Recently the ANKC announced White Swiss Shepherd Dogs had been recognised in Australia. This recognition did not include the Australian bred dogs which have been breeding to the White Swiss Shepherd breed standard for 7 years. We are petitioning the ANKC to review this decision and include the Australian dogs. Inclusion of the Australia bred dogs will ensure this new breed in Australia has a healthy beginning. Currently there are very small numbers of officially recognised dogs in Australia and this will result in breeding programs becoming heavily inbred. In recent years, some Australian bred lines have been exported to FCI member Kennel Councils and been registered as White Swiss Shepherd Dogs after they have passed conformation and meet the local health requirements. Opening the ANKC stud books for a limited period for assessment of local bloodlines will increase genetic diversity, decrease the possibility of severe genetic faults becoming dominant in the bloodlines, leading to generations of misery and pain for the breed. We are seeking support from members of Australian State Canine Councils to help us gain recognition for all these beautiful dogs regardless of where they were born. If you are a member of an ANKC affiliated State Canine Council, please include your membership number and the state body you belong to in the comments field, if known.

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