2006 Year of the Dog

It's believed that dogs have been an integral part of humans' lives for more than 12,000 years, as hunters, guardians and friends. Dogs now exceed 400 different breeds - each with its own characteristics and capabilities, from sight and speed, to smell and stamina. But for all their differences, these canine companions share one precious thing: a bond with human beings that no other animal has matched.

A Global Connection

The delightful dogs in our new stamps issue showed their links to the Chinese lunar calendar in the miniature sheet and miniature sheet first day cover - which also gave us a glimpse of the hundreds of different breeds with which these five shared our world. And, your heart would have melted when you saw our first day cover. Not only did our five favourites appear, but so too did eight other adoringly appealing pets.

Links to the East

The 2006 Year of the Dog collectables were beautifully presented in our presentation pack - including the five stamps, the miniature sheet and the two first day covers. Along with information on each of the breeds, it also provided insight into how dogs fit within Chinese philosophy and practices. It was a superb way to herald this auspicious New year and to display the first Braille stamp from New Zealand Post.

Irresistibly Delightful

Your heart would have melted when you saw our 2006 Year of the Dog first day cover. Not only were our favourites displayed (five gummed and one self-adhesive stamp), but so too do eight other adoringly appealing pets - how could you resist?

Peel and Stick - Stamps the Easy Way

The 45c Labrador Retriever - pictured complete with guide dog harness - featured on two additional and very useful items. For stamps when and where you needed them, the 10-stamp self-adhesive booklet fitted neatly into pockets and purses, while the stamp dispenser provided ideal storage for 100 self-adhesive stamps.

A Rare Opportunity

The 2006 Year of the Dog was one of the few stamp collections chosen for 'limted edition' status - one of the most prestigous of our products and available to only 2,000 collectors worldwide. Each pack contained a unique miniature sheet, first day cover, colour separations of the $2.00 stamp and a special booklet which held plate blocks of each denomination.

These individually numbered and authenticated collections both delighted and informed, with fascinating information on how canines came to be such a rich and rewarding part of our lives - from their earliest days as hunters to today's more sophisticated roles as guides for the blind, rescuers in times of war and natural disaster, and 'therapists' for people needing to rediscover trust and love.

Product Listing for 2006 Year of the Dog

Click on image to enlarge.

Image	Title	Description	Price
	Single Stamp	Single 45c 'Labrador Retriever' gummed stamp. Easygoing, friendly and obedient, Labrador Retrievers also possess an intelligence that makes them ideal guides for the blind. Formal training organisations have been established around the world, with our own Royal New Zealand Foundation for the blind providing guide dogs free to the sight-impaired and for the first time New Zealand Post was able to include Braille on the 45c stamp.	$0.45
	Single Stamp	Single 90c 'German Sheperd Dog' gummed stamp. When Captain Max von Stephanitz bred the first German Sheperd Dog in the 1890's, he was looking for intelligence, loyalty, strength, endurance and trainability. The German Sheperd Dog is popular for its versatility, with roles ranging from guard dogs and herders to drug detectors and search and rescuers. 2006 was the 50th Anniversary of dogs in the New Zealand Police and the German Sheperd Dog has been the dog of choice for many years.	$0.90
	Single Stamp	Single $1.35 'Jack Russell Terrier' gummed stamp. The Jack Russell Terrier is highly energetic and feisty! They adore action and adventure and contantly seek new experiences, including learning new tricks or wreaking havoc in their owners' back yards. Orginally bred to hunt small game, these fearlessly confident, playful dogs have endeared themselves to adults and children around the world.	$1.35
	Single Stamp	Single $1.50 'Golden Retriever' gummed stamp. The recently established Golden Retriver is an English combination of Tweed Water Spaniel, Settler and Bloodhound. The Golden Retriever first appeared in New Zealand after a number of British breeders emigrated here in the mid-1900's. Today, the retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the country, chosen by families nationwide for its well-mannered, child-friendly nature.	$1.50
	Single Stamp	Single $2.00 'Huntaway' gummed stamp. It may not have official 'breed' status in kennel clubs, but the Huntaway (or the New Zealand Sheepdog) is an undisputed necessity for sheep farmers throughout the country. A blend of Collie, Beauceron, Bloodhound, German Sheperd Dog, Labrador and Rottweiler, the Huntaway boasts great stamina and a distinctive bark.	$2.00
	Single Stamp	Single 45c 'Labrador Retriever' self-adhesive stamp.	$0.45
	Miniature Sheet	Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet.	$3.50
	First Day Cover	First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue.	$7.15
	Miniature Sheet First Day Cover	First day cover with miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue.	$4.00
	Self-adhesive Dispenser	Dispenser box containing 100 x 45c self-adhesive stamps.	$45.00
	Self-adhesive Booklet	Booklet containing 10 x 45c self-adhesive stamps.	$4.50
	Presentation Pack	Presentation pack containing a selection of stamp products from the issue and further information on the theme of the stamps.	$24.95
	Limited Edition	Limited edition collectable containing exclusive stamp products not available anywhere else.	$135.00