Dogs
- Akc Dog Show Rules & Points
Competitors at American Kennel Club shows are judged based upon an ideal standard for their individual breed. Dogs are judged on looks, movement and temperament with the winner awarded to the dog that best personifies the breed. The AKC sponsors other...
- Why Is The American Kennel Club Important?
By Linda Cole The American Kennel Club (AKC) was established on September 17, 1884, with the adoption of a constitution and by-laws. One delegate from each of the 12 active dog clubs that had recently held a bench dog show or field trials, met in Philadelphia...
- The Advantages Of Belonging To A Dog Club
By Linda Cole Dog events are held around the country every year, and they are all sponsored by a dog club. Whether it's an event in obedience, a conformation dog show, agility or field trials – it was organized by a dog club. Even if you have never...
- Could Your Dog Ace The “canine Good Citizen” Test?
By Julia Williams Having a well-trained feline is not something most cat owners care about. Not because cats can’t be trained – they certainly can – but it’s really not necessary for everyday life. Dog owners, on the other hand, do need to make...
- An Introduction To United Kennel Club
By Sara Chisnell-Voigt Established in 1898, the United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. More than 60 percent of its 13,000 annually licensed events...
Dogs
Mixed Breed Dogs Can Compete In AKC Obedience
The American Kennel Club recently announced that mixed breed dogs will be allowed to list their dogs and participate in AKC Agility, Obedience and Rally events starting April 1, 2010. This means that mixed breeds will be able to compete in the same classes and earn the same titles as their purebred counterparts.
Mixed breed dogs are eligible to compete in these events as part of the AKC Canine Partners Listing Program. All dogs in the Canine Partners program must be spayed or neutered and wolf hybrids are not eligible. Owners of eligible dogs can enroll in the program on the AKC web site.
These events will still be offered on a voluntary basis by AKC clubs. That means that it's up to each individual local club whether or not they will offer classes that accept mixed breed dogs. Before you submit your entries for an event you should check with the club to make sure they are accepting mixed breed dogs for the event.
There is some debate among current AKC performance people about accepting these dogs for these events. Most of the debate centers around the fact that many events only accept a limited number of entries due to the size of facilities and the number of judges. The events can fill up quickly. If mixed dogs are added to these events it will probably keep some of the current participants from taking part in some events. You can understand why there is some concern about adding more dogs.
However, many people welcome the addition of mixed dogs to these performance events. They believe that it will increase interest in Agility, Obedience and Rally at events and may lead to more events and more income for clubs, which is always welcome.
If you would like to participate in these events you must enroll your dog in the AKC Canine Partners program. Find a club that offers training classes in your area. You can go to the AKC events page to find an AKC club that offers training classes in your area. Many people get started by helping their dog earn an AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate.
If you and your dog are already experienced in events then you simply need to list your dog with AKC Canine Partners to get your AKC number and enter events which will be accepting mixed breed entries. If you will be competing in Agility then you'll need an AKC Agility Height Card. You can contact your local AKC club for a measuring clinic schedule or have your dog measured at the first trial you attend.
Please keep in mind that the AKC Canine Partners Program is a new program and it may still be undergoing some changes. However, mixed breeds can now compete in AKC performance events such as Obedience trials. It's good for dogs and dog owners whenever more kinds of competition opens up for them so this should be seen as a positive step.
- Akc Dog Show Rules & Points
Competitors at American Kennel Club shows are judged based upon an ideal standard for their individual breed. Dogs are judged on looks, movement and temperament with the winner awarded to the dog that best personifies the breed. The AKC sponsors other...
- Why Is The American Kennel Club Important?
By Linda Cole The American Kennel Club (AKC) was established on September 17, 1884, with the adoption of a constitution and by-laws. One delegate from each of the 12 active dog clubs that had recently held a bench dog show or field trials, met in Philadelphia...
- The Advantages Of Belonging To A Dog Club
By Linda Cole Dog events are held around the country every year, and they are all sponsored by a dog club. Whether it's an event in obedience, a conformation dog show, agility or field trials – it was organized by a dog club. Even if you have never...
- Could Your Dog Ace The “canine Good Citizen” Test?
By Julia Williams Having a well-trained feline is not something most cat owners care about. Not because cats can’t be trained – they certainly can – but it’s really not necessary for everyday life. Dog owners, on the other hand, do need to make...
- An Introduction To United Kennel Club
By Sara Chisnell-Voigt Established in 1898, the United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. More than 60 percent of its 13,000 annually licensed events...