AKC Creates Mixed-Breed Program
In a recent survey by the American Kennel Club (New York) of its members, 65 percent agreed AKC breed clubs should have the option to offer classes for mixed-breed dogs at obedience, rally, tracking and agility trials. The survey was conducted to gauge members’ attitudes toward creating a mixed-breed listing service and allowing mixed breeds to compete in AKC events.
The survey reveals AKC purebred dog fanciers’ opinions about offering a mixed-breed program:
• 84 percent believe breed clubs may gain revenue by adding mixed-breed classes to their events.
• 78 percent believe mixed-breed dog owners would be a potential source of new members.
• 75 percent believe mixed-breed competition would increase opportunities for fanciers who now own mixed and purebred dogs.
• 74 percent believe mixed-breed competition would not negatively impact public opinion of purebred versus mixed-breed dogs.
• 69 percent believe a mixed-breed listing service would help AKC expand its message to a larger audience.
• 69 percent believe kennel clubs should serve all dog owners.
• 69 percent believe representing all dogs would improve AKC’s legislative influence.
• 63 percent believe a mixed-breed program would result in people without breeding/exhibiting experience joining clubs and influencing policy making.
• 61 percent believe education/competition may encourage mixed-breed owners to make their next dog a purebred.
• 60 percent believe a mixed-breed program would improve AKC’s overall image.
• 52 percent believe initiating a mixed-breed program would be a change in AKC tradition.
• 47 percent believe a mixed-breed program would lead to animal-rights activists joining clubs and influencing policy making.
In the proposed program, mixed-breed dogs would be listed or enrolled, not registered; would be identified as “mixed breed,” not as a specific hybrid combination; and would only be eligible for agility, obedience, rally and tracking trials. To compete, mixed-breed dogs must be spayed or neutered and would not be eligible to compete at the agility/obedience national championships or agility/obedience invitational. Mixed-breed dogs also might be required to compete in separate classes; however, based on majority support of its members for combined classes, AKC is continuing to consider both options. [October 2007 PET AGE]
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