11. Breed only Bouviers that are healthy as evidenced by formal testing as listed below:
a). Have been x-rayed and evaluated by OFA, PennHip, or their foreign equivalents, and determined to be free from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
b). Have been certified by OFA or equivalent foreign agency to be free of cardiac defects (preferably by a certified veterinary cardiologist).
c). Are CERF certified clear of eye defects within one year prior to breeding
d). Have been thyroid tested within normal levels within one year prior to breeding.
If a dog can not be certified due to injury or non-heritable defect, a statement from the appropriate veterinary specialist shall be obtained and provided as evidence the condition causing failure to certify is not inheritable.
3.12. Breed only dogs/bitches that have sound temperaments, (i.e. are NOT inappropriately aggressive, shy, or unstable etc.)
3.13. Be familiar with genetic strengths and weaknesses in the lines bred or sold and be prepared and able to objectively evaluate those progeny for which he or she is responsible.
3.14. Should be familiar with aptitude testing, temperament and puppy development in order to match buyer's needs and expectations with Bouvier suitable for their situation.
3.15. Personally place their Bouviers in appropriate homes. They shall not allow them to be wholesaled, placed in pet shops, sold by litter, made available as prizes or premiums, sold for laboratory experimentation or sold to catalog houses, commercial distributors, brokers, auctions etc.
3.16. Discuss with potential buyers both the negative and positive aspects of the breed so that they may make an informed decision in selecting a Bouvier. Temperament, exercise requirements, grooming and coat care, size, and possible heritable conditions should be especially emphasized.
3.17 Ascertain that the prospective buyer is aware of the needs of the Bouvier, and has the knowledge and facilities to care properly for a growing or grown dog.
3.18. Place puppies no sooner than 49 days of age (7 weeks).
3.19. Provide a written contract including terms of the sale, health status of dog sold, parents and littermates, and any genetic guarantees and remedies.
3.20. Sell under limited registration with a spay/neuter contract all Bouviers evaluated to be non-breeding ( i.e. pet) quality by the breeder/seller.
3.21. Provide to the buyer:
a) Four-generation pedigree.
b) AKC Registration or foreign equivalent in a timely manner.
c) Copies of all health certifications or veterinarian statement of health status of Sire and Dam of puppies or individual Bouviers.
d) Health, immunizations, and worming records.
e) Breeding history for adults being sold.
f) A copy of this Code of Ethics
g) Written instructions for feeding and general care.
3.22. Be available to buyers for advice, support, reasonable aid, and assistance for the life of any Bouvier sold.
IV. Implementation
If any member or nonmember is aware of a possible violations of this code he/she will refer the matter to a board member for review at the next meeting or a member may file a complaint under Article VI section 2 of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club by-laws. Violations of the Code of Ethics shall be construed to be misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the breed.
This Code of Ethics has been published in the CBdFC May 1998 Newsletter prior to membership adoption by majority vote May 16. 1998 at the Cascade Bouvier des Flandres Annual Picnic General Meeting.
Membership Documents
To join for the first time, please complete a Membership application.
For questions about becoming a Member or renewing your membership please contact: Trisch Wentz