Health » Accredited Breeders

What is the Dogs NZ Accredited Breeders Scheme?

The scheme is managed and monitored by Dogs NZ. The aim of the scheme is to:

• Encourage the breeding of healthy well-adjusted puppies
• Promote and recognize good breeding practices
• Assist the puppy buying public to find responsible breeders

An Accredited Breeder is someone who:

• Ensures their breeding stock and progeny are Dogs NZ registered.
• Advises new owners about the Dogs NZ Register that the dog is recorded on and explains any endorsements that may be applied to the puppy and why they have been applied.
• Permanently identifies breeding stock by DNA profile and microchip or tattoo.
• Makes use of health screening schemes (as they become available), relevant to their breed, on all breeding stock.
• Ensures their puppies are well socialized before going to their new homes.
• Provides written advice to new owners on feeding, worming, socialization, exercise and future training of their puppy.
• Provides a written record (from a veterinarian) on the immunization measures taken to date on the puppy.
• Is available to give reasonable post-sale advice to the new owner.
• Will assist if necessary in the re-homing of the dog, for whatever reason throughout the dog's lifetime.
• Will advise the buyer of any know inherited disorders that the puppy or adult dog may be predisposed to which may cause health welfare problems during the dog's lifetime.
• Provides the new owner with a Sale and Purchase Agreement, detailing any of the endorsements that may have been placed on the dog.
• Advises the new owner about the requirement and recommendations that apply to them as an Accredited Breeder and also make the buyer aware of the Dogs NZ Complaint Process.
• Provides written advice, in the Puppy Sales Wallet on the continuation of socialization, exercise and future training.

The Dogs NZ Accredited Breeders Scheme provides puppy buyers with reassurance that:

• They are purchasing a pedigree puppy from someone whose priority is the health and welfare of the the puppies that they breed.
• The breeder will give a quality, supportive and informative service both before and after they take their puppy home.
• The sire and dam of a puppy have been tested for all required health tests, relevant to the breed, and that the breeder will provide you with accurate information about the results of these tests.
• The sire and dam have been DNA profiled so the parentage of the puppy can be verified.
• The Breeder has signed and agreed to the Accredited Breeders Code of Conduct and Code of Practice.
  
• The breeder will advise you of the process should you wish to lodge a complaint.

View the list of Accredited Breeders here.

• The scheme will provide breeders with a reliable source of information on the health status of dogs in their respective breeds, allowing them to make informed breeding decisions.
• Will allow analysis of pedigrees of a proposed breeding for health strengths and weaknesses as well the traditional analysis of conformation, type, and performance.
• Will ensure that the puppy buying public know which breeders are declaring to follow good practice.
• Differentiation in the minds of puppy buyers resulting in increased puppy sales to discerning puppy buyers.

• Use of the official Dogs NZ Accredited Breeders Scheme logo
• Use of official Dogs NZ Accredited Breeders Scheme puppy packs
• Promotion of the scheme on Dogs NZ website

How Do I Join The Accredited Breeders Scheme?

• Apply for Accredited Breeder Status above
  
• Pass the two open book exams on genetics and nutrition
• Fulfill all the requirements of the ABS
• Read and agree to the Declarations on the website