Two breed associations-which one should I choose and why?

Many members are not a aware there are two distinct breed club associations which support the Murray River Retrievers. Both have different goals and conduct business differently.

Here's a bit of background information to help people understand the differences between the two associations.

First of all this one is called "The Australian Murray River Retriever Pets Association Incorporated" (TAMRRPA), the other one is called the "Murray River Retriever Association" (MRRA).

You can clearly identify TAMRRPA by their distinct logo as pictured below

The other associations' logo and is very different to ours and is in colour.

All our official correspondence is different too. Our lineage and registration paperwork is also very different, ours is coloured in green and the others are simply black and white. All our registration certificates have your dogs photo on it to ensure it is not passed off as another dog. Ours are pictured below:

There are also several operational procedures that differ considerably. For example our mission is to "Preserve and Protect" whereas the MRRA aim to promote the breed as well.

At TAMRRPA, we are not focused on numbers and mass commercial type breeding to reach enough registered dogs for pedigree status, we are focused on protecting the breed for the long haul whether it naturally reaches pedigree status or not. We would much rather prefer quality over quantity!

Another significant difference is our re-homing policy. At TAMRRPA, we have mandatory desexing of all rehomes. We believe that a rehome should not be viewed as a potential breeder and deserves a stable home as a family pet or hunting companion. Many breeders often move their old stock on when they are no longer able to breed and make money for them, or worse still, euthanize them! By desexing ALL rehomes we can ensure none of them are exploited for breeding programs.

We also charge a rehoming fee for every rehome. This amount depends on what each dog requires. Those dogs who need desexing, micorchipping, vaccinating etc are naturally going to be more expensive than those who already have this done. We believe rehoming animals for free as the MRRA do, can result in the dog ending up in the wrong hands and be placed in a very vulnerable position. It is downright dangerous to practice this way. No other professionally recognised rehoming organisation offers rehomes for free-there is a very good reason for this ethical approach.

A HUGE difference between the two associations is the breeding standards and the breeder requirements for registrations. We pride ourselves on high standards for breeding and do not ever endorse, recommend or support breeders who do not comply. The MRRA will register any breeder who wants to join them and who pays a fee. At TAMRRPA, our breeders MUST have their sire and dam DNA health tested and hip/elbow scored prior to breeding. In addition to this, TAMRRPA endorsed breeders are required to supply at a minimum, basic puppy starter packs, lineage paperwork, evidence of DNA and hip/elbow results, individual pup registration, vet immunisation and microchip records. We DO NOT support breeders who pump our litters with NO standards making up their own rules. Being endorsed by an accredited association is a privilege and not a right just because you want to have pups. Again, in line with our purpose, we are here to protect and preserve the breed, we focus on QUALITY not quantity.

While there are large numbers of litters being born from breeders with no standards, there is an increased risk of genetic health problems flooding our breeds gene pool as well as an increased risk of inbreeding and overbreeding of popular or commercial lines. This has the potential to destroy the reputation of the breed in the future with an increase in health issues. True, many breeds have health issues...............but why be part of the problem when you can be a part of the solution? Why not prevent this happening in our young breed while we can?

Best of all.......the cost. It is completely FREE to register with TAMRRPA. That's right! We don't charge a cent to have you registered or supply all of your litter paperwork. We do all of the administration for you at NO COST! We do not see ourselves as a business, we see ourselves as an organisation who has the welfare and long term viability of the breed as our priority. We offer expert support and advise regarding caring for and training your Murray and we are here for the life of the dog.

We hope this blog has clearly outlined the differences between the two associations representing the Murray River Retrievers.

We are in no way affiliated or associated with the MRRA. If you are unsure or have any questions about the roles of the two different assocaitions, please feel free to contact us with your questions or concerns.