The A.C.T Canine Association inc.
(Dogs A.C.T.) is proudly
supported through the
A.C.T Government Sports & Recreation Grant Program.

An ANKC initiative.

"Dog owners bear a special responsibility, to their canine companions, to provide proper care and humane treatment at all times. This means the provision of adequate and nutritious diet, clean water, clean, dry and comfortable living conditions, appropriate veterinary care, kind and responsible human companionship and training in appropriate behaviour. Dogs should only be kept in circumstances and/or numbers where all these needs can be adequately provided."

(ANKC - www.ankc.org.au )

The ANKC is actively addressing recent concerns raised on a review of breeding practices in Australia and would like to provide the following information.
 

1.

Australia differs considerably to the UK – we agree there are problems (just as there are in humans, cross bred dogs and other species) but are working hard to improve dog health and welfare across the board.
 

2.

We already have Disease Control Schemes running in a large number of breeds and have been doing so for long periods of time, with good results. We have cleared Copper Toxicosis from Bedlington Terriers, Fucocidosis in Springer Spaniels and Haemophilia A from the German Shepherd.
 

3.

We annually donate close to $100,000 collectively across Australia to Research into dog diseases and DNA Test Development.
 

4.

Breeders are heavily involved in testing dogs and assisting in research often by donating funds and samples.
 

5.

With regards to Inbreeding we are collaborating with the Sydney University Faculty of Veterinary Science investigating the status in Australia. We do not anticipate major problems in the numerically larger breeds, smaller breeds may have higher figures, however Australian breeders have a long history of importing new bloodlines, especially due to our geographical isolation.
 

6.

Breed Standards were promoted in the BBC Program as the ”cause” of many genetic diseases – rarely is this true, many diseases are enzyme or organ based. Breed Standards are an outline guide and breeders and judges are urged to avoid exaggeration.
 

7.

Health Control Schemes – there is widespread use of health schemes in Australia by dog breeders – hips, elbows, eyes. The use of DNA Testing is expanding rapidly as tests become available. The ANKC has partnered with the AVA in CHEDS (Canine Hip and Elbow Scheme) and ACES (Australian Canine Eye Scheme). Some breeds have adopted LRL’s (Litter Registration Limitations requiring parental screening for certain heritable diseases before a litter can be registered.
 

8.

The ANKC and its Member Bodies are committed to the improvement of the Health and Welfare of Pedigree Dogs and where it is presented with scientifically based evidence of health problems in a breed it will consult with relevant experts to work towards a solution.

   Improving Outcomes for Pedigree Dogs in Australia (ANKC)

Finding the right dog to suit yourself, your lifestyle and perhaps your family, is a difficult choice to make and not one to be entered into lightly. To see the joy in the introduction of a new puppy into a home especially where children are involved is very special, but the new puppy also brings responsibilities.

Each pedigree dog breed has its own characteristics and with over 200 different breeds there is an ideal breed of dog for everyone. You should consider all their characteristics and match them with your personality and lifestyle and then you are more likely to have a happy and fulfilling relationship with your dog.

Before buying any pet - you need to consider:
 

• Whether you want a male or female, puppy or adult?
  
• How tall will it grow, coat type and length?
• A dog’s lifespan is on average of 12 years, can you make the lifelong commitment to it?
• Can you afford the cost of feeding it?
  
• Can you afford all veterinary fees?
  
• Is your home big enough for the dog you want?
  
• Do you have the time to exercise the dog every day?
• Is there someone at home for the puppy during the day — after all dogs get lonely just like humans?
• Will you be able to spend time grooming, training and generally looking after your dog?

Can you answer YES to all of these questions? If you answer NO to any of these questions, perhaps you should think carefully before devoting the time or commitment to buying a dog.

A dog should never be a gift for anyone — unless that person has some involvement in the selection of the puppy and the life style considerations of the pup now and when it is an adult. Importantly - who will look after the dog when the child grows up and leaves home?

Dogs take time, care and love; and buying and owning one is a large undertaking.
 

Remember — A dog is not just for a life time, it is for their lifetime.

A lot of the information listed below is currently being reviewed & updated by our Health & Welfare and Education & Promotions sub-committees. New information is also being prepared by the different dog sport disciplines in the ACT. All of this work is being completed by volunteers and will take a little while to complete. This means this page is a work in process, and is always undergoing change.

If you wish to participate and send articles or information for consideration, you are encouraged to do so.
 

YOUR DOG - YOUR FRIEND - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.