General Procedure Notes
Executive Committee are to sight health test results of parents of any planned matings, to ensure they are in compliance with the rules before any mating /insemination goes ahead i.e. the parents hip/elbow scores and any relevant DNA testing. Results must be in PDF format and be emailed to the LWCA before mating goes ahead.
The Code of Ethics is designed to protect the breed and bloodlines, and can also be downloaded via the Forms page.
Breeders/Owners raising a litter and Stud Dog owners are required to become members of the LWCA.
For new prefixes, breeders are required to complete the online 'Breeding Dogs and Cats Course' (via Animal Welfare Victoria). (10/2021)
Breeder prefixes must be no longer than 24 characters in total (including spaces), not be identical to, or similar in spelling, or phonetically, to a prefix name already registered by any other breeder or club, which could be deemed to cause misunderstanding, or confusion. Prefixes should follow industry standards.
All dogs should have the following carried out before approval for breeding is made:
- Dogs to be over the age of 12 months old for hip and elbow x-rays.
- Hip and elbow x-rayed and free of dysplasia (maximum of 5 per hip, elbows no more than 1 each). Dogs with higher hip scores will be considered on a case-by-case basis i.e. only if they are thought to bring other important qualities to the genepool and if done under the approval of the committee and professional recommendation of a Veterinary Consultant/Specialist.
- Hip and elbow x-rays are to be graded by Dr Ray Ferguson BVSc (OAM) of Monash Veterinary Clinic. Click here for more information and to download the required form.
- DNA Tested - The most comprehensive DNA testing company is Embark
- If new bloodlines, dog must be DNA tested to check breed identification, containing allowable breeds. Dogs will be assessed and approved if they are voted to provide great benefit and qualities to the breed improvement in accordance with the Breed Standard.
- New bloodlines lines are registered into the stud book once all information is known/provided to the LWCA. There is no charge for new dog registrations, but information pertaining to the dog must be on file with the club before mating proceeds. Certificates can be purchased for $15 each for new dog registrations.
- After submitting copies of all health test results, breeders undergo a virtual or in person chat/interview for full assessment, which include checking suitability of premises and temperament assessment of breeding animal/s.
Puppy Contracts
Puppy Sale Contract used by all LWCA breeders for when they sell, give away a dog/ puppy are to be kept current and sent by the LWCA when any updates and made to it, and is to be kept current and in line with contract law and legislation.
DNA Testing Links
Comprehensive DNA Testing via Embark (Breed ID and Health required)