Join the movement to keep healthy puppies in homes, where they belong
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) pedigree dog breeders are devoted to their dogs and want to see their puppies live long, happy and healthy lives in loving forever homes. Sadly, some dogs suffer from hereditary problems and require ongoing veterinary care, which can be expensive and heartbreaking for everyone.
The ANKC is the peak body for responsible and ethical breeders in Australia and has launched a public and breeder education movement to complement the RSPCA and Australian Veterinary Association’s joint initiative, Love is Blind, to raise awareness of the animal welfare problems caused by exaggerated physical features and how these problems can be prevented.
ANKC registered breeders who abide by the Council’s breeding codes and guidelines give careful consideration to health issues, temperament and genetic screening, as well as individual care and placement of puppies in proper homes, explained Hugh Gent OAM, President of the ANKC.
Not all short-nosed breeds have health problems
veterinarian Dr Karen Hedberg, ANKC Canine Health and Wellbeing Committee Chair, said many brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs, may be short-faced but not necessarily have breathing difficulties.
A recent ground-breaking study¹ at Cambridge Veterinary School, UK, showed dogs can be properly sorted into precise groups of degree of breathing difficulties which will make selection of breeding animals more reliable. The ANKC is considering importing similar testing chambers to Australia, said Dr Hedberg.
Educate yourself – give responsibility to buyers
Looking for a purebred puppy?
- Do not buy online
- Do not impulse buy
- Do your homework
- Visit the breeder to meet the puppy and its parents
- Only buy puppies from ANKC registered breeders
- Contact ANKC Breed Clubs for information
For more information about the ANKC and affiliated Member Bodies, visit www.ankc.org.au.
For updates on ANKC canine health screening initiatives, follow ANKC Canine Health and Wellbeing. Also check out Forensic View of Puppy Breeding in Australia.
Make sure your furry friend is always looked after at our DOGSLife Directory
