Is Your Dog One of Australia’s Rarest Breeds? Project Dogalogue™ Wants to Find Out
Award-winning Melbourne dog photographer and Puppy Tales Photography founder Kerry Martin has launched an ambitious national mission: to locate and photograph Australia’s rarest purebred canines.
Named Project Dogalogue™, the initiative aims to build a comprehensive photographic archive of the nation's immense canine diversity. With more than 230 recognised breeds alongside an endless variety of beloved mixed breeds, the archive is designed to capture a complete portrait of contemporary Australian dog-loving culture.
However, a special nationwide APB—All-Paws Bulletin—is currently underway to track down the country's most elusive, vulnerable purebreds before they disappear from Australian shores entirely.
Chasing Chapters of Unwritten History
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| The Black Russian Terrier is a rare, powerful guardian breed originally developed in the mid-20th century for military and working roles. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography. |
Drawing on Dogs Australia’s National Animal Registration Statistics across an eight-year window, Martin identified the rarest dog breeds currently residing in the country. Worryingly, some of these unique breeds have recorded registrations in previous years but none recently, suggesting that the remaining individual dogs in Australia may be ageing.
Among the rarest breeds identified are the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound (recording just one registration in eight years), the Porcelaine (three registrations), the Ibizan Hound (six registrations), and the Otterhound (seven registrations).
“Photographing a breed for the first time in the project feels like meeting a chapter of Australian dog life that hasn't been written down,” Martin says.
“There are breeds in Australia most people will never see or won't recognise—breeds with tiny communities of devoted guardians that originate from far corners of the world. If one of these breeds shares your home, I want to photograph them, hear about them, and add them to the project. They belong in the picture of who we are as a nation of dog lovers.”
Hold Your Woofs! All Companions Welcome
If your dog is a beautifully unique rescue mix or an everyday family companion, don't worry—Project Dogalogue wants them in the picture, too.
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| The ancient Šarplaninac (Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog) is a highly protective, large livestock guardian breed originating from the Balkan mountain region. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography. |
Martin stresses that the project is a celebration of the everyday human-canine bond, not a show-ring competition.
“I’m not looking for show champions or milestone medals,” says Martin.
“I'm looking for the everyday, from-the-heart story.”
The funny way your woofer greets you at the door or the way your senior soulmate sighs when you sit down at night. It’s the small, quirky things that make us love our dogs.”
Giving Back to Rescue This Winter
Throughout July and August, Project Dogalogue is pairing its archival goals with a massive seasonal fundraising drive to support independent rescue organisations during their toughest months.
Every participant’s $98 session fee will be donated directly to a rescue group connected to their dog’s specific breed. For guardians of mixed-breed dogs, you can choose to nominate a rescue associated with one of the breeds in your dog's mix or select a general dog rescue group.
“Winter is a hard season for rescue groups across Australia with cold weather, full kennels, and stretched resources,” Martin explains.
“It’s a beautiful way for the dogs we love to give a little back to the dogs still looking for homes.”
How to Get Involved
While official photography sessions are hosted at the Puppy Tales Photography studio in Melbourne, dog guardians from all states and territories are highly encouraged to register their interest. If a specific city or regional area generates enough participant interest, Martin plans to take Project Dogalogue on a nationwide road trip.
To apply, register, or view the project, visit puppytales.com.au/project-dogalogue
The 20 Rarest Dog Breeds in Australia
Based on Dogs Australia National Animal Registration Statistics, filtered for fewer than 60 total registrations over an 8-year period with ongoing presence since 2020.
- Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound (1 registration) - Hound
- Porcelaine (3 registrations) - Hound
- Ibizan Hound (6 registrations) - Hound
- Otterhound (7 registrations) - Hound
- Sussex Spaniel (14 registrations) - Gundog
- Cirneco Dell'Etna (17 registrations) - Hound
- Sloughi (18 registrations) - Hound
- Bolognese (21 registrations) - Toy
- Glen of Imaal Terrier (22 registrations) - Terrier
- Finnish Spitz (22 registrations) - Hound
- Black and Tan Coonhound (27 registrations) - Hound
- American Hairless Terrier (30 registrations) - Terrier
- Bluetick Coonhound (34 registrations) - Hound
- Azawakh (37 registrations) - Hound
- Belgian Shepherd / Laekenois (45 registrations) - Working
- Bloodhound (46 registrations) - Hound
- Yakutian Laika (53 registrations) - Utility
- Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer (54 registrations) - Gundog
- Bergamasco Shepherd Dog (57 registrations) - Working
- Peruvian Hairless Dog / Small and Medium (58 registrations) - Non-Sporting
About the Creator: Kerry Martin
Kerry Martin is the founder of Puppy Tales Photography™ and the visionary behind the Australian Dog of the Year Awards. An international award-winning master photographer, Kerry was named the Australian Pet/Animal Photographer of the Year and won the Pets and People category at the International Pet Photography Awards.
Operating a certified carbon-negative business, Kerry travels the country with her Border Collie, Scout, and Exotic Shorthair cat, Mr Magoo, creating content that champions dog-inclusive lifestyles, animal welfare, and the profound bonds we share with our pets.
