Results based upon 1,943 poll voters Leave A Comment | 79 people already have
It's a great idea. In agility and obedience/rally competitions, I don't think a special class is even necessary. Of course for conformation, I don't think mixed breeds are appropriate.
GREAT! ABOUT TIME!
Aren't all dogs a mix of breeds somewhere in their lineage? Allowing "mixed breeds" into the competition certainly opens the door for more mixed breed dogs to get adopted. And I think that is a wonderful idea! Maybe it will also cut down on puppy mills.
Until the AKC cleans up its act with puppy mills, my mixed breed dog won't be competing in any AKC activities!
Does that mean I can show off my wonderful mix of Aussie-ness now?? ;)
You can also check out the Laurie Williams Ring Time article about the AKC decision here!
Woof! I think that the AKC and other such organizations are completely awful, as they ruthlessly support the "perfect standard" of a breed, which may include tail docking, ear cropping, and other such inhumane practices. The "body modifications" might be illegal - I forget the details - but even if it is, to quote PETA,"they're devoted to keeping the bloodline pure, labeling 'mixed breeds' as inferior, and creating a dominant 'master race'."
Now, while I don't like PETA, they do offer very good resources, and they're right about this.
I don't like the AKC because of their "breed standards," which I believe continues to lead to the ruining of breeds. It's fine to breed, for example, labradors with labradors to keep labradors, but because of silly breed standards, genetic problems have entered breeds because there is not enough mixing going on. It is inherent that there must be variability to prevent mistakes and this can be done while still preserving specific breeds, but not making damaged dogs.
Thats unfair. I guess thats ok, but mixys are better than pures and should be able to do whatever pures do. Its like saying pures are perfect?
There has been much wrangling back & forth on some of the Yahoo groups my Mom belongs to. The bottom line is that she is not happy with the way AKC has chosen to handle adding mixed breeds as a class. Her feeling is that if the UKC, which is an older registry than the AKC, can ILP mixed breeds & let them compete in any companion sport along with the pure breeds then the AKC should be able to as well. Lets not forget that the AKC was originally started by Hunters to develop pure hunting dog lines. We all have plenty of venues to compete in - CPE, NADAC, APDT, UKC, USDAA, ASCA & so much more. Mom says we're just fine as we are & don't need to be made to feel inferior. One comment was made in one of our Yahoo groups that we wouldn't have to compete against the border collies, aussies & shelties. We do that all day every day in the venues we compete in & get along just fine with it.
It is a very volatile & political subject & in our openion the only resolution is to follow the UKC's lead in this.
As long as the AKC does not require the mixed breeds entrants be entact, as they do the "pure bred" entrants, I think it is fine. I sort of think the whole AKC shows border on snobbery anyway. I am more interested in groups who promote responsible per ownership by spaying & neutering, not breeding. There are a lot of "pure bred" dogs in shelters.
As long as the AKC does not require the mixed breeds entrants be entact, as they do the "pure bred" entrants, I think it is OK. Maybe mutts don't want to be invoilved! I sort of think the whole AKC organization & shows border on snobbery anyway. I am more interested in groups who promote responsible per ownership by spaying & neutering, not breeding. There are a lot of "pure bred" dogs in shelters.
I have a working lines German Shepherd, a dog that wouldn't even pass muster in an AKC confirmation ring, but at least he can walk! I don't like what the AKC has done to breed standards
That's soooo cool! Does any one know how to register????????????????? I've always wanted to show!!!!
You know, I think it's great that they are now allowed, and I think it was dumb that mixed breeds wheren't allowed before. However, I don't think they should be seperated. Why can't they be in the same class as the pure breds? Doesn't make sense, and it's still not really fair. I guess one paw at a time. Someday they will all be in the same class I hope.
I think it's asinine the mixed breeds be placed in a separate class. If they can compete, make it an even playing field. Nobody should have to have an asterisk next to their name.
I think it opens up new options for dogs and more peoples interests. I recently went to an agility show that had a mixed breeds area , in which inspired me to want to train and enter my Lab/Border Collie puppy when he's old enough.
Well.... im ok with it as long as they dont allow registrations for for mixed breeds....
that is the one thing that I love about akc, is its pure breds only.
there is other registries that allow mixed and they do dog shows as well...
Gosh, I don't think this is a good idea. I know there are lots of people with mixed breeds and that they are wonderful dogs. There are also unscrupulous breeders or those that just dont' know what they are doing and creating critters that were never intended to be. I would prefer AKC continue puppy mill discovery and support of no kill shelters.
When I purchased my dog I know that I took on a responsibilty cause he is a purebreed that has come from a line of grand champions. I take that seriously. The AKC should stick to tradition and not change. The AKC is the best know club for purebreeds. If they change and other mixed breeds to compete in all catagories then what will happen to purebreeds. The sale of purebreed will go down. I have 2 mIxed breeds, there are many other clubs they can join.
Ok...i mean, yeah, ive always wanted mutts to be alowed in dog shows. But a different class?? all dogs are created equal, man, no matter what they look like or if they come from a "long history of purebred ancestors". But to Lindy S., i have to agree with you about the money hungry breeders part. If you do enter your mutt, do it with compassion and not greed.
I am against allowing 'mixed breeds' in the AKC. I have always owned purebreeds, registered them and very proud of that. Mixed breeds happen when two stupid people don't get their dogs spayed/neutered. This how we have come to find the 'yuppy' dogs, which end up in the shelters to be sold at a fraction of their original selling price. Can't see paying anything more than $35 for a mixed breed.
So we're allowed to play but not with the Purists? Why the separation? Give me one logical reason for separating the Mutts with the Purebreds!
I bet they're just afraid that we kick their butts! Imagine I beat one of 'em in the ring: it would totally destroy their notion of Purebreds being superior to the Crosses. Ts, ts, ts...
...And don't come me with the old "...it's a first step in right direction...". That's just bull%$#!
...AKC's just looking for money...
So we're allowed to play but not with the Purists? Why the separation? Give me one logical reason for separating the Mutts with the Purebreds!
I bet they're just afraid that we kick their butts! Imagine I beat one of 'em in the ring: it would totally destroy their notion of Purebreds being superior to the Crosses. Ts, ts, ts...
...And don't come me with the old "...it's a first step in right direction...". That's just bull%$#!
...AKC's just looking for money...
last time I checked, mixed breeds were elgible for agility, obedience, and even some hunt/field tests....UKC also allows for mixed breeds in those tests, provided the dog in question is neutered, they have for quite awhile.
FYI, pure breeds are not required to be "intact" for any competition except conformation. We don't have conformation dogs in our house.
FYI, AKC does not require a dog to be "intact" to compete in any test except conformation. Read any hunt test program and you will see dogs that aren't pedigreed competing.
Yay! That's awesome! But I also heard from someone (don't know if it's true) they are going to start letting people register "designer breeds" like the cockapoo and Puggle and such. Sooner or later every dog will be purebred. When will the madness stop?
Nothing against designer breeds I think they are adorable BUT they are adorable mutts.
I wonder how that will look! Can I enter even though I am a senior? I am really a very cute "mixed breed."
I wonder how that will look! Can I enter even though I am a senior? I am really a very cute "mixed breed."
Since you could ohly choose one answer, I'll remark here that the AKC DOES just want more money. I also think they're afraid that mixes might show up their precious purebreds. I have owned, loved and exhibited both, and companion events are based on performance, not fancy pedigrees--let us compete on equal terms.
Oh, I forgot to add--is anyone aware that MIxed Breeds already have their own club--the MIxed Breed Dog Club of America? They have been in existence since 1978 and offer all the same opportunities for showing (and more) as well as educational programs, community activities, and most importantly, promoting responsible ownership of ALL dogs through spay/neutering and training. All dogs must be altered to be registered, there is a Code of Ethics that members agree to, and what's more, a dog must earn an Obedience or Rally title before they can finish their Conformation Championship, proving they have brains as well as beauty (as they do in Europe)--let's see the AKC try that! There are also several local chapters around the country--check it out at MBDCA.org!
Excellent, another reason for mixed breeding by people who have no clue what they are doing. Long live the puppy mills!
And no I have nothing against mixed breeds, as a matter of fact we had a mutt for 16 years and dearly love(d) him. It's the door that is being opened to irresponsable breeding that is worrying me. Are we really waiting for Labraweilers and Doberoodles who are being marketed as "designer dogs" (the expression itself makes my stomach churn). People wake up and smell the coffee!
I don't know much about the dog shows but I thought the point was to show the perfect example of each breed. I didn't know mutt was a breed. I'm not saying anything against mutts because that's the best kind of pet and I've had many myself. I just hate that mutts now have to have fancy names like puggle or goldendoodle and be sold for hundreds of dollars as a fru-fru breed. It's just a mutt. Based on the results of the poll so far most people will not agree but that's my two cents.
I'm not sure why everyone keeps acting like the AKC has done something wonderful here? The UKC has allowed mix breeds to compete in their events for over 20 years and right next to the purebreds not in a seperate class as if they are subpar. This like the new AKC owner class, FSS, and DNA is just another case of the AKC riding on the UKC coat tails with everyone clapping for them.
OMD did they really??? Mommy wants you enter me
OMD did they really??? How do you enter? My mommy really wants to enter me in the dog show!!!
now dont get me wrong here, but i think AKC is jus in for the money. it has always jus been purbreeds and i have 2 and lost 3. my other dogs are mutts and i love them, but how r u gonna show them? what kind of classes are they gonna make? why aare they doing this all of a sudden? i think it is weird, but i think lots of people are gonna be happy about it. good luck too all
I think mixed breeds should absolutely be allowed to enter sportin events..but definitely not conformation. I don't know much about this but i hope that they are making in so that mixed breeds must be fixed in order to compete, other wise there will be a even bigger problem in pet overpopulation. FYI, im not hating on mixed breeds, I own a mutt myself.
What! All dogs are wonderful so they shouldn't make AKC type dogs, whether mixed breed or not they should have one giant class so everyone can exceprance new breeds!
Just seeing some of the laws they've been supporting lately, ones that would only affect puppy mills and severely over-breeding back yard breeders, but would lose money for them (since a lot of puppy mills and pet store dogs are AKC registered), I'm going to say they're just doing this for more money.
I reckon it's nice for all dog owners to show their dog but aren't dog shows about showing your dog as close to what it is as possible (being close to the original) so there fore allowing mixes kind of takes away the best of breed part. For agility, rally, etc I reckon mixes and pures should go together as that way it's more fair. Over all I'm not too sure about it.
Allowing mixed breeds.No Way!!!!!!! that would just incourage bbb and puppy mills to breed more and more poor little damaged babies.It's bad enough now with all of the horrible mixes now my baby is a terrible example of mixing. he has all of the not so good things of both of his breeds and sometime I know he does not want to be touched as he is in pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!from his deformed legs and back.
I have never understood why mixed breeds weren't allowed in the first place, and I don't understand now why they can't compete with the purebreds. It's obedience, not conformation, so who cares what the background of the dog is.
Is AKC worried that the inbred purebreds aren't as smart as the mixed breeds and the purebreds wouldn't win or what? Doesn't make any sense at all to me.
I'm a veterinarian and the owner of two purebred (rescue) dogs, so I don't think I'm particularly mixed-breed biased. I just don't think the mixed breeds should be 'separate but equal'. It's not good enough for people and it's not good enough for dogs, either.
Why? The reason would help the answer to the question of is it only for extra money.
Yes for obediance and agility. I love German Shepards but what the AKA has done to them with the rules for confirmation is cruel. I have seen dogs on telivised shows that can hardley get off of their hind Elbows/Knees. That sloped back thing has to go.
I am an owner of both pure breed and mixed dogs, and I think it is a great idea for all events with the exception of confirmation shows. The AKC mission statement is this -The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKCŪ and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership. So by allowing mix breeds into confirmations, they are not adhering to their own mission statement.
I am an owner of both pure breed and mixed dogs, and I think it is a great idea for all events with the exception of confirmation shows. The AKC mission statement is this -The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKCŪ and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership. So by allowing mix breeds into confirmations, they are not adhering to their own mission statement.
Nothing against mixed breeds but this in my opinion will contribute to the "designer dog" fad and overpopulation problem we already have. Their is no excuse or reason to cross-breed dogs...period.
Mixed breeds would not be eligible for conformation since the (original) purpose of dog shows was to select the best specimens to perpetuate the breeds. Even though mixed breeds would have to be altered, it's an excellent point that some people might interpret this new program as justification for breeding "designer dogs' (glorified mutts). Creating a new breed takes generations of documentation and breeding true, which the great majority do not. (By the way, if you are going to create a new breed, can't you at least give it a new name?!)
I thought the point of a dog show was to judge the dogs in each breed group against the standard for that particular group. I have a mixed-breed dog that I love dearly, and I think she's just about perfect, but what is the 'standard' for a shih-poo...or for any mixed breed, for that matter? How could a mixed-breed dog possibly be judged? Perhaps a different set of criteria could be established for mixed-breed judging, but again, those criteria would be so subjective, according the the wishes and whims of whomever is establishing the contest. Careful, thoughtful planning is necessary...
All of our mutts are rescues and agility champions. We don't need the AKC to allow us to compete in agility when the other groups already do. The AKC will get no money from us until they stop supporting puppy mills and cropping and docking. They are all a bunch of money grubbing executives that don't care one bit about the betterment of the breed.
I don't understand why people are so against "breed standards". The whole reason they are there is because it defines how a certain breed should ACT, LOOK, and MOVE. Without it, we wouldn't know which breed is good with what job. Example, German Shepherds are bred to herd sheep/to work, and without a standard telling how a GSD should act, should look, should move, we'd have GSDs that looked like goldens and acted like chihuahuas. Standards are put forth for a reason so we can keep many characterisitics alive. GSDs should NOT act like a golden, a pitbull, a rotty, they should act like a GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG. See why we need standards? They are so important in knowing a breed and how they act. With purebreds, we know the dogs' whole generation and therefor can see if a certain gene will appear or not appear in what generation, we can predict what could happen in the next generation IF something were to.
AKC is not the one that creates the standards, it is the breeds' registry that has created their standards for their breeds and AKC then applies it to theirs.
I'm sure not everyone knows but there are many purebred breeders breeding to keep working breeds alive. I own GSDs and there are different kinds of shepherds. There are the American Showlines that AKC prefers and then there are the German Showlines that the SV(German registry) prefers and German Working lines which look pretty close to the first shepherd that Max Von Stephanitz created. He is the father of the breed. A little history on the GSD. Max was resting under a tree and saw farm dogs trying to herd sheep but couldn't alst as long as he liked. He then started creating a breed that was loyal, confident, and most of all, could work without tiring. Thus, the GSD was born. The first shepherd was name Horand and he stood 24'' tall and weighed about 60lbs. Shepherds were created to herd shep over rough terrain all day without getting tired and Max accomplished that. Standards are there for a reason so we don't create a dog that is far away from what they were originally bred to do.
Of course, many breeds have gone down hill because of the show world because of those "fads" but people need to look outside of the box and away from the show world and into the working world of purebred dogs.
I think it's great that mutts can do performance events but AKC was created for the purebred dog. Though I'm sure mutts make ok performance dogs. ^_^
It may be because AKC just wants money, but atleast not only the pure breeds gets to enter.
It may be because AKC just wants money, but atleast not only the pure breeds gets to enter.
I have very mixed feelings.
Mixed breeds or what we used to call Mutts make wonderful pets and yes, can be just great at anything a pure bred can do. I HATE it that people are purposing breeding/creating these mixed breed dogs and calling them designer breeds. Responsible breeders do dna testing and have their pups and adults checked for breed related diseases and if any thing is found, they will have that dog neutered or spayed so they cannot pass on this to future puppies. They breed for health first, personality next and confirmation or breed standard next. But we all know there are more unethical breeders and mills out there than there are responsible breeders and pet owners. I think there should be stricter licensing rules to breeders, more inspections of kennels and people who don't have these licenses should have to have their pets sterilized. Manditory sterilization or fines if not. There would be so many less accidental litters and homeless animals. We also need to increase animal abuse fines and make them felonies but that's a whole different soap box.
As far as being allowed to compete with pure bred dogs (I don't believe we are talking confirmation here at all!) I do believe they should allow mixed breeds. Maybe starting out as a separate class would be a good thing. later it can be re-evalulated.
I completey disagree with this if it pertains to designer mutts. I'm absolutely disgusted by people intentionally making them and selling them.
Great if someone wants to show their shelter dog - which would need to be another class because AKC won't let you show unneutered dogs at that time and shelter dogs should all be neutered.
I'm all for reputable breeders, obviously I'm a Great Dane person but I got both of my Danes from rescue.
I completey disagree with this if it pertains to designer mutts. I'm absolutely disgusted by people intentionally making them and selling them.
Great if someone wants to show their shelter dog - which would need to be another class because AKC won't let you show unneutered dogs at that time and shelter dogs should all be neutered.
I'm all for reputable breeders, obviously I'm a Great Dane person but I got both of my Danes from rescue.
I think that AKC should honestly stick with purebreds,because there are plenty of organazations that allow mixed breeds.I am a fan of AKC,they have been around for years and have some of the greatest dog shows and dog events,I do also look at another persons side and undertstand there concern about the puppy mills,but a there are a lot of reputable breeders out there that should not get the name as a puppy mill because they are not they are responsible breeders that care about the well being of there dogs.
Dogs that arn't AKC reg have always been aloud to show, you just have to get their ILP number, very simple... i have several mixed breeds that i show ,
If you have a purebred without papers then you can register them with AKC PAL (purebred alternative listing.) I am pretty sure that they can compete in the AKC events accept for comformation,but they have to be purebreds to register with PAL.But now AKC has the new program for mixed breeds as well.
The AKC is a club, after all. They don't receive public funds, and they are free to establish whatever qualifications and restrictions on membership they choose. Accepting mixed breeds into conformation events is obviously impractical, but in agility and obedience work a mixed breed can be as competitive as any dog.
I wouldn't want this to set or contribute to a trend against purebred dogs. I'm all for adoption and rescue, and I get that mixed breeds carry less risk of genetic defects. But I own a purebred, and I chose him for specific reasons. I get that a "mutt" has just as much love in his heart as a purebred. But I also think the various breeds add their own special beauty to the world. I'd hate to see the rise of some kind of "generic" dog.
"...and I get that mixed breeds carry less risk of genetic defects..."
That's not true, mutts have more of a risk factor because they have the worst and best of BOTH parents, whatever breed they may be.
It's a start. I hope they soon will follow the lead of the UKC.
I think thats awsome! Mixed breed dogs like Lizzie are equal in every way. There is no difference between a purebred and a mutt. After all, purebreds once were mutts before they became a breed. People should reconize the dog for who they really are, not just the breed.
You do realize that all "purebred" dogs are, are traits that people a long time ago considered desirable? I can decide that my "mutt" is perfect, breed him with "mutts" with the same traits, and do what people did years ago to start purebreds. I can then name my "mutt" a name for all dogs that meet these certain standards and now have a purebred dog. Of course, to keep these traits, I'd have to inbreed them.
The AKC is not a nice organization. Thanks to them and idiotic purebred elitists, there are a lot of breeds out there with major health issues. Bulldogs can't naturally procreate, dozens of different breeds have breathing issues, etc. If you think of a living creature as something for your recreation, you are a pretty wretched little person.
Sure, mutts for the most part are due to human ignorance. However, there will hopefully be a day when we don't value "purebreds" over "mutts" and responsible breeders can breed "mutt" dogs. It would be much healthier for dogs.
I think the AKC is a wonderful organization, with the best interest in keeping the 'standard' alive. I have owned mutts my entire life.. and they were great dogs. However, last year I bought my first AKC registered dog. I am very proud of that fact. I feel like she is more deserving of shows and competitions because she represents the breed. It's almost like comparing cars at a car show - you wouldn't enter your old beater in with a completely restore '69 fastback mustang - you wouldn't stand a chance. I feel a little embarssed to rank AKC registered purebred dogs right along side mutts, what does that say? All dogs are not equal and it shows. I believe that it's a bad idea to mix all dogs together - purebreds are from a long line of careful and selective breeding, mutts just happen.
It really depends what you are going to do!! I think it would be o.k. for showing your dogs but, I don't think it would be good for agility even though they still have mixed breeds
I think it's pretty cool. At first I thought it was conformation, and I was like "wha-? How would that work?!" BOL! Then I realized it was agility and whatnot, which I think it awesome. All dogs love to and are capable of working and running, so I don't see why mixed breeds shouldn't be allowed to compete in trails.
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I think that is great. Mixed breeds like me can do things too. Equality goes for all pups like humans. You got the talent you should be able to do it. Sometimes us mixed breeds are smarter but that is my openion because I have sisters that got papers but aren't as smart as me .
The breed standards don't ruin the breeds. BREEDERS ruin breeds by failing to do the proper research and testing. Besides,the AKC is much better than other kennel clubs in the U.S. *cough cough CKC, APRI cough*.
That's really cool. Since hybrids don't come in. I hate those dogs!!!
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May 6th 2009 at 8:41 am