Auckland dogs will be changing colours over the coming year. Dogs that were once ginger, copper, Blenheim, liver, mahogany, rust or auburn coloured will soon be known only as “red”.
Say goodbye to your wheaten, cinnamon or chocolate-coloured pooch and hello to the more prosaic “brown”.
“We’re standardising the colours we use to describe dogs into eleven plain shades, to bring them into line with the National Dog Database run by the Department of Internal Affairs,” says Auckland Council’s Bylaws and Regulatory Committee Chair, Councillor Calum Penrose.
The National Dog Database holds details of all registered dogs, their owners and any infringements that may have been issued against an owner or person in charge of a dog. When a dog is picked up by council officers they will be able to check the database, locate the owner and contact them.
But dog lovers should not be too concerned, says New Zealand Kennel Club President Clyde Rogers.
“This is just a change on council dog registration forms. The breed standards will not be affected and neither will the way people continue to described their dogs at home or kennel club gatherings,” he says.
Dog owners will see the changes on their dog registration forms in 2016 and 2017.
Colours dogs used to be described as |
National Dog Database colour |
| Ginger, copper, Blenheim, liver, mahogany, rust, bronze, ruby, red, merle, auburn, chestnut | Red |
| Silver, sand, ash, pepper | Grey |
| Blue merle | Blue |
| Apricot, amber | Orange |
| Chocolate, biscuit, wheaten, coffee, cinnamon, brown | Brown |
| Cream, champagne, bone, white | White |
| Seal | Black |
| Brindle | Brindle |
| Fan, beige, caramel, buff, camel, éclair, oatmeal | Tan |
| Yellow, honey, blonde, lemon, gold, straw | Gold |
| A coat of three obvious different colours | Tri-colour |
