Who We Are
Dogs Australia is a not-for-profit organization, internationally recognised and established in 1958 as the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC). The organization promotes responsible dog ownership, maintains the ORCHID* database for heritable canine diseases, funds research into canine health, and supports state and territory-based member bodies.
In addition to promoting breed conformation shows and community dog sports that honor a breed's natural instincts, Dogs Australia expanded in March 2024 by creating Dogs Australia Canine Grooming. This division was founded with a vision of creating standardised rules and regulations for grooming events while simultaneously elevating the overall standards of canine grooming across the nation. We are committed to establishing rigorous rules and regulations for grooming competitions, professional certifications, and international events, including those sanctioned by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and our counterparts globally. By adopting a consistent and transparent approach, we aim to enhance the professionalism and recognition of the grooming industry both in Australia and on the world stage.
Our organisation is driven by a passion for excellence in canine grooming, with a focus on ensuring that groomers of all levels have the opportunity to excel in their craft. Whether it's through competitions, workshops, or certifications, we strive to create an environment where canine groomers can showcase their skills, receive valuable feedback, and earn the privileges they deserve.
Our ANKC Constitution
Please click here to open a PDF of the current Constitution.
Our Objectives
At Dogs Australia Canine Grooming, we are dedicated to three core positive objectives that reflect our mission and values:
1. Preserving Traditional Trims
In an era where modern grooming trends and shortcut styles dominate, we remain committed to preserving the artistry of traditional trims. Many younger groomers today may choose easier, low-maintenance grooming approaches, often at the expense of styles that are essential to maintaining the integrity of each breed's profile. We believe it's our responsibility to safeguard this invaluable, breed-specific knowledge.
2. Protecting Integrity & Restoring Trust and Confidence
Grooming competitions should be a reflection of fairness, skill, and artistry. We are dedicated to protecting the integrity of these events by establishing clear and transparent rules, training knowledgeable judges, and fostering a culture of respect. Our efforts are focused on restoring confidence and trust among participants, ensuring that every competition is judged based on merit and professionalism.
3. Promoting Conformation Grooming & Developing a Team of National Certified Canine Groomers
We are passionate about advancing conformation grooming, the art of enhancing a canine's profile and appearance while maintaining its breed standard. Our goal is to create a distinguished group of certified groomers, from A+ Champion level to Supreme Canine Groomers whose skills are not only recognised and admired within Australia but also respected globally. Through rigorous training, certification, and participation in both national and international events, we are shaping a team that will represent Australia at the highest levels of competition.
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By striving toward these goals, Dogs Australia Canine Grooming seeks to be at the forefront of elevating the grooming profession, building a community of groomers who are proud of their craft, and leading Australia to the global grooming stage. We believe that through education, recognition, and shared knowledge, we can create a brighter future for the grooming industry.