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Monday, March 27, 2023

Guidelines for Breeders

Are you considering becoming a Breeder of Pure-Bred, Pedigree Dogs?

Breeding dogs is something that many people consider doing, but it is something that comes with quite a bit of responsibility, long hours, and considerable expense. You can expect moments of joy, life-long friendships, tears and heartache along the way – it certainly is not for the faint-hearted!   

To do it well you need to have an excellent understanding of the physiology of the dog, comprehensive knowledge of genetics, breeding, and breeding strategies, as well the time and resources to put into nurturing a litter of puppies so that they can develop to their full potential. 

You also need to have facilities that meet or exceed the minimum standards set out by the Victorian Government and an understanding of the laws that apply to dog breeders in this state.  Dog breeding has become very highly regulated.  It is no longer just a case of having a litter and putting a ‘puppies for sale’ sign on your front gate.

Dogs Victoria has a number of resources that you can access to help you better understand what is involved in becoming a Breeder.


Dogs Victoria's Breeder Series 

These booklets aims to ensure that our newest breeders (as well as our existing breeders) have access to a resource that can guide them through the ever changing requirements of breeding dogs and help set them up for success.

This education package has been broken down into more than 20 small topics covering everything from State Government Codes of Practice and Dogs Victoria requirements, to setting up and developing a breeding program, from health testing and genetics to how to go about whelping and raising a litter of pups.

Click here to view the booklet. 

For a printed copy of this booklet, fill in the booking form here and return the form to communications@dogsvictoria.org.au. 

Dogs Australia Guidelines for Breeders

Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) Ltd – Dogs Australia, has also produced a document entitled Guidelines for Breeders, which may also be useful if you are considering becoming a breeder.

Steps to becoming a Breeder with Dogs Victoria

Just being a Dogs Victoria member does not qualify you to begin breeding.  There are a number of steps involved:

  1. You will need to have been a member for AT LEAST 12 months
  2. You will need to complete the Breeder Education Package and pass an Open Book Assessment
  3. You will need to Apply for a Registered Prefix and pay the associated fee.
  4. Only once your Prefix has been granted will you be eligible to breed and register your puppies with Dogs Victoria.