News and updates

The National Breed Standards Coordination Group has received a submission from the National Weimaraner Council to update the breed standard extensions for both the Weimaraner and Longhair Weimaraner.  

After reviewing the submission, the NBSCG has agreed for the existing breed standard extensions on Dogs Australia website to be replaced with the new standard extension.  Please click here to view.

At the June 2026 Board meeting, the Board resolved to amend  DOGS NSW Regulations Part XVI - Scent Work & Scent Work Judges Training, Clause 4.6.4. 

A copy of the updated Regulations can be found here.

At the June 2026 Dogs Australia Special Board meeting the Board approved updates to the attached Sled Sports Event Rules, effective 1 January 2027.

Dogs Australia are calling for Expressions of Interest from Sled Sports Judges, if they are interested in being an Inaugural Judge for either, or both, of the new disciplines of Canicross and Bikejoring, to ensure we have a united and effective judging community Australia wide to set our events and training schemes up for success. 

Please refer to the new Rules, that can be found on the Dogs Australia website, by clicking here.

Please submit any EOIs by COB Monday 24 August 2026.

The FCI Breed - Berger Picard has been added to the Breed Standards section on the Dogs Australia website under Working Dogs. Please click here to view. 

In addition, the following documents have been updated on the Dogs Australia website under Forms, Guidelines, Listings and Procedures. 

• Dogs Australia Breed Listing
• DA Overseas Judge Application - August 2026 - With Digital Signature
• DA Overseas Judge Application - August 2026 - No Digital Signature
• DA recognised breed listing indicating breed standard owners & breeds not eligible for CACIB

Please view the Press Release here.

Please find below the confirmed Meeting Summary and Appendix from the Dogs Australia June 2026 Special Board meeting.

Click here for the Meeting Summary.

Click here for the Appendix.

In light of recent discussions regarding Knose Pet Insurance's coverage for dogs participating in dog sports, we'd like to share a clarification to ensure members have access to accurate information. Knose has confirmed that while its policy excludes animals engaged in actual commercial or high-risk activities, such as farm work, racing, fighting, hunting and law enforcement, it is not intended to exclude dogs competing in recognised Dogs Australia canine sports and activities. This means participation in sports such as Agility, Obedience, Herding Trials and other Dogs Australia recognised disciplines remains covered under the policy, subject to the policy's terms and conditions.

We encourage members to read the attached clarification below from Knose Pet Insurance for further information.

 
Please click here for further information.

Like many of you, we are deeply saddened by the announcement of the resignation of our President.

Leadership changes are never easy, particularly when they occur unexpectedly to us all, and we understand that many members will have questions. While there are aspects of Board matters that cannot be discussed publicly due to confidentiality obligations, we want to assure members that DOGS NSW remains committed to operating with professionalism, transparency and in the best interests of the organisation and its members.

This decision was not our choice, so like you, we understand how uncertainty this may bring to our membership.  We want to reassure you that the Board remains united in its commitment to the future of DOGS NSW. There are many positive initiatives already underway, and that work will continue uninterrupted. Our focus remains exactly where it should be: supporting our members, our affiliates, our volunteers and the future of purebred dogs in New South Wales.

We would like to thank the outgoing President for his contribution during his tenure.

As many of you will appreciate, the Board is currently following the required constitutional process to appoint a new President officially. We ask for your patience while these formal processes are completed.

In the meantime, we are extremely grateful that Christina Rafton has agreed to serve as Interim Chair. Christina has previously stepped forward when DOGS NSW has required experienced and steady leadership, and her professionalism, integrity and commitment to the organisation are deeply appreciated. We thank her for once again guiding the Board and our members through this unforeseen period of transition. 

We know this news has created uncertainty for many members. Please be assured that you have not been forgotten. Our priority is to ensure continuity, stability and open communication as we move through this transition together.

Thank you for your ongoing support, your patience and your continued commitment to DOGS NSW.

DOGS NSW regrets to inform members that Mr Ross Sinclair resigned his position as President of the Board of Directors at the monthly Board meeting yesterday, 8 July 2026

We thank him for his time and service to the Company.

The Senior Vice President, Mrs Christina Rafton, has been appointed as “Acting President” to this position.

It should be noted that whilst Director Sinclair has resigned as President of the Board of Directors, he remains as a Director on the Board.