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]

It just depends on what is available in your area. Here AKC is about 10 to 1 over the other events. Competing once every 6 mos isn't enough to get comfortable in the ring.
(I refused to ILP him as a poodle.)

It isn't as much as I would hope for, but it opens a door. Once you let a Doodle in.....

[LeAnn, Lucy & Rusty!!]

I think it's a step in the right direction for an organization who lists as one of their goals to "work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership." Progress.

Of course, all mixed breeds will be kept separate and are definitely not equal to the purebreds (what are they afraid of?) but with all things - follow the money and power. They'll make some money off of us and gain a bigger power based of membership.

Personally, I will probably participate and proudly show off my beautiful doodles. I will deal with the few "breedists" that I come in contact with but focus on the vast majority of their members who are just regular dog lovers like myself.

So, bottom line? I like it. It's not perfect, but it's progress.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This is great progress!

[Diane Dolphin Rocker]

I don't know guys - I'd like to say I'm excited by this, but I'm just not buying it....There is no such thing as "seperate but equal". We're being treated like 2nd class citizens...they just want our money! My Ruby excels at agility and beat the pants off most of the AKC "purebreeds" in class (I'd also like to note that she never attacked other dogs, refused to come when called, or urinated on the equipment), but she would not be allowed to compete because she is not fixed (I am a breeder). I'm still not feelin the love :).

[Linda and Murphy]

I have a very hard time with the "separate but equal". I agree with what you are saying Diane.

I spent last Friday at an AKC agility event at LSU. Murphy was definitely one of the most striking dogs at the event. (They just couldn't stand that they didn't know what he was! LOL) Like LeAnn said "What are they afraid of?"

But as I told my AKC friend who sent me the article,
I see a lot of 1st Place ribbons in Murphy's future. (Maybe no Q's lol)

[Kim Williams]

I was also surprised by this!! I am ok with the fact the we can't compete in Invitational events because I believe that is breed-specific. I have a really hard time swallowing that we will not be elible for National Championships. It should be the Best agility dog.

[Brenda Boggs]

Having taken classes offered by the local chapter of the AKC, I was under the impression that mixed breeds could compete in the Rally competition because the chapter encouraged "owners" to take the rally classes. My doodle completed the CGC class which recognizes mixed breed dogs. I believe this is the only class the AKC "allows" mixed breeds to participate. I would like my doodle to be a Canine Ambassador but that is reserved for AKC registered dogs maybe that will change also.

[LeAnn, Lucy & Rusty!!]

Brenda, they also have S.T.A.R Puppy Program that mixed breeds can participate in... it's basically the CGC for puppies... Lucy has her CGC and Rusty got his STAR medalion! They're good programs that focus on responsible dog ownership - which I wholeheartedly support.

[Kyoko]

I like this STAR Puppy Program.... I think I am going to look into this for Charlie since her Puppy K will be done this weekend.

[Linda and Murphy]

I know in AKC to get the ILP listing the dog has to be spayed or neutered.


I just look at this as a step in the right direction.

[LeAnn, Lucy & Rusty!!]

I agree Linda... they've opened the door.. now watch us all trample through!!! Once they get used to the money/power and mixed breeds equal the number of purebreds in the clubs then the power will shift and they will be faced with either .. uhmmmm .. upsetting half their membership (and losing money) or loosening their rules a bit. I'm not asking to do conformation - that would be just silly... but agility and rally?? I have no doubt that the future will see mixed breeds being able to compete against purebreds.. of course, I also think the future will bring about a "doodle" bred - probably the labradoodle... it will be a while but with thats the direction the multigen labradoodles are going...

[GBK]

I think this is the first step, and soon they will incorporate everyone together when it comes to Obedience, Rally and Agility. Knowing first hand how UNorganized these shows can be, trying to organize double of each event with a different set of dogs will be a nightmare for them and the judges! It will probably not even last a year with this seperation.

I am happy and surprised. As the only shows that come in and around my city are AKC, I will be able to proudly list my dogs as what they are, and enjoy :) I am glad that it will open up so many more people and their doodle partners to the joys of all of these events.