Page 159 - Aussie Magazine no1, 2023

Docking ban cannot stop success

Founded in 1909, the Austrian Kennel The club Australian Shepherds of Austria
Club (ÖKV) is the main organisation for was established in 1998 from Australian
more than 100 Kennel Clubs in Austria Shepherd lovers and the first breeder
involved in the breeding, training, exhibition, from Austria.
training and testing of dogs and has more than
55,000 members. ÖKV is the only Austrian CONDITIONS FOR BREEDING ARE
cynological main organisation that is a member QUITE DIFFICULT TO MEET:
of the international cynological organisation • X-rays HD (from certified
FCI. In 2022 there were 8300 puppies born and veterinarians)
registered with the kennel club and more than • ED is only recommended
9000 new dogs were imported. With these
numbers, approximate total number of all dogs • Mental test from ÖKV (BH/BH-VT)
registered with the kennel club is almost one • ECVO eye check (clinical eye check,
million. to be done every year)

The first Australian Shepherd was registered • DNA tests for MDR1, HSF4(HC),
with the kennel club in 1992, and the first Aussie CEA, PRA (carrier are only allowed
imported from the USA was in 1993. Breeders in with clear partner)
Austria have to follow conditions when breeding • DNA NBT test is necessary (carrier
our beloved breed, which are not easy. Docking is only allowed breed with clear (no
tails is prohibited since 2005, fortunately still two NBT dogs in the pair))
some NBT are born and Aussies from Austria can
AND SINCE 1.7.2023 MORE
CONDITIONS HAVE TO BE MET:
• DNA for M LOKUS (merle) – one from
pair must be solid confirmed
Philipp • For the first litter bitches must be over
Harrer 12 months old or after the second

heat with a maximum of 5 litters in
her life and can be bred until 8 years
old
Text written & photographs provided by: Martina Svecova
• All puppies from the litter must be
ECVO eye checked for CEA between
6-8 weeks of age

withstand world competition, they are not allowed
to shorten NBT (dock them). Dogs that are born
after 1.1.2008 are not allowed to be shown if
they are docked, and since 2012 it´s forbidden to
import, buy or transfer docked dogs.
Of course, all foreign Stud dogs must fulfil the
same rules like Austrian dogs which can be very
difficult sometimes.

In spite of these conditions there are a couple of
successful breeders.

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 1/2023 | 159