AUSTRALIAN COBBERDOG SOCIETY 

The offical illustrated Australian Cobberdog Breed standard. Illustrated Breed Standard All proceeds are directed back into supporting the ongoing work of the Australian Cobberdog Society, including registry development and breed documentation. The development of the IBS was generously donated to the Society to ensure this important foundational document could be created for the long-term benefit of the breed. We appreciate your support. You may download a PDF copy of this document for $20 Purchase Copyright Notice: This resource can be purchased for individual use only. It may not be copied, shared, forwarded, reproduced, recorded, distributed, or used for group training without written permission from the author. Unauthorised distribution constitutes a breach of copyright.

Get to know the passionate individuals behind the Australian Cobberdog Society. Learn about our Management and Founding Committee on our 'Meet The Team' page. Acknowledging Our Founding Committee The Australian Cobberdog Society will be forever grateful for the dedication and vision of our founding committee members — Lisa Foster, Liesbeth Roelants, Leah Daley, Leeanne Olivieri, Frances Lingard, and Elissa Cotter. In 2024–2025, these individuals showed the courage, commitment, and strength to take on the risks of establishing the ACS. Their tireless work laid the foundation for a Society built on integrity, community, and a shared passion for the Australian Cobberdog. Without their efforts, the ACS would not be where it is today. Lisa Foster President President@australiancobberdogsociety,com Frances Lingard Treasurer treasurer@australiancobberdogsociety.com Vacant Secretary Management Committee General Committee Leeanne Olivieri Australian Representative admin@australiancobberdogsociety.com Liesbeth Roelants Belgium Representative info@cobberdog.be Elissa Cotter Belguim Representatve info@hs-cobberdogs.com Gabriela Wick Switzerland Representative gabriela@correll.li Theresa Laberg Norway Representative therese_laberg@yahoo.no Simone Duhr Germany Representative info@australian-cobberdogs.de

The Australian Cobberdog Society is the Official Australian Cobberdog Registry dedicated exclusively to the preservation, development and advancement of the Australian Cobberdog as a recognised purebred under Australia’s national purebred canine framework . Operating as a not-for-profit, breeder-governed organisation, the Society exists to steward the breed with integrity, structure and long-term vision.​ Welcome to the Australian Cobberdog Society The Australian Cobberdog Society is the Official Australian Cobberdog Registry dedicated exclusively to the preservation, development and advancement of the Australian Cobberdog as a recognised purebred under Australia’s national purebred canine framework . Operating as a not-for-profit, breeder-governed organisation, the Society exists to steward the breed with integrity, structure and long-term vision. "The Australian Cobberdog stands on governance, transparency and breeder unity — the foundations of every recognised pure breed."

This Australian Cobberdog Inc is a not-for-profit organisation. Connect with ethical Cobberdog Breeders. All breeding dogs have been health tested for every known inheritable disease. Breeder Mentor programs. Owners Advise. Planned litters and more. Puppy Socialisation Checklist

Australian Cobberdog Society therapy dog program Therapy & Assistance Dog Recognition Program Celebrating the real-world impact of Cobberdogs Overview The Australian Cobberdog Society proudly offers an official Recognition Program for Australian Cobberdogs working in Animal-Assisted Therapies and Assistance roles. Whether providing comfort in aged care, emotional support in schools, or practical help to individuals with disabilities, we honour their contributions with Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum recognition awards. Eligibility To be eligible, Australian Cobberdogs must be registered with the ACS. If your dog is registered with another society, you can join the ACS and submit your dog for registration and recognition. This program is designed to complement the great work already being done by owners, handlers, and therapy organisations. Categories Therapy Dogs : providing comfort and companionship in settings such as schools, aged care, hospitals, and clinics. Assistance Dogs : supporting their owners with daily tasks, including medical alert, emotional regulation, retrieval, and mobility aid. School Well-being Dogs : offering emotional support and connection to students and staff in education environments. Award Levels Bronze: Early stages of work, introductory impact Silver: Ongoing service and recognised involvement Gold: Significant long-term contribution and influence Platinum: Exceptional and sustained service with broad community impact and outstanding legacy Recognition BRONZE - Certificate & Bronze Medallion SILVER - Certificate, Silver Medallion & Feature on ACS Social Media GOLD - Certificate, Gold Medallion & Inclusion in Hall of Fame PLATINUM - Framed Certificate, Medallion, & inclusion in the Hall of Fame *Hall of Fame recognition includes featuring on ACS Social Media Note: This is a flexible, owner-led recognition program based on real-life work and dedication. It's not a certification or accreditation process. For further information and an application form please email president@australiancobberdogsociety.com Frequently Asked Questions – ACS Therapy & Assistance Dog Recognition Program Who can apply for recognition? Any Australian Cobberdog that is currently working or training in a Therapy, Assistance, or School Wellbeing role may be eligible for recognition. The dog must be registered with the ACS. Dogs registered with other societies are welcome to join the ACS to participate. My dog is not registered with the ACS — can I still apply? Yes! If your dog is registered with another organisation (such as MDBA, ACC, etc.), you are welcome to apply for ACS registration first (in the Animal - Assisted Therapy Registry), and once that is complete, you can submit your application for the recognition program. What are the recognition categories? There are three categories of recognition: Therapy Dogs – Working in structured therapeutic environments (e.g., hospitals, aged care, clinics) Assistance Dogs – Providing direct support to their handler with tasks like medical alerts, pressure therapy, or mobility aid School Wellbeing Dogs – Supporting emotional wellbeing, regulation, and engagement in educational settings What levels of recognition are available? Dogs can be recognised at the following levels: Bronze – Early or developing stages of involvement Silver – Regular involvement and consistent contribution Gold – Significant, sustained service Platinum – Outstanding, long-term impact and community reach Is this a certification or a training program? No. This is a recognition program, not a certification or accreditation. It honours dogs for the work they are already doing. It is flexible and owner-led, with a focus on real-life contribution rather than formal training pathways. What documents do I need to include? Full details of the assessment process can be obtained from the Society and differ depending which criteria you are applying. Examples of evidence for submission may include: A copy of your Cobberdog’s ACS registration certificate A written summary of your dog’s role and impact A log of service (dates, locations, frequency) Video/photo evidence (if possible) A testimonial or statement from a third party (optional but encouraged) A health clearance What does the dog receive? Recognised dogs will receive: A formal ACS Recognition Certificate or/and Medallion Their name and achievement listed (with consent) on the ACS website Coming Soon!

This Australian Cobberdog Inc is a not-for-profit organisation. Connect with ethical Cobberdog Breeders. All breeding dogs have been health tested for every known inheritable disease. Breeder Mentor programs. Owners Advise. Planned litters and more. CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY click on each image Button Button Button

This Australian Cobberdog Inc is a not-for-profit organisation. Connect with ethical Cobberdog Breeders. All breeding dogs have been health tested for every known inheritable disease. Breeder Mentor programs. Owners Advise. Planned litters and more. ACS Member Training Page Welcome to the Members Only Training Page! Discover exclusive resources and tools to enhance your skills. Explore the content available just for you, and feel free to reach out with any questions. We will be a work in progress and we will be adding content constantly. Keep an eye on the website for updates! We're excited to support your journey! Training information About the Handler Gotcha Day Threshold training Place & Search It's your Choice

This Australian Cobberdog Inc is a not-for-profit organisation. Connect with ethical Cobberdog Breeders. All breeding dogs have been health tested for every known inheritable disease. Breeder Mentor programs. Owners Advise. Planned litters and more. ACS Member Training Hub Gotcha Day

This Australian Cobberdog Inc is a not-for-profit organisation. Cobberdog Breed registry. Connect with ethical Cobberdog Breeders. All breeding dogs have been health tested for every known inheritable disease. Breeder Mentor programs. Owners Advise. Planned litters and more. ACS Breeder Member Benefits The ACS Breeder's Hub offers a platform for breeders to manage their programs, producing superior puppies with each generation more easily. The Hub provides access to pedigrees, health information, COI calculations, a stud directory, and much more. We encourage collaboration and support breeders to work together. We believe by working collectively we can breed better dogs, focusing on temperament with stronger health, lower COI and provide assurance to puppy buyers that ACS breeder members uphold the highest ethical standards not seen before in the history of the Australian Cobberdog. As an ACS breeder member, you will gain access to worldwide support underscored by honesty, professionalism, transparency and integrity. Online Pedigree Database Mentorship Program Breeder Resources Competitive Pricing Democratic Process Through the Breeder's Hub you will have access to a comprehensive database with the ability to view all pedigrees and health information for your dogs. Easily submit records of your litters, upload all information directly into the pedigree database for registration. Plan matings and view the COI for your breeding pairs to ensure genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inherited health issues. Connect with breeders across the globe and find potential studs with ease. Our New Breeder mentorship program will ensure every breeder member obtains the support and guidance they need to make sound decisions in their breeding programs. We want to be sure that new breeders understand the high standards ACS Members uphold for the care and responsible management of their breeding dogs and have access to the resources they need for a successful breeding program. The ACS provides digital templates for breeders to streamline their breeding operations. These templates cover breeding planning & whelping records, health management plans, pedigree charts, and other essential documents. The ACS aims to simplify administrative tasks, improve data accuracy, and enhance record-keeping through the resources provided. Breeders can access these resources online through the Breeders Hub. As a not-for-profit member organisation we provide a competitive pricing structure, less fees payable at lower rates. Our goal is to make it easier and more affordable for breeders to access the resources they need to succeed in their business with the added comfort of knowing all fees go directly back into the Society to promote the Australian Cobberdog breed. By being a not-for-profit organization, the Australian Cobberdog Society can: Reinvest funds : All monies raised go directly back into the breed's management, development and promotion rather than being distributed as profits. Avoid conflicts of interest: No single entity benefits from the breed's success or has a financial incentive to register dogs that do not meet ACS Standards. Foster a sense of community : The elected committee represents the collective interests of breeders, promoting a sense of unity and cooperation. This structure allows for collective decision-making, ensuring that the committee's focus is on what's best for the breed, rather than personal gain. New Breeder Membership The Australian Cobberdog Society has established standards and policies to guarantee that all breeder members adhere to the vision and values outlined in the documents below. ACS CONSTITUTION ACS SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY SCHEDULE OF FEES ACS CODE OF ETHICS ACS CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY ACS STANDARDS CODE OF CONDUCT Registration For Breeding Dogs The Australian Cobberdog Society is committed to ensuring the future of the ACD breed by implementing minimum health standards for breeding dogs through a health and pedigree database. By monitoring the health of breeding dogs and their offspring, we aim to uphold responsible and ethical breeding practices. All dogs intended for breeding must meet ACS health standards, from reputable sources. Once the records are uploaded into the database and verified the dog will be upgraded to 'Approved' for breeding. DNA Hips & Elbows Cardiac Breeder members are required to submit DNA results for each animal and agree to not mate two carriers at any time, not mate untested dogs, and only mate dogs with a homozygous positive to a dog with a homozygous negative trait. Whilst any registered laboratory company test is accepted the preferred DNA is through a full EMBARK Panel or Orivet's Australian Cobberdog Panel. Embark - Breed ID & Health Test (mandatory for New Infusions) Orivet - Full Australian Cobberdog Panel Hips* Member Breeders are required to submit a Hip Clearance from one of the three options listed below, prior to mating that dog. OFA preliminary or final result of Excellent, Good, or Fair, over the age of twelve months. BVA (vet scoring) total score to be 12 or under (10 or under from 2027 onwards) PennHip 0.7 or better at any age over 16 weeks (0.6 from 2027 onwards) FCI A1, A2, B1, over the age of 12 months Elbows Member Breeders are required to submit an Elbow Clearance (Normal non dysplastic). *Any other country certified scoring program that is translational to the OFA/FCI/BVA system with a score of Excellent/Good/Fair will be accepted, if unsure please contact the Society. Cardiac From 2025 onwards, Breeder members are required to submit an annual Cardiac clearance for their breeding dogs from one of the two options listed below, prior to registering a litter. OFA Basic Cardiac Annual Certificate (or FCI, or equivalent) Veterinary Health Certificate from your annual check-up, (including basic cardio). We welcome you and your dogs to the Australian Cobberdog Society’s Registry The ACS have developed a well-constructed Roadmap to take your dogs from foundation breeding to purebred status in preparation for Australian National Kennel Club and (FCI) recognition. In addition, we have created a long-term foundation breeding program to bring in new genetics and infuse approved parent breeds to safeguard a vigorous future. Follow the link for more information THE REGISTRY * Reciprocal Registration The ACS makes it easy for Australian Cobberdog breeders to join our collaborative and friendly society. We have implemented a Reciprocal Registration process where you can transfer your registered breeding dog straight into our database on a like for like registration. All you need to do is include a copy of your pedigree certificate from any of the recognised breed clubs, plus DNA and health certificates. Foundation Dog The ACS encourage responsible breeding with high breeding standards and initiatives to improve the health and lower the coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) in ACS pedigreed dogs. With the introduction of the Foundation Registry, breeders have an easy and transparent process to develop new lines creating a forward-thinking strategy for long term breed health. Breeder membership enquiry to registry@australiancobberdogsociety.com

This Australian Cobberdog Inc is a not-for-profit organisation. Connect with ethical Cobberdog Breeders. All breeding dogs have been health tested for every known inheritable disease. Breeder Mentor programs. Owners Advise. Planned litters and more. The ACS provides guidelines to (re)store genetic diversity in the Australian Cobberdog and facilitates the development of new quality lines in a foundation registry. The F-registry is where breeders can introduce fresh genetics and infuse parent breeds to safeguard a vigorous future. The three stages to purebred are moving from ‘Foundation Breeding’ through 3 generations in the ACS Studbook called the ‘G Registry’, with the 4th generation born will be termed ‘Australian Cobberdog’ with no further generation nomenclature used. "With science and experience on our side, this is a great time to develop a new dog breed. We have all the means to set up the Australian Cobberdog to a healthy and sound future. It’s the ACS’s mission to lay the best foundation possible, to build our breed upon."

This Australian Cobberdog Inc is a not-for-profit organisation. Connect with ethical Cobberdog Breeders. All breeding dogs have been health tested for every known inheritable disease. Breeder Mentor programs. Owners Advise. Planned litters and more. The Australian Cobberdog Society Offers Memberships to Suit Everyone By fostering a culture of global collaboration, and listening to the collective voices of the Australian Cobberdog community, the ACS is the only registry that facilitates transparent stewardship of the breed. As an ACS breeder member, you will gain access to worldwide support underscored by honesty, professionalism, transparency and integrity. Already a Member BREEDER MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Button Button COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Button Full Membership Breeder Member (Full Membership) Entitled to apply for a breeding prefix Access the breeder's database Transfer animal ownership Register litters & new breeding dogs Participate in Society events Access Society discounts & benefits Full voting membership (one vote per membership) Community Membership Entitled to transfer animals into Animal Assisted Therapy Registry Companion Dog Registry Participate in Society events Access Society discount benefits and member resources Non voting membership

Discover the australian cobberdog: a hypoallergenic, intelligent breed perfect for families and support roles. Explore ethical breeding. The Australian Cobberdog The Australian Cobberdog is renowned for its captivating eyes and distinctive ability to connect, adding to its appeal a soft flowing hypoallergenic low-shed coat that falls in gentle waves. This breed exudes joy, charm and intelligence making it easy to train and eager to please. Australian Cobberdogs are loyal to their family and exhibit a welcoming demeanor towards strangers. They have a strong desire for close human connections and naturally seek intimate eye-to-eye contact. With their joyful disposition, intuitive nature, and exceptional intelligence, Australian Cobberdogs make for an ideal family companion. Their sought-after traits also make them highly suitable for roles in assistance and support. The Australian Cobberdog Society places emphasis on the health and temperament of the Australian Cobberdog (ACD), assisting breeders to refine the breed in accordance with the ACS Breed Standard. This commitment ensures that the ACD continues to embody the desired characteristics and qualities specified by the Australian Cobberdog Society. The ACS Breed Standard Illustrated Breed Standard ACD Breed Clip Coming Soon