In a nutshell, this program will allow mixed breeds to be registered with AKC with a mixed breed designation effective October 1, 2009. Effective April 1, 2010, mixed breeds will be allowed to compete in AKC agility, rally, and obedience events. The kicker here is that the mixed breeds will compete in separate class divisions from the purebreds and will earn different titles. They will also not be eligible for National championships or invitational events - If you are interested in the specifics, please click here to learn more.
While I have mixed emotions on the subject in general, I think this could be a good program - at least for me personally. We have so many AKC trials in this area - many within a 20 minute drive. I would love the opportunity to trial so close to home, and while I'm perfectly happy to compete with Indy in NADAC or USDAA, there just aren't many trials that are as convenient. Not to mention the fact that most of our friends trial in AKC. For us as a team, I really don't care about the titles or the fact that they would come with a "mixed" designation...I would just like the opportunity to play the same game as everyone else...if I *choose* to do so.
I know that this new program will have a lot of folks upset - and while I find the whole "separate but equal" notion rather humorous, I view it as an opportunity - take it or leave it...but at least we will hopefully have the option to participate if we choose. I say hopefully because ultimately it will be up to the clubs who put on the trials to decide whether or not to allow the mixed breeds. I do hope that the clubs will welcome this program - I'm sure there is some concern that this would take away opportunities for the purebreds, but at least in my area, I don't think this will be a big issue. For example, in this weekend's NADAC trial out of the 114 dogs entered, only 8 are "All-American" (including Indy). And I've been to some trials where Indy has been the only mixed breed entered.
I could go on, as there are a lot more heated opinions regarding AKC and this topic in general, but for now I'll just say that on paper it looks good to me. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out. In the meantime, we're having a lot of fun with the idea that Indy will soon be able to ride the "AKC bus" even if it means we might have to sit in the very back. ;)
Speaking of Indy, here's some recent pictures of my favorite spotted mutt!
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3 comments:
We all know how 'different' those mix breeds are from the pure bred ones. What ever! Segrigation was made illigal many many years ago for the humans,should be for the pets as well. It's not like they do seperate trials for the different breeds! Chihuahuas and Great Danes can compete together, why not Indy!
I am glad they are at least doing something for the mixed babies. Until now I've never had a pure breed dog and have always been put off by the AKC policies. I hope this is a step in the right direction.
I really like the last pic of Indy. She's so pretty.
Agreed, but technically AKC is an organization promoting purebreds so I can see how mixed breeds don't exactly mesh with what they stand for. I'm biting my tongue here...I could say a lot more about the subject, but I'm trying to keep it somewhat positive. :)
love this pic! :)
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