GSDCA Website - GSDCA Breed Schemes

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Rules to qualify for participation in German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia Tattoo Scheme

To participate in any German Shepherd Dog Council Schemes that are conducted for and on behalf of the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia, one must be a member of an affiliated member Club of the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia.

If a dog is owned in partnership, provided one partner is a member of an affiliated Member Club, then the normal fee structure shall apply.

Residents of Australia who are non-members of any affiliated Member Club may apply for participation in a German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia Scheme provided that the equivalent of one years subscription fee plus the joining fee of that member Club, is paid in addition to the normal fee applicable to the desired scheme.

Residents of New Zealand wishing to participate in a German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia Schemes, must be a member/or member of an affiliate of the New Zealand German Shepherd Dog Advisory Council.

Topics appearing on this page:

*Note* Rules to qualify for participation (above)
About the Ear Tattoo Scheme
Applying for a Tattoo Symbol
GSDCA Tattoo Regulations
Responsibilities of Breeders and Club Tattoo Officers
Requirements for Tattoo Identification that is Difficult

Ear Tattoo Scheme

The GSDCA conducts an Ear Tattoo Identification program for the purpose of positively identifying individual dogs. It consists of three letters and three numbers (some tattoos also have an extra letter at the end) and the tattoo is stamped into the right ear. A Tattooing Register is kept by each State Registrar and each breeder is allocated a prefix set of 3 letters as an identifier of their kennel. Most tattooing is conducted when the puppy is 8 weeks old and a nominated Tattoo Officer applies the nominated tattoos.

If a dog is not tattooed as an 8 week old puppy, an AUS symbol can be applied for. The AUS symbol is applied when the dog is under general anaesthetic (usually at the time of hip and elbow x-raying).

Tattooing has proven to be useful in identifying dogs in a number of scenarios and is positive proof of ownership. It is used as a positive identification by a veterinarian when x-raying individual animals for the Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes. Tattoos are checked at the time of Breed Survey as a positive identifier of a submitted dog.

Ear tattoos have also been used by poundkeepers and rescue centres to positively identify lost dogs which assists in the return of a lost dog to its owner.

Before applying for a Tattoo Symbol please read the Rules to qualify for Participation above and also download and read the Tattoo Regulations.

Tattooing
Photo courtesy GSDCQ

applying for a tattoo symbol

Application Form for Tattoo Symbol (for Kennel Symbol)
Application Form for AUS Tattoo Symbol (for AUS Symbol)

Tattooed Ear
Photo courtesy DCH

gsdca tattoo regulations (july 2009)

There are a number of regulations governing the use of Tattoo Symbols and these can be viewed in the following link:

Tattoo Regulations

responsibilities of breeders and club tattoo officers

The following letter from the National Breed Commission Chairman outlines the responsibilities of both breeders and Club Tattoo Officers to follow at the time of tattooing a litter:

FROM THE NATIONAL BREED COMMISSION CHAIRMAN - MRS JOYLENE M NEDDERMEYER

This article explains the responsibility of the breeders, the Tattoo officers and the owners of animals, which participate in the GSDCA Breed Improvement Schemes.

It must be emphasized that owners of animals need to take a more responsible attitude towards correctness of paperwork when participating in the GSDCA Breed Improvement Schemes.

It has been one of my most unpleasant duties over the last twelve months when I have contacted owners of animals advising them that the paperwork is incorrect and informing them the animal is required to be re-x-rayed. The owner is understandably upset and can be quite irate especially over the telephone but as I have stated I am only the messenger and unfortunately the Rules have not be adhered to.

To all members and breeders, the National Breed Commission Executive can only once again reiterate the only accepted means of positive identification that the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia accept for any of the GSDCA Breed Improvement Schemes is a GSDCA tattoo or a tattoo from a GSDCA recognised scheme.

Breeders - The breeder’s first responsibility is to ensure the following :

1. Record the last tattoo number of the previous litter.
2. That the tattoo number and the animal correspond.
3. On completion of tattooing the litter make sure the paperwork is correct.

Club Tattoo Officer - The Club Tattoo officer is a position that demands a great deal professionalism and responsibility. The Tattoo Officer must :

1. Check the provided paperwork and also the last tattoo number from the previous litter.
2. Carry out tattooing in accordance with the Rules and Regulations laid down by the GSDCA.
3. Use the correct Hauptner 7mm pliers, the correct ink, (Hauptner ink - black or green)
4. Ensure the ink is evenly and adequately applied to have a clear distinct tattoo.

Breeders and New Owners - Both should check that the Pedigree and accompanying paperwork correctly record the Tattoo in the dog's ear :

1. Breeders should check prior to new owners receiving their puppy that the tattoo is clearly visible and corresponds to the paperwork.

2. If a mistake is made by the tattoo officer e.g. double numbers, or a wrong letter, the National GSDCA Tattoo Registrar should be notified immediately in writing detailing the mistake and a copy of the correspondence should be forwarded to the National Breed Commission Chairman to place on file.

requirements for tattoo identification that is difficult to read

Procedure if a Tattoo is Difficult to Read :

Case 1. If the tattoo is partially visible, but you are unable to read the entire tattoo. The dog is to be tattooed when under anaesthetic for the hip/elbow xray, by a club tattoo officer, not the veterinarian, in the left ear with its original tattoo prefix/number.

Case 2. If the tattoo is not visible at all, then the owner is to apply for an "AUS" number. This is to be applied when the dog is under anaesthetic for the hip/elbow xray, by a club tattoo officer, not the veterinarian, in the right ear.

In both cases, the attending club tattoo officer is to report this to the club's Tattoo Registrar for GSDCA recording purposes.