Registration on Merit
Admission by demonstrated working ability
ROM exists for genuinely working dogs whose pedigree cannot be fully documented. It protects the stud book from unsupported pedigree claims while keeping capable working dogs available to the breed.
- 01
Apply
Submit a ROM application from your member dashboard with the dog's details, any known breeding, and photographs.
- 02
Evidence of work
Provide video of the dog working livestock in a practical setting, or documented trial results. Evidence must show the dog working under normal handling conditions.
- 03
Evaluation
An approved ROM evaluator assesses the dog against the working standard: biddability, natural gathering ability, stock sense, power and sustained usefulness.
- 04
Decision
The registrar records the evaluator's recommendation. Approved dogs receive an AWBCR number marked as Registration on Merit and enter the stud book as a foundation record.
What ROM records mean in the stud book
- · ROM dogs are permanently marked as Registration on Merit on their public record.
- · Any known ancestry is recorded but is not treated as verified pedigree.
- · Descendants of a ROM dog build verified pedigree from the ROM dog forward.
- · ROM status is never removed, but may be annotated if later documentation is verified.