News and updates

Dogs Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Emma Ford as the new Administrator and Company Secretary of the Australian National Kennel Council Ltd (ANKC).

In her current position as Head of Business Services and Governance at a not-for-profit organisation, Ms Ford brings extensive expertise in executive administration, governance, and stakeholder management. 

Commencing on Friday 20th February 2026, she will be based in Hobart, operating from an established home office.

Ms Ford will succeed the current Administrator, Ms Tracey Barry, who will retire effective 31 March 2026 after 23 years of dedicated service in the role.

Hugh Gent OAM
President

The National Breed Standards Coordination Group Chairperson, Marie Merchant has confirmed the Group has reviewed and agreed to a request from the National British Bulldog Council (Australia) to update the breed standard extension for this breed.

The Dogs Australia website has been updated accordingly. Please click here to view.

Click here for Information on the FCI World Challenge of Top Dogs 2026 and Invitation.

Click here for Information on the FCI World Challenge of Top Dogs 2026 Entry Form.

1.  a first set of changes effective from Jan. 1st, 2026.  The amended version of the regulations has been on our website for some months (https://www.fci.be/en/Shows-43.html)

2.  a second set of changes effective from Jan.1st, 2027, all related to the new class “Bred by Exhibitor”.  The amended version is now available on our website, too (https://www.fci.be/en/Shows-43.html).

In accordance with Items 7.5.7 and 7.5.8 of the October 2025 Dogs Australia Board meeting minutes, a separate Judges Contract has been created applicable for Australian & New Zealand Judges only, with page 4 pertaining to the Judging Declaration for Additional Breeds being removed.

These changes are effective immediately and the form (with and without the digital signature feature) can be accessed from the Dogs Australia website here. 

Dear Affiliates & Members,

Please find below links to AWAMO posters and information packages to assist you in organising a War Animal Day event on 24 February 2026.

Click here for the AWAMO War Animal Day Poster Template

Click here for the War Animal Day Cash Donation Box Label

Click here for the War Animal Day Event Information.

A Special book is available now for Christmas: DOGS OF WAR by (AWAMO) Australian War Animals Memorial Organisation Founder, Nigel Allsopp.

"These are the stories we rarely hear - the ones that stay with soldiers long after the war is over."

Published by Big Sky Publishing, this book tells of Guardians of the Battlefield. True Stories of Canine Loyalty and Bravery. 

Given that a quorum was not reached at last week’s Annual General Meeting for the Southern Region and the current committee have all resigned, another AGM will be held on Sunday 4th January 2026, at 2.00pm at the Rules Club Wagga Wagga, 188 Fernleigh Road & Glenfield Road, Glenfield Park, Wagga Wagga.

Nominations to be emailed to Neil Curwen: [email protected]

The Pawsuit Is On: Puppy Tales launches the 2026 Australian Dog of the Year! Celebrating the goodest Aussie dogs for their love, courage and fur-iendship $20,000 prize pool for Winners, Nominees and Voters!

Plus more Medals and new Judges, including ABC Muster Dogs TV star Frank Fingers!

Is your dog eligible to be the 2026 Dog of the Year?? Find out here!

What is changing?

From 21 November 2024

Restrictions on dog numbers. Cap of 20 non-desexed female adult dogs (i.e. over 6 months of age) on premises. Breeders with more than 20 have until 1 December 2025 to comply or have an approved exemption in place.