CONTENTS

A. Great Dane Club of Canada Constitution
B. Great Dane Club of Canada Code of Ethics
C. Great Dane Club of Canada Standing Resolutions

CONSTITUTION

1. Name and Object

1.1 Reference
1.2 Objects and Aims
1.3 Singular and Plural
1.4 Governance

2. Membership

2.1 Membership Year
2.2 Membership Dues
2.3 Eligibility
2.4 Types of Memberships
2.5 Application for Membership
2.6 Approval of Membership
2.7 Termination of Membership
2.8 Voting Privileges

3. General Meetings

3.1 Annual General Meetings
3.2 Attendance at Annual General Meeting
3.3 Special General Meetings
3.4 Board Meetings
3.5 Adjournments
3.6 Quorum of Members
3.7 Notice of Meetings

4. Board of Directors

4.1 Composition of the Board
4.2 Remuneration of Directors
4.3 Indemnities to Directors and Others
4.4 Auditors
4.5 Minutes of the Board of Directors & Committee Meetings
4.6 Vacancies
4.7 Powers of Directors
4.8 Officers
4.9 Duties of Officers
4.10 Execution of Documents

5. Finances

5.1 Fiscal Year
5.2 Books and Records
5.3 Newsletter Records
5.4 Annual Budget Date of Meeting

6. Club Year, Voting, Nominations, Elections

6.1 Club Year
6.2 Voting of Members
6.3 Voting Privileges
6.4 Voting Procedures
6.5 Elections

7. Committees
8. Discipline

8.1 Suspension from a Kennel Club
8.2 Suspension from the Great Dane Club of Canada
8.3 Procedure for filing charges against a member
8.4 Board Hearing
8.5 Disqualification of Board Member
8.6 Expulsion

9. Ammendments
10. Dissolution
11. Order of Business
12. Annual National Specialty Show Guidelines
13. Fund Requests
14. Standing Resolutions
15. Rules and Regulations for Divisions
CODE OF ETHICS
1. Breeding Guidelines

1.1 Clearances
1.2 Responsibilities of the Owner of the Stud Dog
1.3 Responsibilities of the Owner of the Brood Bitch
1.4 False Advertising
1.5 Breeding "Very Serious Faults"
1.6 Color Breeding Guidelines
1.7 Physical Abnormalities
1.8 Moral Obligation

STANDING RESOLUTIONS
1. Code of Ethics
2. Insurance
3. Membership Dues
4. National Awards
5. National Specialty Best of Breed Award
6. National Specialty Perpetual or Memorial Trophies
7. President's Travel Expense
8. Rescue


GREAT DANE CLUB OF CANADA CONSTITUTION

1 . Name and Object
1.1 Reference
The name of the Club shall be the Great Dane Club of Canada, herein referred to as "the Club" and the area of operation shall be Canada through three divisions: Eastern (Ontario (excluding Northwest Ontario), Quebec and the Atlantic provinces), Mid West (Northwest Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan), West (Alberta, British Columbia).
1.2 Objects and Aims
The objectives of the Club shall be:
· To encourage and promote the responsible breeding and showing of registered Great Danes
· To encourage and assist the membership of the Club in order to advance the interest of Great Danes in Canada
· To conduct CKC approved events and to encourage sportmanslike competition at all events
- To advance the breed to the highest standards possible, in part through education of owners, breeders and the public about the Great Dane, the problems that affect it, and to hold in utomost regard the importance of responsible breeding and selling programmes.
1.3 Singular and Plural
In these By-Laws and other By-Laws of the Club hereafter passed, unless the context otherwise requires, words implying the singular number or the masculine gender shall include the plural number or feminine gender as the case may be and vice versa, and references to persons shall include firms and Clubs.
1.4 Governance

1.4.1 This Constitution and any future By-Laws shall be recognized as official Club documents and shall be available to each member of the Club and to each new member at the time of application either in printed copy or online. A current, updated Constitution adn By-Laws shall reside on the official website of the Club (www.gdcc.ca) at all times.
1.4.2 No member shall be absolved from the effect of the Constitution and By-Laws by any allegation of not having received them, or if ignorance of their contents.
1.4.3 The By-Laws of the Club bind each member as though he had inscribed his name and affixed his signature thereto.
1.4.4 The financial liability of a member of the Club to creditors of the Club is limited to the amount due from him in respect to membership fees.

2. Membership
2.1 Membership Year
The membership year of the Club shall begin on the first (1st) day of January of each year and end on the thirty-first (31st) day of December of each year.
2.2 Membership Dues
Membership dues shall be payable on or before the first (1st) day of January of each year. Membership dues are paid to the Division Treasurer and then forwarded by the Division Treasurer to the National Treasurer. Only those members whose dues are paid for the current year may vote. Members joining from January 1 - June 30 shall pay the entire cost of the membership. Members joining from July 1 - December 1 shall pay 50% of the membership cost. Those members joining from December 1 -December 31 shall pay the entire cost of the membership, which will include the membership for the following year. During the month of October the Divisional Secretaries will inform all members of the division of the dues required for membership for the ensuing year. Membership dues will also be listed by the National Secretary in the Dane Data during the last quarter of the year.
2.3 Eligibility
Any person in good character, interested in the objects of the Club shall be eligible for membership by being sponsored by a member in good standing. Membership is a member who has fully paid his fees owing to the Club and has fulfilled all his financial obligations to the Club, to which he is committed.
2.4 Types of Membership

2.4.1 Associate Membership: shall be every newly accepted membership and considered temporary. Associate memberships shall exist from the first day of membership approval for a period of one calendar year. After one year, the associate
member shall be voted on for full membership by a simple majority of the membership present at the next meeting.

2.4.2
Voting Membership : shall be those persons over 18 years of age paying all fees as designated and shall have all Club privilages including the right to vote. To maintain this membership (and the right to vote), the member must attend either in person or via proxy/ballot 50% of Divisional meetings. Persons not attending or partaking of 50% of their Divisional meetings will be moved to a Non-Voting Membership.
2.4.3 Non-Voting Membership : shall be those persons over 18 years of age paying all fees as designated and shall have all Club privilages except the right to vote, hold office or serve as members of the National Committee.
2.4.4 Dual Membership : shall be those persons over 18 years of age paying all fees as designated and shall consist of one (1) Full Membership with privileges as outlined in 2.4.1 above, and one (1) Associate Membership with privileges as outlined in 2.4.3 above.
2.4.5 Junior Membership : shall be those persons under 18 years of age, paying all fees as designated and shall have all Club privileges except the right to vote, hold office or serve on the National Committee. Upon reaching the age of 18 shall be eligible for Full Membership upon payment of the difference between the designated fee and the fee paid for Junior Membership, and a majority vote to accept the application at a regular meeting of the appropriate division.
2.4.6 Honorary Life Membership : shall be any member in good standing who has made an outstanding contribution to the Great Dane breed. Life Membership shall be proposed only by a member of the Executive and shall be voted on at any Annual General Meeting by a majority of Full Members present. Life Members shall have all the rights of Full Membership and shall have been a member of the Great Dane Club of Canada for a period of twenty (20) years to be eligible. It is not expected that there shall be more than one (1) Life Membership proposed per year. Life Members shall not be required to pay membership fees.

2.5 Application for Membership

2.5.1 Each applicant for membership shall be proposed by a member in good standing at any monthly meeting, on a form as approved by the Board of Directors and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the Constitution, By-Laws and Code of Ethics of the Great Dane Club of Canada.
2.5.2 Any individual rejected for membership by the club must be provided with a written explanation. An applicant who has not been approved by a division may appeal, in person or in writing, at the next Annual General Meeting of the Club provided the Notice of Appeal is given thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting so that it may be shown on the Agenda. Representation will be allowed by both the applicant and the defending Division, following which the Club may elect the applicant by favorable vote of ninety (90%) percent of the voting members present.

2.6 Approval of Membership
Accompanying the application the prospective member shall submit the appropriate dues for the current year. The application will then be read at a regular division meeting and noted in the minutes. A simple majority vote of members present at the following meeting is required to declare the applicant as an associate member. After one calendar year, the associate member shall be voted on for full membership by a simple majority vote of the membership present at the next meeting.
2.7 Termination of Membership

2.7.1 Termination of membership may occur as a result of resignation, failure to renew, expulsion by the club, or as a result of deprivation, suspension, debarment, expulsion or termination of Canadian Kennel Club membership as imposed by the Canadian Kennel Club's Discipline Committee.
2.7.2 A membership shall be considered lapsed as of January 1. A grace period of 30 days shall be granted to the member to pay their dues.
2.7.3 A lapsed membership will be automatically terminated as of January 31, at which time the member must re-apply for membership.
2.7.4 Upon re-application and approval of any lapsed membership by simple majority vote of all members present at a divisional meeting, the membership shall be declared an Associate Member. After one year, the associate member
shall be voted on for full membership by a simple majority of the membership present at the next meeting.

2.8 Voting Privileges
Voting privileges are as outlined above in 2.4 Types of Memberships.
3. General Meetings
3.1 Annual General Meetings

3.1.1 At every Annual General Meeting, in addition to any other business that may be transacted, the report of the directors and the financial statement shall be presented, and a Board of Directors elected for the ensuing year. The Annual General Meeting of the Club shall be held in conjunction with the Club's Annual Specialty Show at a place, date and hour designated by the President in keeping with the Specialty Show Guidelines (which are elsewhere in this constitution.
3.1.2 Notice of the meeting shall be mailed or emailed by the Secretary to each member at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for the Annual General Meeting shall be twenty five percent (25%) of all Voting Members in good standing represented by ballot or in attendance at the meeting

3.2 Attendance at Annual General Meeting
Attendance at the Annual General Meeting of the Great Dane Club of Canada shall be limited to members only, with the exception of the impartial inspectors required for the election of officers.
3.3 Special General Meetings
3.4.1 Special General Meetings may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors who are present at a meeting of the Board of Directors or upon receipt of a petition signed by ten (10) full members of the club who are in good standing.
3.4.2 Such meetings shall be held at such hour and place as designated by the Board of Directors. Written notice of such meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary to each member no less than forty-two (42) days prior to the meeting. The notice of the meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other Club business may be conducted at that time. The quorum for the meeting shall be twenty percent (20%) of voting members.
3.4 Board Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Directors of the Club shall be held at a date, place and time as designated by the President and may be dictated by geographical residential location of the members of the Board of Directors. Should a physical meeting of the Board be impossible, business may be transacted by mail, email, or telephone through the Secretary. At no time shall any decisions be made until all the members of the Board have had a chance to vote.
3.5 Adjournments
Any meetings of the Club or of the Directors may be adjourned at any time and from time to time and such business may be transacted at such adjourned meeting as might have been transacted at the original meeting from which such adjournment took place. No notice shall be required of any such adjournment. Such adjournment may be made notwithstanding that no quorum is present.
3.6 Quorum of Members
A quorum for the transaction of business at any divisional meeting of members shall consist of not less than five members present in person (except where specific quorums are required for annual or special meetings detailed elsewhere in these by-laws); provided that in no case can any divisional meeting be held unless there are three members present in person.
3.7 Notice of Meetings
No error or omission in giving notice of any annual, general or regular meeting of the Board of Directors or adjourned meeting whether regular or annual or general, to the members of the Club shall invalidate such meetings or make void any proceedings taken there at and any members may at any time waive notice of such meetings and may ratify, approve and confirm any and all proceedings taken or had there at. For the purpose of sending notice to any member, director or officer for any meeting or otherwise the address of the member, director or officers of the Club shall be his last address recorded on the books of the Club.
4. Board of Directors
4.1 Composition of the Board
The Board of Directors shall be comprised of the President, two (2) Vice Presidents, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the four Directors; all of whom shall be members in good standing and residents of Canada.
The election of the Board of Directors shall take place at the Club's annual meeting. Management of the Club's affairs shall be entusted to the Board of Directors.
a) The elected officers of the Great Dane Club of Canada, Inc., shall consist of
President
Past President
First Vice President
Second Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer

b) There will be four (4) elected Directors; comprised of at least one from each division.
c) All officers and directors shall be elected by the members by ballot at the Annual General Meeting or at the meeting following the time any of the said officers cease to hold office owing to death or resignation. The Directors must reside in the region they represent and are elected by the members residing in that respective region.
d) The officers of the Club shall be elected for a period of two (2) years or until their successors are elected.
e) The duties of the elected officers and directors are as outlined.
4.2 Remuneration of Directors
The directors shall receive no remuneration for acting as such.
4.3 Indemnities to Directors and Others
Every director or officer of the Club or other person who has undertaken or is about to undertake any liability on behalf of the Club, shall at all times, be indemnified and saved harmless out of the funds of the Club for all costs, charges or expenses incurred on behalf of the Club except such costs, charges or expenses as are occassioned by his own willful negligence or default.
4.4 Auditors
The Board of Directors may, at any Annual General Meeting, appoint an auditor the audit the accounts of the Club, to hold office until the next Annual General Meeting, provided that the Directors may fill any casual vacancy in the office of the auditor. The remuneration of the auditor shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
4.5 Minutes of the Board of Directors and Committee Meetings
The minutes of the Board of Directors or the minutes of Committee meetings shall not be available to the general membership of the Club, but shall be available to the Board of Directors, each of whom shall receive a copy of such minutes.
4.6 Vacancies
4.6.1 The office of a member of the Board of Directors shall be automatically vacated:
i) if a Board member shall resign his office by delivering a written resignation to the Secretary of the Club;
ii) if he develops an illness which leaves him medically unfit to serve on the Board
iii) if he becomes bankrupt or suspends payment or compounds his creditors;
iv) on death
4.6.2 If any vacancy occurs, the Board of Directors by a majority vote may, by appointment, fill the vacancy by a qualified member of the Club.
4.6.3 A retiring member of the Board of Directors shall remain in office until the dissolution or adjournment of the meeting at which his retirement is accepted and his successor is elected. The succeeding Board member shall hold office until the next election of the Board of Directors.
4.7 Powers of Directors
4.7.1 The Board of Directors of the Club may administer affairs of the Club in all things and make or cause to be made for the Club, in its name, any level of contract which the Club may lawfully enter into and, save hereinafter provided, generally, may exercise all such powers and do all such other acts and things as the Club is by its charter or other wise authorized to exercise and do.
4.7.2 The Board of Directors shall have the power to authorize expenditures on behalf of the Club for the purpose of furthering the objectives of the Club. The Board of Directors shall have the power to enter into a trust arrangement with a trust company for the purpose of creating a trust account in which capital and interest may be made available for the benefit of the Great Dane Club of Canada, Inc., in accordance with such terms as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
4.7.3 The Board of Directors shall take such steps as they may deem fit to enable the Club to acquire, accept, solicit or receive legacies, gifts, grants, settlements and/or donations of any kind whatsoever for the purpose of furthering the objectives of the Club.
4.7.4 The Board of Directors may provide for the creation of Committees to advance the work of the Club. Such committees shall always be subject to the final approval and authorization by the Board of Directors.
4.7.5 The Board of Directors may appoint such agents and engage such employees as it shall deem necessary from time to time and such persons shall have authority as prescribed by the Board of Directors at the time of such appointment.
4.8 Officers
The Officers of the Club shall be a President, a Past President, two (2) Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer an Awards Officer and a Webmaster.
4.9 Duties of Officers
All officers of the Club shall be members of the Great Dane Club of Canada, Inc., and members of the Board of Directors of the Club and shall cease to be officers if they cease to be members of the Board or if they are removed from the Board of Directors.
4.9.1 The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Club. He shall preside at the Annual General Meeting, if present; have the responsibility of the affairs of the Club; and see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect.
4.9.2 The Past President position was created in the National in order that the current President be able to benefit from the experience of the Past President.
4.9.3 The First Vice President shall, in the absence or disability of the President, perform the duties and exercise of the powers of the President and shall perform such other duties as imposed upon him by the Board of Directors.
4.9.4 The Treasurer shall have custody of the funds and securities of the Club and shall keep full and accurate accounts of all assets, liabilities, receipts and disbursements in proper books belonging to the Club and shall deposit all monies, securities and other valuable effects in the name and to the name and to the credit of the Club in such chartered bank or banks, or in the case of securities in such registered dealer in securities as may be designated by the Board of Directors from time to time. He shall disburse the funds of the Club under the direction of the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and Directors at the annual meeting, or whenever required of him, an account of all the transactions and a statement of the financial position of the Club. He shall also perform such other duties as may from time to time be directed by the Board of Directors.
4.9.5 The Secretary shall carry on the affairs of the Club generally under the supervision of the Board of Directors and shall attend the Annual General Meeting and act as clerk and record all facts and minutes of all proceedings in the books to be kept for that purpose. He shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the members and of the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or President, under whose supervision he/she shall be. The Secretary shall maintain an up to date list of the Board of Directors and their current address.
4.9.6 The Awards officer shall be responsible for receiving andtabulating all annual awards applications and for maintaining the historical records of the Club awards.
4.9.7 The Webmaster shall be responsible for maintaining the accuracy and data of the GDCC website, ensuring timely updates of the Club Constitution and all other information.In the instance of the Constitution, updates and/or changes passed must be reflected online within 3 weeks of the change.
4.9.8 The Awards officer and the Webmaster shall be considered Officers of the Club however neither position will have a seat on the National Executive, nor will they have National Executive voting privileges. The duties of all other officers of the Club shall be such as the terms of their engagement call for or the Board of Directors requires of them.
4.10 Execution of Documents
Contracts, documents, or any instruments in writing requiring the signature of the Club shall be signed by two officers - the President or First Vice President, and the Secretary. All contracts, documents and instruments in writing so signed shall be binding upon the Club without any further authorization or formality. The Board of Directors may from time to time by resolution appoint an officer or officers on behalf of the Club to sign specific contracts, documents and instruments in writing. The Board may give authorization to any dealer in securities for the purpose of transferring of and dealing with stocks, bondd and other securities of the Club. The seal of the Great Dane Club of Canada shall be affixed to contracts, documents and instruments in writing signed as aforesaid or by any officer or officers appointed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
5. Finances
5.1 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Club shall begin on the first (1st) day of January of each year and end on the thirty-first (31st) day of December of each year.
5.2 Books and Records
The Board of Directors shall see that all necessary books and records of the Club required by the By-Laws of the Club or by any applicable statue or law, are regularly and properly kept. All cheques drawn from the club will require the signature of two club officers in Article 4 Section 4.10
5.3 Annual Budget Date of Meeting
If the Treasurer is not present at the Annual General Meeting, then written rationale must be submitted with the proposed budget.
6. Club Year, Voting, Nominations, Elections
6.1 Club Year
The Club Year shall begin on the first (1st) day of January of each year and end on the thirty-first (31st) day of December of each year.
6.2 Voting of Members
At all meetings of the Club every question shall be decided by a majority of votes of Full Members present in person, where directed by the Board of Directors, where represented by written ballot. Voting by proxy is not permitted at Divisional, National,or Special meetings, including the Annual General Meeting. Every question shall, in the first instance, be decided by a show of hands unless a vote by ballot be demanded. In the case of a tie vote, whether by a show of hands or ballot, the President is entitled to a second or casting vote. The Board of Directors may decide to submit specific questions for a decision of the members by written ballot cast by mail.
6.3 Voting Privilages
6.3.1 All members in good standing have the right to vote at all meetings of the Club either in person or by written ballot.
6.3.2 All written ballots must be registered with the Secretary, in writing, prior to the call to order of the meeting.
6.4 Voting Procedures
At the Annual General Meeting, in addition to votes in person, official ballots will be accepted. Ballots, to be valid, must be received by the Secretary in a sealed envelope and will be taken to the Annual General Meeting, there opened and counted by two (2) impartial (non-members of the G.D.C.C.) inspectors. Voting by proxy is not permitted.

The person receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected. The elected Officers and Directors shall take office the first (1st) day of January. Each retiring officer shall turn over to his successor all files, records, etc. of that office at that time. If any nominee at the time of the meeting is unable to serve for any reason, such nominee shall decline the office and the vacancy shall be filled by the new Board of Directors in the manner provided for in Article 3, Section 3 (b).

Commencing with January 1999, provision will be made to accept ballots by electronic mail at divisional meetings. Commencing with the 1999 Annual General Meeting, provision will be made to accept ballots by electronic mail for national meetings.
6.5 Elections
6.5.1 No member may be a candidate in a Club election who is not a Full member of the Club, in good standing.
6.5.2 The divisional chairman shall contact the members in their division and solicit nominees for office and obtain their resumes. The chairmen shall forward these to the Secretary four (4) weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting. The Secretary shall cimpile the list of candidates and resumes and forward same to each full member with the Agenda for the Annual General Meeting at least three (3) weeks prior to the meeting.
6.5.3 Additional nominations may be made by written petition to the Secretary, and received by him at least four (4) weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting. The petition must be accompanied by the nominee's written acceptance and resume.
6.5.4 Elections will be conducted by secret ballot. Accompanying the Agenda and list of candidates and resumes, the Secretary will, three (3) weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting, mail to each full member in good standing a ballot listsing all candidates, together with a blank envelope and a return envelope addressed to the Secretary marked "Ballot" and bearing te name of the member to whom it was sent. After marking this ballot, each member shall seal it inside the blank envelope. This envelope will, in turn, be sealed inside the envelope addressed to the Secretary and shall be mailed or delivered to the Secretary to reach him priore to the commencement of the Annual General Meeting.
6.5.5 At the Annual General Meeting the inspectors shall check the returns against the list of full members in good standing and certify their eligibility. The outer envelopes shall then be opened and discarded; the blank envelopes given to the inspectors for the election.
7. Committee Appointment and Termination
The Board my appoint committees as required to advance the objectives and work of the Club. The Board shall establish the terms of reference for a committee and shall appoint the members of the committee with an indication of the term for the appointment. Any committee or committee member appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the Board.
8. Discipline
8.1 Suspension from a Kennel Club
Any member who is suspended from the privileges of any Kennel Club shall automatically be suspended from the Great Dane Club of Canada.
8.2 Suspension from the Great Dane Club of Canada
Any member having willfully infringed any rule of the Club or having been found guilty of conduct which is detrimental to the character or interest of the Club, or the health and well-being of a Great Dane shall be suspended. Any member suspended shall, for the period of his suspension, forfeit all his rights and privileges as a member of the Great Dane Club of Canada.
8.3 Procedure for Filing Charges against a Member
Any member may prefer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Breed and/or Club, or the health and well being of a Great Dane. Written charges must be filed in duplicate with the National Secretary along with a deposit of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
The Secretary shall promptly notify the Board of Directors and, at the direction of the President, set a date, time and place for a hearing. A minimum of three (3) Directors present is required for the hearing; the presense of all Directors may be impossible due to geographical location. In that case, the opinion of all other Directors must be received in writing and presented to the hearing. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges to all the Directors, and the accused member inviting him to attend the hearing and offering an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his own defense and bring witness if he so wishes. If the accused member is unable to attend the hearing, he may give his defense in writing not less than two (2) weeks prior to the meeting.
8.4 Board Hearing
Should charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by the complainant and defendant the Board may, by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, suspend the defendant of the privileges of the Club for not more than twelve (12) months from the date of the hearing or until the next Annual General Meeting, reducing the member's membership from Full (if applicable) to Associate. If this should be deemed 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 and his right to a hearing before the entire membership at the Annual General Meeting which will consider the recommendation of the Board of Directors. Immediately after the Board has reached a decision its findings shall be put in writing by the Secretary who shall, in turn, notify each of the parties of the decision and penalty, if any.
8.5 Disqualification of Board Member
Any member of the Board that is negligent in his responsibilities may, at the discretion of the rest of the Board of Directors, be disqualified and another appointed.
8.6 Expulsion
Explusion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at a General meeting of the Club following a complaint, hearing and recommendation by the Board fo Directors as provided in Section 4 of thisArticle. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing on his own behalf though no evidence shall be taken at the meeting.
The Secretary shall report to the Board of Directors findings and recommendations and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak on his behalf. The meeting shall vote by secret, written ballot on the findings. A negative vote of twenty-five percent (25%) of the Full Members present in good standing shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not voted the suspension shall stand.
9. Ammendments
All amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws and Breed Standard must have two-thirds (2/3) vote of all eligible members. Voting must be by mail in ballot; proxies are not permitted. Amendments may be proposed by the Board or presented by two members. Amendments must be submitted in writing to the Secretary four (4) weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting and contained in the Agenda which is sent to all members. Any changes to the Constitution and By-Laws, housekeeping or otherwise, must be circulated to and approved by the membership.
10. Dissolution
The Club may be dissolved at anytime by providing to the Canadian Kennel Club written documentation signed by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Club who are in favour of the dissolution; proxies are not permitted. In the event of dissolution of the Club, whether voluntary or involuntary or by the operation of the 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 assessment of its liabilities, shall be distributed to one or more organizations having cognate or similar objectives, at the discretion of the membership as constituted at dissolution. Where a division has jointed the Club from a previous Club, all monies and assets which were in the possession of the division prior to joining the Great Dane Club of Canada, Inc., shall be returned to the original Club.
11. Order of Business
At meetings of the Division, Board of Directors or Annual General Meetings, the order of business shall be as follows:
- Roll Call
- Minutes of last meeting
- Report of the President
- Report of the Treasurer
- Report of the Secretary
- Report of Committees
- Elections of Officers and board (AGM)
- Unfinished Business
- New Business
- Adjournment
12. Annual National Specialty Show Guidelines
12.1 The Annual National Specialty Show of the Great Dane Club of Canada is to be held during the month of July, August or September (Note: these months offer better weather and vacation time, which should attract more exhibitors and increase entries). Should these dates be a problem for the hosting division, theymust apply for approval for different dates from the National Executive.
12.2 The Annual National Specialty Show is to be held the middle day of a three (3) day show circuit, ie. Saturday on a Friday-Saturday-Sunday show weekend, or Sunday on a Saturday-Sunday-Monday show weekend.
12.3 The Annual General Meeting is to be held the day or evening preceding or following the Annual National Specialty Show.
12.4 The Annual Banquet and Awards Presentation is to be held the evening of the same day as the Annual National Specialty Show. Recipients of the Annual Awards shall receive a keeper trophy at the Annual Banquet. Should the recipients not be present, notification of their award along with the keeper trophy shall be sent to them no later than two (2) weeks after the Annual Banquet. Failure to notify recipients of their awards, and/or failure to supply keeper trophy within 3 weeks of Annual
Banquet shall result in the levy of a $100.00 fine against the division, payable to the National account.
12.5 In conjunction with the Annual National Specialty Show, a C.K.C. sanctioned Obedience Trial will be held.
13. Fund Requests
13.1 All requests to the National body for donations of fifty dollars ($50.00) or more, or extraordinary expenses outside the normal operation of the Club must be submitted as a motion for unanimous approval by the Board of Directors.
13.2 All requests to a division for donations or extraordinary expenses shall be submitted as a motion for divisional member approval.
14. Standing Resolutions
The Secretary keep attached to the Constitution and By-Laws, Standing Resolutions of the Club which are intended to have more or less permanent effect.
15. Rules and Regulations for Divisions
15.1 Each Division and its members shall abide by the objectives of the Club, its Constitution, By-Laws and Guidelines for Breeders.
15.2 Each Division shall have a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer
15.3 Each Division shall hold meetings at a date, time and place determined by the Chairperson in order to run the affairs of the Division. The Chairperson shall call as many meetings as he deems necessary.
15.4 Each Division shall hold internal elections in November, the elected officials taking office the first of January for a one (1) year term.
15.5 Each member shall pay the required membership fee to the National Treasurer to administrate the Club.
15.6 Each division will maintain a bank account in the name of the Great Dane Club of Canada, ______ Division. The signature of two officers of the Division (or) one officer and a member of the division (in good standing) voted on by the Executive of the Division, must be on all cheques.
15.7 Each Division must keep accurate financial records.
15.8 Each Division shall send a copy of their minutes and financial record to the National Secretary.
15.9 Each Division shall encourage and promote Great Danes by helping any and all Great Dane owners, and by arranging booster shows, and as they gain strength and knowledge, by holding sanction matches and hosting specialty shows.
15.10 All members must be Full Members in good standing in order to vote on Division matters.
15.11 Each Division shall handle their own internal problems.
15.12 Meetings of Divisions and Committees may be held at any time and place to be determined by the Division and Committee Chairperson.
15.13 A minimum of ten (10) Members is required to form a Division of the Club.
15.14 A minimum of 2 divisional executives must be present at every divisional meeting, preferably the Chairperson and Secretary, or their acting representatives.
GREAT DANE CLUB OF CANADA CODE OF ETHICS
1. Breeding Guidelines
1.1 Clearances
It shall be required that any member owned or leased animal used in breeding shall first receive radiographic clearance by a qualified radiologist from a recognized veterinarian university or University of Orthopedic Foundation, certifying the animal as having normal hips. This clearance shall be required of the sire and dam of the litter including prospective dam which is brought to a member-owned stud dog. No breeders will knowingly use a dog with abnormal bone structure for breeding purposes.
1.2 Responsibilities of the Owner of the Stud Dog
a) It is required that a male be at least 18 months of age prior to being used as a stud.
b) The stud dog owner shall explain and discuss the financial and moral obligations the breeder has to the puppies ie.
i) Food and Supplements
ii) Veterinary Work: immunizations, worming, cropping

c) A stud dog owner may see the litter in order to protect his own interests, unless prohibited by extreme distance.
1.3 Responsibilities of the Owner of the Brood Bitch
a) It is required that a bitch be at least 24 months of age and have had one season prior to begin bred, and at least 12 months or one season between breedings.
b) The owner of the bitch shall be prepared to meet any expenses however unexpected due to whelping and raising a litter ie.
i) Food and Supplements: pre & post- natal maintenance of the dam, possible supplementary feeding of the puppies.
ii) Veterinary Care: caesarian section if needed, necessary medical care of the puppies, immunizations, cropping, worming.

c) It is recommended that the owner of the bitch shall cull or agree to place non-breeding contracts on all pet puppies.
d) The breeder is required to give complete written diet care, instructions and pedigree with each puppy sold from the litter and make themselves available to the buyer for suggestions and advice. It is recommended that no puppies leave for a new home prior to seven (7) weeks of age.
1.4 False Advertising
It shall be the responsibility of Club members not to use false or misleading canine advertising.
1.5 Breeding "Very Serious Faults"
It shall be the responsibility of the Club members to ensure that no Great Dane with "VERY SERIOUS FAULTS" as defined in the Canadian Kennel Club Standard shall be used for breeding.
1.6 Colour Breeding Guidelines
Those combinations of colour (as defined by the official Canadian Kennel Club Standard of Great Danes) which are to be bred together shall be as follows:
a) Fawn to be bred to fawn or brindle, which have only fawn or brindle behind each parent for three (3) generations and, if possible, no appearance of any othercolour for six (6) generations.
b) Brindle to be bred to brindle or fawn, which have only fawn or brindle behind each parent for three (3) generations and, if possible, no appearance of any other colour for six (6) generations.
c) Harlequin to be bred to harlequin or harlequin breeding, which have only harlequin breeding behind each parent for three (3) generations and, if possible, no appearance of any other colour for six (6) generations.
d) Black, which are black-blue bred to be bred to blacks or blues which are three (3) generations of black-blue breeding behind each parent and, if possible, no appearance of any other colour for six (6) generations.
e) Blue to be bred to blue or black, which are three (3) generations of black-blue breeding behind each parent and, if possible, no appearance of any other colour for six (6) generations.
f) Harlequin to be bred to black which have only black or harlequin breeding behind each parent and, if possible, no appearance of any other colour for six (6) generations.
g) Black to be bred to black or harlequin breeding which have only black or harlequin breeding behind each parent or to blue which has only blue or blue-black breeding behind each parent for three (3) generations and, if possible, no appearance of any other colour for six (6) generations.
1.7 Physical Abnormalities
Any Great Dane Club of Canada member having a litter of puppies in which there is any puppy or puppies with physical abnormalities (ie. cleft palate, deafness or blindness) shall destroy or cause to be destroyed that puppy or puppies prior to the animal's fifth week birth date . The method used to destroy any such puppy shall be by humane lethal injection by licensed veterinarian.
1.8 Moral Obligation
Every member of the Great Dane Club of Canada has a moral obligation to every puppy of their breeding (sire or dam) which becomes a ward of any rescue organization or humane society.
GREAT DANE CLUB OF CANADA STANDING RESOLUTIONS
1. Code of Ethics Back to Top
Motion Moved by Alison Jones, seconded by John Kuntze
"that the current Section 16 of the Great Dane Club of Canada Constitution (Guidelines for Breeders) be deleted and that this section become a separate document titled Great Dane Club of Canada Code of Ethics."
Motion Carried July 26, 2003

Motion Moved by Alison Jones, seconded by JoAnne Warner
"that the revised Breeder's Guidelines be accepted."
Motion Carried August 20, 1999

2. Insurance Back to Top
Motion Moved by Vicky Lanyon, seconded by Glen Tait
"that the Club purchase liability insurance that covers all Divisions"
Motion Carried August 11, 2000
3. Membership Dues Back to Top
Motion Moved by Cindy Powell, seconded by Kevyn Oyhenart
"that membership fees for 2004 shall be:
Dual - $30; Voting - $22; Non-Voting - $15; Junior - $15."
Motion Carried July 26, 2003
Motion for no change to membership dues was approved at 2004 AGM.
4. National Awards Back to Top
Motion Moved by Cindy Powell, seconded by Randy White
"that the National bank account pays for the National Awards keeper trophies (Member of the Year, Richmore Obedience Trophy, Breeder of the Year and Blue Ribbon Puppy of the Year) that are awarded on a yearly basis with a spending cap of $120 per year, host division of the National Specialty would choose the keeper trophies."
Motion Carried July 26, 2003

Motion Moved by Kelly Tait, seconded by Elaine Dixon
"that any Great Dane may be eligible for any National or Division Great Dane Club of Canada Award provided that at least one owner is a member in good standing of the Great Dane Club of Canada."
Motion Carried August 11, 2000

At the request of the donor of the Richmore Obedience Trophy, Grete Fuchs, all owners of the Great Dane receiving this award must be members in good standing of the Great Dane Club of Canada.

Motion Moved by Randy White, seconded by Alison Jones
"Changes, additions, deletions to the criteria of National Awards which are Club created (ie. Blue Ribbon Puppy of the Year, Breeder of the Year), must be proposed via a motion or motions and voted on by the voting membership at an Annual General Meeting."
Motion Carried June 6, 2009

Motion Moved by Randy White, seconded by Alison Jones
"Changes, additions, deletions to the criteria of National Awards which are sponsored (ie. Richmore Obedience Award), must be made by the sponsor. Members proposing a
change, addition, deletion to the criteria must do so by contacting the sponsor who shall make the final decision. In the event the sponsor is unable to maintain the award, it shall be maintained by the National club and changes, additions, deletions must be proposed via a motion or motions and voted on by the voting membership at an Annual General Meeting."
Motion Carried June 6, 2009
5. National Specialty Best of Breed Award Back to Top
Motion Moved by Anne Stewart, seconded by Donna Conod-Varro
"that the National provide an award for Best of Breed at each year's National Specialty, to a maximum cost of $100, the host Division will choose the award."
Motion Carried September 21, 1996
6. National Specialty Perpetual or Memorial Trophies Back to Top
Motion Moved by John Kuntze, seconded by Elsie May Kuntze
"that the existing perpetual trophies be replaced with plaques on which the winner's names shall appear."
Motion Carried August 20, 1999

Motion Moved by Lisa Dias, seconded by Peggy Clark
"that anyone presenting an annual trophy for the National Specialty must be prepared to provide keeper trophies for a period of seven (7) years."
Motion Carried September 21, 1996

7. President's Travel Expenses Back to Top
Motion Moved by Carmen Miskiman, seconded by Peggy Clark
"that the President should be in attendance at all National Specialties, but should not have to bear the expenses of traveling, ie airfare, if the Specialty is being held in another province other than where the President resides.
Motion Carried (21 For; 6 Opposed) September 16, 1994

Motion Moved by Randy White, seconded by Kelly Tait
"In the event the President is unable to attend, the duty of National Executive representation shall turn to the 1st Vice President, then 2nd Vice President, then Secretary, then Treasurer respectively."
Motion Carried (Unanimous) June 6, 2009

Motion Moved by Carmen Miskiman, seconded by Peggy Clark
"that maximum contribution to cost of airfare be set at cheapest available excursion fare, to a maximum of $500."
Motion Carried (20 For; 7 Opposed) September 16, 1994

Motion Moved by Randy White, seconded by Kelly Tait
'"To increase the maximum contribution to cost of airfare,
from $500.00 to $900.00"
Motion Carried (Unanimous) June 6, 2009

8. Rescue Back to Top
Motion Moved by Randy White, seconded by Alison Jones
Motion Carried June 6 2009
1. Every division of the Great Dane Club of Canada shall support a rescue program including surrenders, fostering, and adoptions. The rescue program may be created, managed and operated by the Division, or, the Division may support an outside rescue organization in their region providedthat organization meets an acceptable level of care as determined by the Division.

2. Where the division supports its own rescue program, or that of an outside rescue organization, the division must ensure that each Great Dane surrendered to rescue shall have a temperament assessment and medical examination by licensed veterinarian performed.

3. Where the division supports it’s own rescue program, or that of an outside rescue organization, the division must ensure that each Great Dane surrendered to rescue shall be sterilized either prior to leaving the care and control of rescue or as a condition of adoption.

4. Each division shall support the rescue efforts of all other divisions. Support shall consist of financial assistance if requested, sharing of information for the
purposes of adoptions, surrenders, or any other matter related to the health and welfare of Great Danes.