FAQ
This section has some answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a member of DOGS NSW, registering your dog, and purebred dogs in general. Just click through the headings above.
If you have any questions which aren’t answered here, please contact our Member Services team on (02) 9834 3022. They’ll be happy to help.
Do I have to own a pedigree dog to become a member?
No. Many members of our Associate members own a crossbreed dog and enter in Agility & Obedience Trials.
You can also become an Associate member which entitles you to DOGS NSW magazine every month.
Do I need to microchip my puppies before I can register them?
Dogs Australia has moved to make microchipping compulsory for all registered pedigree dogs across Australia.
Microchipping must be done before registration of a puppy. This was enforced in all States and Territories on 1st January 2012.
DOGS NSW has prepared a handout for breeders to present to the new owners to explain why when they pick up their puppy, at 8 weeks of age or more, that you may not be able to provide them with their puppy’s Certificate of Registration & Pedigree at the time when they take their home due to the mandatory requirement that all puppies are required to be microchipped prior to registration.
Do I need to transfer my dog into my name?
Yes, even if you do not plan to breed, show or trial your dog, it is a good idea to transfer your dog into your name. It is also recommended in the case your dog is lost, a search on our database using the microchip number will show you as the owner of the dog making it possible to return your dog to you. This is also a good reason to notify our office when you move.
Transferring the dog also shows that you are the owner of the dog on the Dogs Australia National Business System. Should you ever decide to breed or enter shows and require the registration certificate, the process will be much easier if you are already recorded as the owner on our system. Also, in the event you may lose your registration certificate you do not need to contact the breeder to apply for a duplicate certificate on your behalf.
To transfer your dog, you must have the original pedigree certificate supplied by the breeder and the breeders signature must be present on the reverse side. Fill in your own details sign and post in with required fee for transfer to DOGS NSW, PO Box 632, St Marys, NSW 1790 and DOGS NSW will transfer the dog into your name and send you a new pedigree certificate with your name as the owner.
You do not need to be a member to transfer your puppy. However, if you do plan to breed, show or trial your dog you will need to become a member, you can download the membership application here and submit this with your transfer.
You should also ensure you transfer your dog with your local council, you should have received documentation from the Breeder which you must take to your local council, the form is also available on the office of local government website.
Transfer fees can be found here.
How do I become a member?
Join here
How do I become a registered breeder?
Please visit becoming a breeder for more information on how to become a registered breeder.
How do I enter a show?
- Purchase a purebred puppy of the breed of your choice (which is recognised by the Dogs Australia), from a reputable DOGS NSW registered breeder.
- It is the breeder’s responsibility to sign the transfer section on the reverse side of the Transfer application papers to allow the new owner to transfer the pup into their name.
- Ensure that the breeder feels the puppy is of potential show quality and is registered on the Main Register (Blue Certificate) with DOGS NSW .If the puppy is not already in your name you will need to transfer both DOGS NSW and microchip registration into your name as soon as possible.
- Always ensure you attend a show prior to exhibiting a puppy in your first show.
Read more about preparing for a dog show and what to expect on the day.
How do I get in contact with breeders?
Once you have decided on a breed, visit our breeders directory where you will find an alphabetical listing to lead you to details and contact numbers of registered breeders.
Alternatively, call the breed club of your chosen breed for information and breeders details.
DOGS NSW staff can also help - just call (02) 9834 3022.
How do I know what breed is best for me?
It is very important to choose the right breed for you. Cute little puppies often grow bigger than expected or become too active and may not be a suitable pet for some people.
When choosing a breed you need to consider what type of house and property you have (e.g. if you have a small yard or live on property). It is also vital to ensure that your yard is secure. You also need to consider the energy level of the breed and it’s grooming requirements. As a rule you should try to match the dog’s energy level with your own. Some dogs have to get a lot of exercise whilst others are content to sit with you. Depending on a breed’s coat type, regular washing and grooming may be required. Remember that the larger a dog, the more it needs to eat. Therefore, the cost of feeding your dog may be a factor you need to consider.
Attend a few dog shows, look at the breeds and talk to the breeders about their needs, habits and temperament.
More information about choosing a puppy.
How do I know when to renew my membership?
All memberships (including prefixes and Judges licenses) will be due at the end of the financial year i.e. 1 July - 30 June. A renewal notice will be automatically emailed to you from April 1st each year if you have an email address recorded on file, otherwise one will be posted advising how much to pay and when it is due to be paid. You can either renew your membership using our online services or sign and return the renewal notice received and either email, or post to the DOGS NSW office with credit card details, a cheque, money order or via bank transfer.
How do I register a litter?
The Dam of the litter (the mother) must be a registered purebred dog with registration papers showing you as the current registered owner. She must also be registered on the DOGS NSW Main Register.
The Sire of the litter (the father) must also be a purebred dog registered on the Main Register. It could be your dog and therefore registered in your name or you may have used a sire from another financial member of DOGS NSW.
Become a financial member of DOGS NSW with a financial Breeders Prefix.
Once all is in order, complete a Litter Registration application form. The form explains what the fees are for each puppy (depending on what register you choose to register each puppy on.)
Mixed breeds
Aussie Bulldog, Labradoodle, Spoodle, Schnoodle, Cavoodle, and Moodle:
Breed contacts for the above breeds are not available from the DOGS NSW as they are mixtures of breeds and are therefore not recognised as purebreds.
DOGS NSW can however provide details of reputable breeders of purebred dogs. For breeders' details go to the breeders directory.
What is a Breeders Prefix or Kennel Name?
A Breeders Prefix is much like a business name, its often reffered to as a Kennel Name. It becomes the first word before every puppies name registered by its Breeder, it is unique and mandatory on all dogs registration papers. The Breeders Prefix means that it is easy to recognise which dogs have been breed by which member. Read more about becoming a breeder.
What is the Limited Register?
Dogs on the Limited Register are considered by their breeder to not be quite up to the standard that is required for showing or breeding. Quite often dogs sold as ‘pets’ will be registered on the Limited Register. It is possible to upgrade a dog from the Limited Register to the Main Register with the breeder's consent (by way of signature) for a nominal cost.
When is the next dog show?
For information about upcoming shows and events, have a look at the shows and trials calendar.
Why should I choose a purebred dog?
Responsible breeders can tell you that the purebred dog is far more predictable as to its temperament, behaviour, appearance, size and even colour than a crossbred dog.
Purebred dogs are the result of many years of selective breeding. All breeds were developed for a specific purpose and documentation is available on their history and heritage.
@dogsnsw
