AKC does the right thing

AKC does away with the idea of separate classes and separate titles for mixed breeds at performance events. Hurray for AKC!!!!

Letter from AKC below:

Dear Trial Secretary,

We are pleased to inform you of a decision made by the AKC Board at the January 11, 2010 meeting, which will enhance the AKC Canine Partners program. This exciting new program allows mixed breed dog owners to list their dogs and participate in AKC Agility, Obedience and Rally events starting April 1, 2010.

While each club's participation in the AKC Canine Partners program will remain voluntary, clubs may now choose to allow mixed breed participation at any AKC Agility, Obedience or Rally event. Mixed breeds will compete in the same classes and earn the same titles as their purebred counterparts.

This decision was made following a lengthy discussion and review of feedback from enrollees, delegates, clubs, show and trial chairpersons, current purebred exhibitors and potential mixed-breed exhibitors, prompting a reevaluation of the current program. AKC staff took into consideration the prior feedback received from the AKC Delegate body about the program and contacted each individual member of the AKC Delegates Committee for Obedience, Tracking and Agility and others regarding this feedback.

New changes, effective April 1, include:

1. Mixed breed dogs will be permitted to compete in the same companion event classes with purebred dogs. Competition will be head to head for the same titles and awards.

* This change involves - Obedience, Rally and Agility

* This eliminates all previously published mixed breed classes – mixed breed novice a or b etc.

2. At the option of an event-giving club, mixed breed dogs can participate at any event open to all-breed obedience, rally, or agility offered by the club.

* Please remember that mixed breed dogs must meet the eligibility requirements to enter an AKC event.

3. If your club has applied to have mixed breed dogs in your competition prior to this notice, you will need:

* To contact your event operations representative at eventplans@akc.org or 919-816-3579 to make changes complying with the new regulation changes regarding classes, judges, and other information.

* Please contact your event operations representative immediately if your premium list is already released.

This positive step forward for AKC and dog owners enables us to share our passion for dogs and our commitment to responsible dog ownership with an even greater audience. It will simplify the planning and management of club events, while benefiting mixed breed dog owners by giving them more opportunities to participate in events in their local areas.

Please contact AKC Canine Partners if you have any questions or comments you would like to share.

Email - akccaninepartners@akc.org

Penny Leigh - 919-816-3749

Sydney Suwannarat - 919-816-3521

Sincerely,

John Lyons

Chief Operating Officer

American Kennel Club

Doug Ljungren

Assistant Vice President

AKC Canine Partners

Curt A. Curtis

Assistant Vice President

AKC Companion Events