Rare Dogs

AKC/FSS changes

2008-04-19T14:32:00.002-05:00

In case you haven't read the AKC board minutes for April 2008, here is what you missed.

FSS Guidelines
Following a motion by Mr. Gladstone, seconded by Dr. Newman, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent Dr. Battaglia and Mr. Goodman) to adopt the following guideline revision to the time frame that a breed must remain in Miscellaneous Class prior to requesting full registration. Breeds with 1,000 or more dogs enrolled in FSS may be evaluated (for full registration) after six months in Miscellaneous Class, but will remain in FSS a minimum of 18 months. Breeds with less than 1,000 dogs will be evaluated (for full registration) at the end of each year in Miscellaneous Class.

More Board news:

Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Board reviewed a request from the National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association. The club is seeking advancement for the Entlebucher Mountain Dog to the Miscellaneous Class, effective January 1, 2009. This will be considered further in May.
Finnish Lapphund
The Board received a request from the Finnish Lapphund Club of America. The club is seeking to advance the Finnish Lapphund to the Miscellaneous Class, effective January 1, 2009. This will be considered further in May.
Irish Red & White Setter
The Board reviewed a request from the Irish Red & White Setter Association. The club is seeking acceptance into the AKC Stud Book and eligibility for the Irish Red & White Setter to compete in the Sporting Group. This will be discussed further in May.
Norwegian Buhund
The Board reviewed a request from the Norwegian Buhund Club of America. The club is seeking acceptance into the AKC Stud Book and eligibility for the Norwegian Buhund to compete in the Herding Group. This will be discussed further in May.
Pyrenean Shepherd
The Board reviewed a request from the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America. The club is seeking acceptance into the AKC Stud Book and eligibility for the Pyrenean Shepherd to compete in the Herding Group. This will be discussed further in May.
Xoloitzcuintli
The Board reviewed a request from the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America. The club is seeking approval to advance the breed into the Miscellaneous Class. This will be discussed further in May.

Future of Rare breeds & AKC?

2008-03-29T09:12:00.002-05:00

Currently there are more than 55 FCI recognized breeds sitting in Limbo with the AKC-FSS.
What do you forsee as the future for these breeds?
What are the main reasons these breeds have not progressed to full recognition?

Is it:

AKC's 300 number rule?
Hosting AKC rules specialty events in regions
Wrong type of people running breed club? (pet/rescue centered rather than breeder)
Lack of knowledge about what AKC is and how it's different from FCI
Lack of interest in AKC events
Something else????

What can be done to correct these issues if anything?

Are the people involved in Rare breeds concerned about the future of their breeds in the US with all the Anti-Breeder laws popping up when AKC imposes a 300 min. barrier which is blocking advancement??

Please weigh in on these issues.

Falling Entry numbers

2008-03-14T11:38:00.002-05:00

My AKC All breed club is concerned about falling entry numbers. The entries in their recent show was down by about 400 entries. Apparently, Onofrio confirms that entries are down all over the US, they suspect due to rising fuel costs. My club is worried about entries being down next year and thereafter until the economy finally shows signs of recovery.

In light of falling entry numbers and the fact that some 182 FCI recognized breeds are not allowed entry into AKC events, is it nearing time for FSS breed owners/clubs to come together and petition the AKC for recognition?

AKC is LOSING money with falling entry numbers, falling registration numbers etc. Is it possible that AKC would be more inclinded to listen to FSS people and allow us entry into Misc. even though we have not achieved 300+ ? Is it possible AKC would allow FSS breeds to stay in Misc. until such time as the numbers come up and the parent clubs meet AKC's obligations???

What do you think??

Promoting FSS Breeds

2008-02-29T07:18:00.003-06:00

Many FSS breeds are able to enter AKC companion and some performance events excluding Conformation of course, so are FSS breed clubs and owners taking advantage of the opportunity to enter these events?

Are FSS breed owners actively walking around the other rings and educating other breeders as well as the general public that might be in attendance about their respective breeds?

Hopefully we can exchange ideas regarding the best way to take advantage of these events to promote our breeds.

Breaking Chains

2008-02-22T07:02:00.000-06:00

When Rare breeds are brought to the US and litters are produced, What steps are breeders taking to ensure they do not "break the registration chain"?

What does this mean?

AKC-FSS is only a RECORDING service so every puppy produced in the US is not really registered with any FCI recognized kennel club (until breeds achieve AKC full recognition) so subsequent offspring are unable to be exhibited, exported or bred from anywhere outside the US during the waiting period.

As we all know, AKC-FSS recording helps move our breeds closer to Full AKC recognition, but what are people doing in the meantime?
Some breeds have been waiting for over 20 years to move into AKC Misc. classes.

Have your Breed parent clubs made arrangements with the kennel club of origin for your particular breed to maintain registration on all offspring produced in the US?

Are US breeders just using AKC-FSS recording and just waiting until AKC finally recognizes their breeds?

To AKC or Not...that is the Question

2008-02-19T07:36:00.000-06:00

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

Blog Launch

2008-02-18T11:54:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Rare Dogs !
Please join us daily to discuss various topics that are important to Rare dog breed owners such as:

AKC recognition process
Importing dogs
Breeders
Anti-Breeder Legislation
Promoting Rare Breeds
Education seminars
Networking with other breeders
Registation concerns

What topics do you want to start discussing?
Thread away and Invite your friends to join us !!