News and updates

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.

Dogs Australia have received advice from the National Breed Standards Coordination Group Chairperson, Marie Merchant that the Group has reviewed a request from the National Dachshund Council (Australia) regarding amendments required to their breed standard, to bring it in line with the current Kennel Club UK standard.  Dogs Australia's website has now been updated accordingly.

Please click here to view a copy of the Dachshund Breed standard, which previously appeared on the Dogs Australia website prior to the amendments. 

The link to view the Kennel Club UK standard is provided below as the number of changes to the standard are considerable: https://www.royalkennelclub.com/breed-standards/

Please see below the latest updates from Dogs Australia:
Note that all Dogs Australia Rules & Regulations can be found here

Regulations Part 5 – Conformation Show has been amended in accordance with decisions from the June 2025 Special Board meeting and the October 2025 Board meeting, all of which will be effective from 1 January 2026.

JUNE 2025 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

Current Regulation:

4.1.1 No person shall exhibit a dog in any sanctioned conformation exhibition at which a judge who is a member of the competitor's immediate family, or who resides at the same address, or who has had a proprietary interest in such dog whether solely or in partnership is scheduled to officiate

Amend to read:

4.1.1 No person shall exhibit or handle a dog in any sanctioned conformation exhibition where at any stage during the competition it is possible for the dog to progress to a position where it will be officiated on by a judge that is scheduled to officiate. Where;

1. they are a member of the competitor's immediate family; or
2. they reside at the same address; or
3. they have/had a proprietary interest in such dog whether solely or in partnership in the   previous 12 months.

 OCTOBER 2025 BOARD MEETING

Currently reads:

Ramp Breeds

2.7.3 A judge requesting the use of a ramp must give notice to the show representative/show manager prior to judging. Dogs Australia/ member body approval is not required. Designated ramp breeds may be examined on the ground (table if applicable) or on a ramp during breed judging at the sole discretion of the judge and not the exhibitor. The entire entry in that breed is to be examined on the ground (table if applicable) or on a ramp. The ramp will be available at the discretion of the judge for all ramp optional breeds through all levels of competition including group and Best in Show judging.

Be amended to read:

Ramp Breeds

2.7.3 A judge requesting the use of a ramp must give notice to the show representative/show manager prior to judging. Dogs Australia / member body approval is not required. Designated Ramp breeds may be examined on the ground (table if applicable) or on a ramp during breed judging at the sole discretion of the judge and not the exhibitor. The entire entry in that breed is to be examined on the ground (table if applicable) or on a ramp. The ramp will be available at the discretion of the

Judge for all ramp optional breeds through all levels of competition including Group and Best in Show judging.

Add new Clause 9.10 for the selection of the Australian representative at the FCI World Challenge for Top Dogs.

9.10    Rules for the Selection of the FCI World Challenge Top Dog

(Added 10/25, 5.18 – Effective 01/01/26)

9.10.1  Listed below are the rules for the selection of the dog to represent Australia at the FCI World Challenge Top Dog.
9.10.1.1         All dogs competing in a FCI CACIB event in Australia will automatically be entered in the point score.
9.10.1.2         Only FCI CACIB events shall be included in the point score.
9.10.1.3         The point score will run from any FCI CACIB show commencing on or after 01 January and will finish with any show commencing on 31 December of that year.
9.10.1.4         Points will be awarded as follows and shall not be accumulated at any 1 show:

1. Runner Up Best in Group  1
2. Best in Group                       2
3. Runner up Best in Show     3
4. Best in Show             4

9.10.1.5          The dog with the highest points at the end of the period will be declared the Top Dog and will be invited to represent Australia at the FCI World Challenge for Top Dogs the following year.
9.10.1.6         Should there be a tie for the Top Dog then the winner will be decided on a count back as follows:

1. The number of Best in Show, then;
2. The number of Runner up in Show, then;
3. The number of Best in Group, finally; and
4. The number of Runner Best in Group.

9.10.1.7           Should the successful dog not elect to represent Australia then the invitation will be bestowed on the next dog on the list down to placing number 5. Should none of the placegetters down to 5 accept the invitation then Australia would not have a representative.

9.10.1.8         All the expenses related to the dog and owner’s travel and accommodation, are under the responsibility of the relevant owner(s).

Currently reads:

9A.2.1  A maximum of four A2O shows may be held by each Member (each State or Territory) in a calendar year.

Amend to read:

9A.2.1  A maximum of six A2O shows may be held by each Member (each State or Territory) in a calendar year.

In accordance with Item 6.3.2 and 7.5.6 of the October 2025 Board minutes the following amendments have been made to the Ramp Breed Listing which is referenced in Regulations Part 5 – Conformation Show.

Remove Harriers from the list of Ramp breeds to Ground breeds – effective immediately.

Skye Terrier be given the option of Ramp or Table – effective 1 January 2026.

As the effective date for both are different, there are two copies of the amended listing under Regulations Part 5 on our website.

In accordance with Item 5.20 of the October 2025 Board minutes, Regulations Part 3E(a) – Regulations for the conduct of Tracking Trial Judges Training Scheme, Clause 8 – Practical Assessment has been amended as follows and will be effective from 1 January 2026.

Currently reads:

8. Practical Assessment
8.2.1  Trainees are required to judge a minimum of 2 dogs.
8.2.1.1 One (1) will be a Tracking Dog Excellent test level and one (1) will be a Tracking Champion test level.

Amend to read:
8. Practical Assessment
8.2.1  Trainees are required to judge a minimum of 2 dogs.
8.2.1.1 One (1) will be a Tracking Dog Excellent test level and one (1) will be a Tracking Grand Champion test level.

In accordance with Item 7.5.14 of the October 2025 Board minutes, the Procedure to apply for Dogs Australia recognition of a breed for Herding has been amended by removing the last sentence in paragraph 3 of the procedure which reads ‘Final acceptance will be by the Dogs Australia Governing Council’.  This amendment is effective from 1 January 2026.

A copy of the amended procedure can be viewed under the Herding Rules on our website.

In accordance with Item 7.5.17 of the October 2025 Board minutes the Rules and Regulations for Herding Trials has been amended by adding the Spanish Water Dog to the breeds eligible for Herding in Chapter 8.  This amendment will be effective from 1 January 2026.

In accordance with Item 4.3 from the June 2025 Special Board meeting, the following amendments have been made to Regulations Part 6 – The Register & Registration and are effective from 1 January 2026.

Currently reads:

8.8.4 For all German Shepherd litters born from 1 January 2017:-

a. Both parents of every litter must be screened for Hip Dysplasia through an official Hip Dysplasia Control Scheme.  Where the parents have been born after the 30^th June 2015, they must record a score of no more than eight (8) on either hip, with no more than three (3) in any one area, or in the case of imported dogs, a grading that is deemed to be acceptable for breeding in their country of origin.
b. Both parents of every litter must be screened for Elbow Dysplasia through an official Elbow Dysplasia Control Scheme. Where the parents have been born after the 30^th June 2015, they must record a grading of Normal, Near Normal or Grade One on both elbows, and must be free from the condition of UAP (Ununited Anconeal Process).
c. Breeders of litters whelped on or after 1st January, 2017, will be required to comply with the requirements as a prerequisite to registration of any litter on the Dogs Australia Main Register. Dogs must be positively identified by microchip, and/or tattoo prior to being x-rayed.  Litters which do not meet the above requirements will only be able to be placed on the Limited Register and will be flagged not to be upgraded. (03/16)

 Amend to read:

8.8.4   For all German Shepherd litters born from 1 January 2017:
a. Both parents of every litter must be screened for hip dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) and/ or the GSDCA Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Breed Improvement Schemes or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised hip dysplasia  screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arrival in Australia.  Where the parents have been born after the 30th June 2015, they must record a score of no more than eight (8) on either hip, with no more than three (3) in any one area, or in the case of imported dogs, a grading that is deemed to be acceptable for breeding in their country of origin.
b. Both parents of every litter must be screened for elbow dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) and/or the GSDCA Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Breed Improvement Schemes or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised elbow  dysplasia screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arriving in Australia. Where the parents have been born after the 30th June 2015, they must record a grading of Normal, Near Normal or Grade One on both elbows, and must be free from the condition of UAP (Ununited Anconeal Process).

 Subclause (c) remains unchanged.

c. Breeders of litters whelped on or after 1st January, 2017, will be required to comply with the requirements as a prerequisite to registration of any litter on the Dogs Australia Main Register. Dogs must be positively identified by microchip, and/or tattoo prior to being x-rayed.  Litters which do not meet the above requirements will only be able to be placed on the Limited Register and will be flagged not to be upgraded. (03/16)

Current Regulation

8.9       Rottweiler
8.9.1    For litters of Rottweilers born where the parents have been born after 1.1.97, these parents must show results of X-rays for hips and elbows. (Amended 10/13 – 5.6.4)

Amend to read:

8.9       Rottweiler
8.9.1    For litters of Rottweilers born where the parents have been born after 1.1.97, these parents must be screened for hip and elbow dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised hip and elbow dysplasia screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arriving in Australia. (Amended 10/13 – 5.6.4)

 Current Regulation

8.11      Australian Shepherd
8.11.1   All Australian Shepherd litters, where the parents have been born after 1^st July, 2001, these parents must be radiographed and assessed for Hip Dysplasia as a prerequisite to registration of any litters. (05/01) (Amended 10/13 – 5.6.4)

Amend to read:

8.11      Australian Shepherd
8.11.1   All Australian Shepherd litters, where the parents have been born after 1st July, 2001, these parents must be screened for Hip Dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised hip dysplasia screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arriving in Australia as a prerequisite to registration of any litters. (05/01) (Amended 10/13 – 5.6.4)

 Current Regulation:

8.12     Labrador Retriever

8.12.1   Breeders will now be required to have parents of all litters radiographed and assessed for the diseases (hip and elbow dysplasia) as a prerequisite to registration of any litter.  Any parent whelped before October 1st, 1997 may be excluded.  (05/03, Amended 10/13 – 5.6.4)

Amend to read:

8.12     Labrador Retriever

8.12.1   Breeders will now be required to have parents of all litters screened for hip and elbow dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised hip and elbow dysplasia screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arriving in Australia as a prerequisite to registration of any litter. Any parent whelped before October 1st, 1997 may be excluded. (05/03,Amended 10/13 – 5.6.4)

Current Regulation:

8.13     Golden Retriever
8.13.1   Breeders will be required to have parents of all litters, where the parents themselves were whelped on or after 1^st January, 2002, radiographed and assessed for Hip Dysplasia as a prerequisite to registration of any litter.  (10/01)
8.13.2  Effective from 1 January 2021 both parents of every litter must be screened after the age of 12 months for Elbow Dysplasia through an official Elbow Dysplasia Control Scheme, where the parents have been born after the 1st January 2020. (Added EM#183, 08/20)

 Amend to read:

8.13     Golden Retriever
8.13.1   Breeders will be required to have parents of all litters, where the parents themselves were whelped on or after 1st January, 2002, screened for hip dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised hip dysplasia screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arrival in Australia as a prerequisite to registration of any litter. (10/01)
8.13.2  Effective from 1 January 2021 both parents of every litter must be screened for elbow dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised elbow dysplasia screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arrival in Australia where the parents have been born after the 1st January 2020. (Added EM#183, 08/20),

Current Regulation:

8.14.2  For all Bullmastiff litters born after 1 January 2013 the following will apply:
a. Both parents of every litter must be screened for Hip Dysplasia through an official Hip Dysplasia Control Scheme where the parents have been born after 1 June 2011.
b. Both parents of every litter must be screened for Elbow Dysplasia through an official Elbow Dysplasia Control Scheme where the parents have been born after 1 June 2011.

Amend to read:

8.14     Bullmastiff

8.14.2 For all Bullmastiff litters born after 1 January 2013 the following will apply:

a. Both parents of every litter must be screened for hip dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised hip dysplasia screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arrival in Australia must be screened for Hip Dysplasia where the parents have been born after 1 June 2011.
b. Both parents of every litter must be screened for elbow dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised elbow dysplasia screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arrival in Australia where the parents have been born after 1 June 2011.

Current Regulation:

8.15     Flat Coated Retriever - effective from 1 March 2009
8.15.3  Hip Dysplasia to be designated as a problem in the breed and for Litter Registration Limitations to apply requiring that both parents have been radio graphed and assessed for Hip Dysplasia.
8.15.4  Elbow Dysplasia to be designated as a problem in the breed and for Litter Registration Limitations to apply requiring that both parents have been radio graphed and assessed for Elbow Dysplasia.

Amend to read:

8.15     Flat Coated Retriever - effective from 1 March 2009
8.15.3  Hip Dysplasia to be designated as a problem in the breed and for Litter Registration Limitations to apply requiring that both parents be screened for hip dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised hip dysplasia screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arrival in Australia.
8.15.4  Elbow Dysplasia to be designated as a problem in the breed and for Litter Registration Limitations to apply requiring that both parents be screened for elbow dysplasia through the Dogs Australia Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) or in the case of an imported dog through a recognised elbow dysplasia screening scheme if the dog has been screened before arrival in Australia.

 Please note that as of 1^st January 2026, all South African judges must request clearance from the KUSA office for all overseas appointments.

In accordance with Item 7.5.10 of the October 2025 Board minutes, the following amendment has been made to Regulations Part 2 – Judges, Clause 3.7 which will be effective from 1 January 2026.

Currently reads:
3.7       Only All Breeds Judges shall judge General Specials at All Breed Championship Shows. (Amended 10/13 – 5.6.4)

Amend to read:
3.7       All Breeds Judges or Judges with a minimum of 6 Groups at Championship Level may judge General Specials at All Breeds Championship Shows. Those Judges that are not all Breeds Judges must also be currently listed as a Trainee Judge within their State.

In accordance with Items 6.20 and 7.5.18 of the October 2025 Board minutes, the following amendments have been made to Regulations Part 3 – Judges Training & Examination Program.  These amendments are effective from the start of the commencement of each Member Bodies Judges Training Scheme in 2027.

Currently reads:
7.2      Unless otherwise determined, at the discretion of the Member Body, a practical examination for a single breed license shall consist of one (1) class of a minimum of five (5) dogs over the age of six (6) months, and one (1) class of a minimum of five (5) bitches over the age of six (6) months, and the Trainee Judge will be required to place the classes and select a Best of Breed and a Runner Up to Best of Breed. The Trainee must not be examined on dogs they own or co-own.

Amend to read:
7.2      Unless otherwise determined, at the discretion of the Member Body, a practical examination for a single breed license shall consist of one (1) class of a minimum of five (5) dogs over the age of six (6) months, and one (1) class of a minimum of five (5) bitches over the age of six (6) months, and the Trainee Judge will be required to place the classes and select a Best of Breed and a Runner Up to Best of Breed. The Trainee must not be examined on dogs they own or co-own.
In instances where there are fewer than ten dogs available or suitable of a particular Breed within a State, dogs that are owned or co-owned by the candidate may be used at the discretion of the Member Body.

Currently reads:
9.8 All Theory Examinations, once passed, are held for life.
 
Amend to read:
9.8 “All Theory Examinations, once passed, are valid for a period of five (5) years. If a candidate has not attempted to advance to Championship Show level within this time, the examination must be re-sat to ensure continued competency.”

In accordance with Item 6.3.2 and 7.5.6 of the October 2025 Board minutes the following amendments have been made to the Ramp Breed Listing which is referenced in Regulations Part 5 – Conformation Show.
Remove Harriers from the list of Ramp breeds to Ground breeds – effective immediately
Skye Terrier be given the option of Ramp or Table – effective 1 January 2026
As the effective date for both are different, there are two copies of the amended listing under Regulations Part 5 on Dogs Australia website below, marked accordingly.