WHERE THE BEST DARE TO BE GREAT

Bylaws of The Bloodlines Kennel Club (BKC)

Article I: Membership Procedures

Section 1: Application for Membership

·         Applicants must complete an official BKC Membership Form.

·         Submit payment for membership dues.

·         Agree in writing to the BKC Constitution and Code of Ethics.

·         Applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee; approval requires a majority vote.

Section 2: Membership Dues

·         Annual dues shall be set by the Board and must be paid by January 31st each year.

·         Members who fail to pay dues within 60 days of the deadline will be suspended.

Section 3: Termination of Membership

·         Membership may be terminated by written resignation.

·         The Board may terminate membership for cause, following a hearing and majority vote.

Article II: Registration of Dogs

Section 1: Eligibility for Registration

·         Dogs must meet the BKC’s breed standards.

·         Applications must include pedigree documentation for at least three generations (if available), photos, and health records.

Section 2: Registration Types

·         Full Registration: For breeding and showing.

·         Limited Registration: For pets, not to be bred or shown.

·         Foundation Stock Registration: For new breeds under review.

Section 3: Denial or Revocation

·         Any false or misleading information may lead to denial or revocation.

·         Registrations can be appealed in writing to the Registrar.

Article III: Board of Directors

Section 1: Term Lengths

·         All Board Members shall serve 3-year terms.

·         No member may hold more than one elected office simultaneously.

Section 2: Vacancies

·         The President may appoint a temporary replacement, subject to Board approval.

Section 3: Board Duties

·         Develop and update breed standards.

·         Oversee all programs and events.

·         Maintain transparency and financial integrity.

Section 4: Removal of Officers

·         Any Board member may be removed for misconduct by a two-thirds vote of the Board.

Article IV: Committees

Standing Committees may include but are not limited to:

1.      Show & Events Committee

2.      Ethics & Grievance Committee

3.      Breed Standards Committee

4.      Judges Certification Committee

5.      Membership Committee

Each committee will be chaired by a member appointed by the Board and shall report monthly.

Article V: Meetings

Section 1: Annual General Meeting (AGM)

·         Held once per calendar year.

·         Notice must be sent at least 30 days in advance.

Section 2: Quorum

·         A quorum for general membership meetings is 25 voting members or 10% of membership, whichever is less.

·         A quorum for Board meetings is 50% of current Board members.

Section 3: Voting

·         Members must be in good standing to vote.

·         Voting may be done in person or electronically (if approved by the Board).

Article VI: Shows, Events, and Titles

Section 1: Sanctioned Events

·         All events must be sanctioned by The BKC in advance.

·         Only registered dogs may compete unless otherwise noted.

Section 2: Judges and Officials

·         Judges must be certified by the BKC Judges Certification Program.

·         Event organizers must submit judge nominations at least 60 days prior to event.

Section 3: Title Recognition

·         Dogs can earn titles based on points earned at BKC-sanctioned events.

·         Title criteria shall be defined in the BKC Performance and Conformation Handbook.

Article VII: Code of Conduct

·         All members, officials, and participants must uphold the values of respect, sportsmanship, and animal welfare.

·         Violations may result in penalties, including suspension or expulsion.

Article VIII: Amendments to Bylaws

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote at the AGM or via a special vote, provided written notice is sent to members 30 days prior.