Exploring the Wonderful World of Dogs
Hunting Dog c 1300
Throughout the this website, a great emphasis is placed on history, which gives a unique insight into the character and function behind each breed. In some cases, this is controversial because history often relies on drawings, paintings and translations of various texts into English. This section gives an Australian point of view of the dog world 'down under'.
Imagine it's 1870. You decide to emigrate from Britain to Australia, bringing your pure breed dogs with you. You know the only communication with home is a 4-months sea voyage away! You hear there are dog shows. But when you arrive you find there is no Stud Book in which to record the registration of your dogs. This was the ... »» Read more...
The Victorian Canine Association's (VCA ) Library is a unique world class asset. Its collection of books and references ranks up there with the Kennel Club (UK) and the American Kennel Club. More than 15,000 catalogued items now make up this unique collection which consists not only educational material, but also pedigree information. »» Read more...
There are many Government Grants available for preserving Collections and Reference Resources. A permanent combined Australian Museum/Library could well attract a sizable grant to build a marvelous permanent promotion for our entire dog world. »» Read more...
This article was originally written for 'Dog News Australia' in an attempt to correct the history of the Australian Shepherd's origin currently being promulgated by the AKC, the Kennel Club (UK), the FCI and the ANKC (Australia). The Australian Shepherd is a modern breed which America developed into a pure breed from Australian roots. This article argues the authenticity of ... »» Read more...
England has huge Dog Shows like Crufts. USA has famous Dog Shows like the Westminster Kennel Club. But for Australia, our largest and most famous Dog Shows were tied to the Royal Agricultural Societies in each State. According to my research, it was at the Royal Melbourne Show 1948 where the first structured Junior Showmanship classes were conducted anywhere in ... »» Read more...
In Australasia, buying a registered pedigree dog is insufficient to enable participation in pure breed activities. In every state of Australia and in New Zealand, it is compulsory to first become a member of your resident State body. These State bodies control the registers of pure breed dogs with each State having their own Constitution, Rules and Regulations. As only ... »» Read more...