ALTERED DOGS ELIGIBILITY
BEFORE VERSUS AFTER BEST OF BREED COMPETITION

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In 2001, we had a snag in that an AKC official had erroneously told us that veterans could NOT be altered, which is clearly stated otherwise in the rules. We went with what the official told us, after repeated questioning. Later, another AKC official caught the mistake in our PL, and required us to mail out correction postcards to all who had received a premium list. This cost the club several hundred dollars. So, in the future, it’s advisable to get any calls on the rules by an AKC official given in writing, and to double-check the rules as well. Even AKC rules “experts” are not infallible, so it’s always good to be absolutely sure about a rule before the PL goes out.

1.9.6. Before Versus After Best of Breed Competition
Holding the non-regular classes after Best of Breed, and not having the winners advance to BOB gives the club greater flexibility in what dogs may be allowed to compete. In this case, altered dogs may compete in all classes, if the club allows for it. In 2001, there seemed to be a lot of demand for a non-regular Herding Titled class that allowed both unfinished conformation champions and altered dogs. But, the idea of non-regular class winners advancing to BOB competition is popular too.

As stated above, all non-regular classes held before BOB will have the winners advance onto the BOB competition. Thus they must be eligible under normal regulations, with the exception that spayed or neutered Veterans must be allowed to compete.

One thing to note: if the Versatility Competition at the specialty gives points for Conformation participation, then it would be nice to make a class available for altered dogs. Otherwise, people with altered dogs have to forfeit those points because they cannot enter.