President’s Message

Iam hoping that our members are enjoying a return to a more normal line up of dog sports events and shows that we are experiencing in Queensland. Our winter weather tends to be wonderful so we should have many terrific weeks ahead. Recent COVID outbreaks down south are a salutary reminder not to become complacent and to take all sensible steps to protect our individual and collective health.

Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers (PST) Meeting – Monday 12 July 2021

We have almost 200 clubs affiliated with Dogs Queensland. This total is made up of all breeds clubs, specialist breed clubs and an array of dog sports clubs that carry on our more than 20 disciplines throughout Queensland. These clubs are run by volunteers who make a fine contribution to our dog world.

At Dogs Queensland we are keen to provide support to these clubs and communication happens in a number of ways, whether through the office or via directors. We also have an annual PST meeting and this is happening in a few weeks on Monday, 12 July at 7pm at the clubhouse.

I encourage all our clubs to participate in this important forum. Communications around this meeting will be provided very shortly via Paw Prints.

The Limited Register, DNA Testing and Related Musings....

Members may recall that I have previously raised concerns about the increased use of the limited register by breeders. Our breeders have the option of registering their puppies on the main register with required DNA testing in Queensland, or registering the puppies (supposedly of lesser breed quality and not for breeding or showing) on the limited register.

We have seen a surge in the use of the limited register here in Queensland and also in other States where DNA testing is not required and thus would not be a factor. I understand there are sensitivities around this issue but believe we need to engage on this issue. I was most interested to read a message on 21 May 2021 from Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc, the President of Dogs NSW, that raises a number of the key issues. Karen has kindly agreed to the re-publishing of this aspect of her message and it follows my message here.

In this context I would just mention a few additional matters.

The first is that although Karen mentions the fact that a limited register dog cannot be shown, her prime focus is on the important impact on the gene pool and breeding. A continuing concern of mine is that selling a limited register puppy closes the door on that individual or family venturing into the show ring. Many of us would not now be in the dog world had we not had the opportunity to show that puppy and win that first ribbon. Sure, sometimes that puppy was not always the best breed quality, but it started a journey that can be a lifetime of dog world involvement.

The second is that on original registration we allow our breeders to transfer the puppy directly into the new owner’s name, thus saving the breeder an additional transfer fee. This direct registration does not currently provide the option for a breeder to tick a box that the puppy is not for breeding as can happen with a subsequent transfer. This is a matter that we could address quite easily.

Our wider dog world in Australia has changed pretty dramatically over the last number of years. It is so important and in the interests of our members, breeders, our dogs and the wider community that we keep pace and critically review key aspects of our operations.

Please give some thought to the limited register and these issues and feel free to email the office on rob@dogsqueensland.org.au with your feedback.

– Ulla Greenwood, President Dogs Queensland