Litter Registration Limitation Scheme (LRL)
Staffordshire Bull Terriers in NZ are under a DogsNZ Limited Registration List (LRL) initiative, effective July 1, 2024, requiring mandatory health testing for Hereditary Cataracts (HC) and L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L2HGA) for registered breeders. This initiative aims to protect the breed's health. Registered breeders can be found through Dogs New Zealand.
What is a LRL?
LRL stands for Litter Registration Limitation scheme. It is a Breed Health Initiative that has been established primarily in conjuniction with the Club and breed affiliated membership. The initiative was agreed by all three Stafford clubs in New Zealand and by their memberships. The proposal for the inclusion of the Stafford in the LRL scheme was reviewed and approved by the DogsNZ Canine Health and Welfare Committee, alongside the DogsNZ Executive.
You can find our more FAQs from DogsNZ here
What does this mean?
This means that as of 01/07/2024 all Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies must have:
24.11 Staffordshire Bull Terrier For all Staffordshire Bull Terrier litters born after 1 July 2024, as a pre-requisite to registration of any litter on the Dogs NZ Register I or II, the following shall apply:
24.11.1 The Sire AND Dam of every litter must have a DNA genotype (DNA profile) provided from an approved laboratory and results supplied to Dogs NZ." Frozen semen dispensations may be requested prior to mating.
24.11.2 The sire AND dam of every litter must be tested, and either the sire OR dam must test clear by DNA testing of HC (Hereditary Cataract) and results supplied to Dogs NZ. Frozen semen dispensations may be requested prior to mating.
24.11.3 The sire AND dam of every litter must be tested, and either the sire OR dam must test clear by DNA testing of L2HGA (L2-Hydroxyglutaric acid) and results supplied to Dogs NZ. Frozen semen dispensations may be requested prior to mating.
In Simple Terms?
As a rule, best practice is that both the dad (sire) and mum (dam) of the litter (potential new family member) have been tested, and are clear for L2-HGA and HC. Your breeder should be able to provide these certificates as evidence upon request. However, regardless of the results of the L2-HGA and HC tests, so long as both parents are tested and at least one is clear, the puppies can be registered with DogsNZ.