Mixed breed dogs can compete in AKC Obedience
The American Kennel Club recently announced that mixed breed dogs will be allowed to list their dogs and compete in AKC Agility, Obedience and Rally events beginning April 1, 2010. This means that mixed breeds will be able to compete in the same classes and earn the same titles as their purebred counterparts.
Mixed breed dogs are eligible to compete in these events as part of the AKC Canine Partner Listing Program. All dogs in the Canine Partners program must be spayed or neutered and wolf hybrids are not eligible. Owners of eligible dogs can enroll in the program on the AKC website.
These events will still be offered on a voluntary basis by AKC clubs. This means that it is up to each individual local club whether or not to offer classes that accept mixed breed dogs. Before submitting your event entries, you should check with the club to make sure they accept mixed breed dogs for the event.
There is some debate among current AKC people about accepting these dogs for these events. Most of the debate centers around the fact that many events only accept a limited number of entries due to the size of the facilities and the number of judges. Events can fill up quickly. If mixed dogs are added to these events, it will likely prevent some of the current participants from participating in some events. You can understand why there is some anxiety about adding more dogs.
However, many people welcome the addition of mixed dogs to these events. They believe this will increase interest in agility, obedience and rallying at events and could lead to more events and more revenue for the clubs, which is always welcome.
If you want to participate in these events, you must enroll your dog in the AKC Canine Partners program. Find a club that offers exercise classes in your area. You can go to the AKC events page http://www.akc.org/events/trainingclub to find an AKC club that offers training courses in your area. Many people start by helping their dog get an AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate.
If you and your dog already have eventing experience, then you just need to register your dog with AKC Canine Partners to get your AKC number and enter events that will accept mixed breed entries. If you will be competing in agility, you will need an AKC Agility Height Card. You can contact your local AKC club to schedule a measuring clinic or have your dog measured at the first trial you attend.
Please note that the AKC Canine Partners program is a new program and may still be undergoing some changes. However, mixed breeds can now compete in AKC events such as obedience trials. It is good for dogs and dog owners when more types of competition are opened up for them, so this should be seen as a positive step.
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