AKC to allow "mixed breeds"!

[Linda and Murphy]

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm

Today!
Doodles will be allowed to compete in Agility, Rally and Obedience

[Linda and Murphy]

Good point about the organization. I know in the last 2 NADAC events, Murphy was the only "All American"
at the show.

He gets first place in every event he runs in AKC?

[LeAnn, Lucy & Rusty!!]

GO MURPHY GO!!!!!! lol

[Stella]

Hhhmmmm, I'm not sure what to think of this. In some ways is it great that they have opened the door. But, I'm sure it is a purely financial decision - so many mixed breeds taking part in competitions run by other organisations. I live in Canada so this doesn't affect me yet, (I really want to do agility with my doodle) but I think I would stay away from Kennel Club competitions. I would want to go to compeitions where they have always welcomed mixed breeds.

[Adina P]

At first I didn't really care when I heard this. I'm a member of our local AKC club...but with skepticism.
However, I have been wanting an objective training goal to work on with Rosco since we passed the therapy dog evaluation a year and a half ago. I know there are other mixed breed clubs, but none within an hour's drive of me...most 4-5 hours away.

This change in AKC, regardless of the reason (which of course is just increasing membership and revenue), means that NOW I can compete in obedience with Rosco locally. I'm thrilled about that. I watched Open and Utility obedience competition for the first time last Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed watching the dogs work and perform. To me dogs doing obedience and other work are more beautiful than at any other time! I love it. And I know that I can train Rosco to that level with some hard work...I will be pushing our club to allow this.

I really don't CARE that we can't compete with pure breeds. That has nothing to do with me and Rosco working toward a training goal and performing our best on competition day. Dogs get points based on their performance and must reach a minimum number of points to earn a leg toward their obedience title. You need...what...3 legs to earn the title? That's as far as I know. Then they also reward the best dog in a competition too...but to me it's a competition between where we are and where we want to be...I couldn't care less who else is competing that day or if we are 'separate' -- we will be judged by the same standards and in the same ring. And if we are judged more critically...even BETTER for my growth as my dog's trainer. I'd rather have a tougher judge.

Okay I want to add that I don't think this is 'progress' it's just useful for me =)
AKC was started as a pure breed club...and as such I never thought it was 'better' of them to allow mixed breeds because it defeats their mission statement unless they change that entirely. I think as with any club where one is not forced to join, it's the club's prerogative to be what they want to be. I dislike a lot of what AKC does/doesn't do. I joined our local club because they are nice people who love dogs and being on the inside I stand a chance of making a difference (should I choose to) much easier than complaining from the outside. So far our little club has been very welcoming of me and Rosco and no snide remarks have been made to my face. If any are made, it's out of ignorance so I don't worry about it. I've even helped as a ring steward once (sucked at it!). I'm not PRO AKC per se, but I'm PRO dogs and like being among other dog people and participating in their weekly outdoor training/handling times.