Everywhere you look, people are always complaining that "AKC Ruins Breeds". Personally, I disagree with that assertion. Lets talk about how breeds become "ruined" in the US.
- Most new breeds in the US remain isolated - Isolated breeding programs (20+ years in many circumstances)
- Most Rare breed owners only have access to "shows" that allow Rare breeds (Private For Profit corporations). These "judges" are not familiar with the various rare breeds so they cannot be relied upon to select the best examples of the various breeds.
- Rare breed dogs born in the US, with few exceptions, are NOT allowed entry into European (FCI) shows due to lack of official Registration. So domestic stock is unable to be evaluated by experienced judges or compared against other members of their breed.
- Professional Handlers. As most of us know, a Professional handler or "top handler" can take a Pet quality dog of any breed into the ring and immediately make it up as a Champion in the US. Dogs are over-groomed and judges start awarding top placements to inferior animals based on who is holding the leash and how much over grooming has been done. (example: Westminster 08' - Glen of Imaal terrier)
- Judges. If judges do not reward inferior dogs and witheld points from undeserving animals, breeders would not continue to produce them. Breeders produce the type of dogs being routinely chosen by judges. As has been proven with German Shepherds, even the most correct dogs are consistently placed last because the judges no longer know what a correct animal looks like, acts like or moves like. Don't lay the entire blame on breeders, educate the judges and hold them accountable for poor selections early on to prevent this from happening.
Okay, so I've discussed how breeds become "different" in the US so why would we want to move our breeds into Full AKC recognition?
- To save endangered breeds from extinction
- Safeguard our respective breeds from anti-breeder/anti-dog legislation that is moving rapidly across the US
- Unrecognized Rare breeds have no legal protection against manditory spay/neuter laws unlike recognized AKC breeds (become equal to labradoodles under laws)
- Educate others about our hidden gem breeds and how they have assisted man throughout their existance
- Full registration recognition so American born offspring can be evaluated against excellent examples around the world to maintain integrity
Rare breeds have a place in society, we just have to let American society know they exist. Europeans are used to seeing Rare breeds, American's are more isloated.
Thread away
4 comments:
Based on some feedback from other bloggers, I have changed the settings to make it easier for people to post comments on this blog.
Try it out and let me know what you think.
Hello,
I was told about this site by Norma who almost single handedly achieved recognition of our breed, the Norrbottenspets, by the Foundation Stock Services of the AKC. The Icon used to illustrate the breed is non other than Jordi, co-owned by Noma and myself. Jordi resides with me in Oregon. His sister, Jancy lives with Norma in California. They were imported from Finland to help diversify the small gene pool of the Norrbottenspets living in North America. We feel this is a wonderful breed and are excited about being accepted into the FSS section of the AKC.
This is a very lovely and informative site and I am glad that I was able to become aware of its existence.
Linda Erickson
Viking Heaven Kennels
www.nordicspitz.com
Welcome aboard Linda !
We're happy to have you and everyone else that has RARE breeds!
Currently we have 172 Podengos with 3 gen. peds recorded with FSS.
How many do other breeds currently have that are waiting to gain entrance into Misc. Classes?
As far as shows go just wanted to let everyone know that the American Belgian Laekenois Assoc. (ABLA) is currently trying to set up a FSS breed show in conjunction with the '09 Wine Country AKC circuit with conformation, agility, obedience, rally and health clinics. This is a very well attended circuit (normally with reps from the dog publications) and would make a great PR event for your area breed. Our plans are to set up tented areas where the clubs can present educational material about their breeds. We have already gotten the blessing from Mari-Beth O'Neill at the AKC and I have run the idea by the four clubs that host the circuit. However they would like some idea of the number of breeds that might be participating some they can allocate space, etc.
If your breed is interestered in this please email me at laekenois@a-znet.com .
Post a Comment