AKC Recognition?

[susan toalson]

Is official recognition by the AKC what we want for this fabulous breed, or is it your belief that following the strict regulations imposed by the AKC will dilute the charm and personality--and, ultimately, the health--of the breed? 

Dixie: I'd love to see your comments on this issue.

[Dixie Moore]

Honestly my hope is that it never happens. This statement may be out there, but I think the future of the canine is in goal-oriented crossbreeding, whether it's for Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, or whatever. Once you introduce competing for appearance's sake, the breed will be going into a sad era that no longer focuses on temperament and health. With purebred dogs, inbreeding and linebreeding are techniques used to set physical characteristics, like a certain head shape, ear set, etc. Most Labradoodle breeders avoid that. It's not always necessarily a bad thing, but it has the potential to set undesirable characteristics too, things that are not obvious and that you can't see.

I love the Labradoodle the way it is, and I don't want to see the breed changed for the AKC. AKC registration no longer means much, IMHO. Anyone can breed two purebred dogs together; there are few rules. I know there are some wonderful breeders out there of purebred dogs, but they are probably considerably outnumbered by breeders who really shouldn't be.

Some people say that AKC recognition is inevitable, and I'm not so sure I agree with that. However, just in case, I think that all the requirements should be in place to move in that direction if desired. By this, I mean such things as a breed club and registry.

[susan toalson]

Thanks for the post, Dixie. I know you are heavily involved in Australian Labradoodle organizations. What is the mission of these organizations if not to establish the breed? Will there ever be a day when Alfie and his kin will be referred to as "Labradoodle" on official paperwork (at the vet's, for his insurance, etc.) rather than "mixed breed"?

[Dixie Moore]

It is to establish standards for the breed and to protect it. My dogs are referred to as Labradoodles on my vet's paperwork. Your vet could probably add a category for Labradoodle too. Some official organizations, like OFA, do recognize the Labradoodle as a breed now. Some do not. The CERF organization refused to do it because they pass and fail dogs, and they felt they did not have enough history of Labradoodle eye problems to say what is passing or failing.

One thing I have been told is that AKC would never accept the name Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. They don't accept names that are a combination of two other breed names. They also don't accept new breeds that are a combination of two breeds. They must be at least three breed dogs. The Australian Labradoodle does fit that requirement, however.

That is why some people have attempted to change the name to something like Australian Companion Dog or Australian Service Dog. I LOVE the name Labradoodle, and I will be extremely disappointed if it is ever changed.

Just sayin...!

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

It is my understanding that the AKC is really a breeder driven registry. So it really means nothing to me other than you would see Labradoodles at the dog show! Who cares about that?? Not me, that's for sure. I want dogs that have great personalities and live long healthy lives.

[susan toalson]

I absolutely agree! I was just curious, and I *do* love the dog shows.