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AKC DELEGATE
REPORT - CLAUDIA FRANK |
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Monday, December 15, 2008
AKC Delegate Obedience, Tracking, and Agility Committee Meeting – Companion Events
Obedience Advisory Committee – The Obedience Advisory Committee (OAC) recommendations were approved by the AKC Board at the October 2008 meeting. In July 2007 the AKC Board approved additional classes as part of the Obedience Business Case Plan. These changes can be found as attachments to the AKC Board Minutes for July 2007 and for the October 2008 Board Minutes.
In summary, effective January 1, 2009 the following Optional Titling Classes may be offered: Graduate Novice (GN), Graduate Open (GO), and Versatility (VER). Additionally, and also effective January 1, 2009 there will be two new titles as follows: Obedience Master (OM) and Obedience Grand Master (OGM). Lastly, and also effective January 1, 2009, the following Non-Regular Classes may be offered: Wild Card Novice, Wild Card Open, and Wild Card Utility. Effective January 1, 2010 Obedience Advanced Team Work may be offered as a Non-Regular Class.
Effective January 1, 2010 will be the option for Clubs to hold two All-Breed Obedience Trials concurrently at the same site on the same day.
Effective July 1, 2010 will be the Beginners Novice Class.
Finally, effective January 1, 2011 Titles for Companion Dog, Companion Dog Excellent, Utility Dog, Graduate Novice, Graduate Open, Versatility, and Beginner Novice may be awarded to a dog who has received three qualifying scores under two different judges (instead of the current requirement for three judges).
Promotion of the Master Obedience Title - lack of knowledge among the obedience fancy of the Master Obedience Title and suggested that a program be developed for publicizing and promoting this additional title.
NOI – no room as currently run for Novice & Open. The intent would be to expand the Regional competition to include Novice, Open, and Utility, and hold the event around the same time as the Agility National.
COMPANION EVENTS Extravaganza – tracking, agility, obedience (would include all levels) all at same place & time – would get TV coverage. National Obedience Championship competition would be separated from the NOI.
“C” Matches - This would require that a letter be sent to Event Operations which would contain specifics as to when and where the Match would be held as well as the designation of a Match Secretary. The approval of this Regulation would eliminate “C” matches being spontaneously held following an Obedience Trial and would provide proper AKC approval for a Club function.
Tracking Advisory Committee (TAC) - The TAC is currently meeting on specific issues.
Other:
1. MEET THE BREEDS - will be stand alone events.
The requirement that Judges report events that occur in their Rings will be
eliminated as of January 5, 2009.
2. OTA Committee diligently works on the issue of declining entries in
Obedience Trials. The objective would be to identify the problem (use of AKC
statistics), resulting in a determination of why a decline is happening, and
offer suggestions as to how the problem can be corrected.
3. Several suggestions were made to encourage All-Breed Clubs to hold
Obedience Trials and thus increase Obedience entries: (a) offer reduced fees
for individuals who have entered Rally as well as Obedience; (b) offer
assistance to Clubs on how to better utilize Obedience Judges; (c) inclusion of
Wild Card Classes; (d) encouragement of Club members who have attained a UD
Title to apply for judging Non-Regular Classes; and (e) compliance of Licensed
Clubs.
4. In the area of public relations for the AKC, it was recommended that
Member Clubs work with local Humane Societies and/or Shelters in such areas as
(a) teaching shelter employees how to handle dogs and (b) give discounts to
owners for training dogs obtained from shelters.
Herding, Coursing, Earthdog Committee
(Performance Events)
To Come.
DELEGATES MEETING - Tuesday, December 16, 2008
https://www.akc.org/about/delegate_meeting_minutes.cfm
Election candidates spoke about their
credentials and vision for the AKC. Their comments appear on the above web site.
Statements from each candidate will also appear in the next issue of
PERSPECTIVES. Four positions
1. Lee Arnold (Southern Colorado KC) – Nominating Committee
2. Carl Ashby III (US Kerry Blue Terrier Club)
3. Dr. Fred C. Bock II (Key City KC)
4. Judith V. Daniels (Mt. Baker KC)
5. Carl E. Gomes (Pacific Boston Terrier Club)
6. Alan Kalter (American Bullmastiff Association)
7. John P. Nielsen (English Setter Association of America)
8. Dr. Robert D. Smith (Memphis KC)
Ron Menaker,
AKC Board Chairman
2009 is the AKC’s 125th Anniversary. The first AKC office was on Wall Street
where only 9 breeds were registered in a 15 x 20 foot room with a desk, chair
and single file cabinet. Currently there are over 600 member clubs. As a
celebration the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in 2009 will offer classes at
the breed level along with championship points. Many Specialty shows are
planned. There is a special anniversary commemorative logo.
President’s Report
1. Future Program – conceptual & in research stage
Stage 1 – collection of frozen semen for the breeding of outstanding dogs
Stage 2 – generate revenue
1. fully subsidize all program expenses
2. fund an endowment to ensure its continuation
3. be significantly profitable to AKC
4. provide any residual income to benefit existing programs
Funded by annual “Activity Fee” for each dog exhibited – perhaps $25 (same as
show entry)
Participants volunteer – committee can compensate participants.
Collect for 10 years before any breeding begins.
2. Meet the Breeds on the road as independent program
Would have demos of obedience, agility, etc.
Anchor sponsors – AKC Pet Healthcare
3. Economic Impact
New info to show benefit to community
New survey includes ALL dog sports not just conformation
Provides good statistical basis if needed
4. New STAR Puppy Program
Start with STAR then CGC then obedience. See STAR info
below.
5. Products for sale in 9,000 stores
6. IN SESSION, AKC’s Congressional
Newsletter – sent to members of Congress & their staff – bi monthly
Information about public education, charitable donations & other grass roots
initiatives
Highlights government relations & services offered to local, state & federal
levels
To add legislator – contact Lisa Peterson
James Stevens – Chief Financial Officer
The net deficit for the first 11 months of 2008 was $14.4 million. This
contrasted to a net surplus of $8.8 million in 2007.
VOTING:
1. Chapter 17, Section 2 - Adopted proposal to allow AKC to bill superintendents
monthly for events.
2. Chapter 9, New Section 11 – Adopted – creates a Championship for gundog brace
Beagles.
Daisy Oakes explained the AKC barter system with producers of dog-related films. The AKC advertises the movie but is allowed to put a DVD with information about the film featured breed in the package. There are now numerous PSIs being played on TV Channels.
John Lyons – AKC Chief Operating Officer
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Introduced Sheila Goffe the new Director of the AKC Government Relations
Department. She will also have oversight of the Public Education Department.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS – Interesting Finds
https://www.akc.org/about/board_minutes.cfm
MEETING November 10 & 11, 2008
EVENTS: Year to date the number of events was up 5% while entries were
down 3%.
FINANCES Oct.: Net deficit of $6.7 million vs. a net surplus of $1
million in 2007.
LIMITED REGISTRATION: When registering an entire litter individually on
line there currently is no way to us the Limited Registration. Staff & Board
decided there wasn’t enough interest to consider the problem further.
ADDING DIVISION: Unanimously passed & effective May 12, 2009.
Division 6: NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI
Division 8: OR, WA
Division 13: Id, NV, MT, UT, WY, ND, SD.
JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP CHANGE: A light blue ribbon may be presented to all
Junior competitors in the Novice class that do not receive a placement. Club
name & date do not need to appear on the ribbon.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR FUTURE SHOWS: This document has been
rewritten to expand the opportunities for compliance and to improve clarity.
(Attachment A to the Board Minutes).
AGILITY CHANGE: Chapter 4 Section 10 new paragraphs will be discussed
further at the January Board Meeting. It would require the dog to enter the ring
on lead and leave the ring on lead.
AKC MATCH REGS: An AKC Member or Licensed club could hold tracking events
without the requirement of being licensed to hold obedience trials or sanctioned
obedience matches.
APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RALLY JUDGES: Applicants can apply for all
three levels of Rally at the same time. Requirements changed to judging a
minimum of ten assignments with a minimum of 350 dogs judged overall. Will be
discussed again in January.
RALLY: Staff presented statistics that demonstrated that 61.2 % of the
dogs that earned a Rally title went on to earn an obedience title.
NEW AGILITY JUDGE POLICIES: Changes effective January 1, 2009 the
policies in the areas of course design, submission of designs and reeducation
seminars as well as disciplinary actions. (Chapter 1 Section 4. New text
included in Minutes.)
COONHOUNDS – Registration at event: If a Coonhound is not registered with
the AKC it can pay for the registration at the event and compete.
JUDGING OPERATIONS: New breed applicants must attend an AKC Basic Judging
Institute prior to requesting regular status.
BEAGLE FIELD TRIAL RULES: Beagles can be run in trios in the first series
of there are 21 or more entries. Also, Clubs hosting Large Pack Field Trials can
split the pack if entries exceed 25.
AIRDALES IN SPANIEL HUNT TESTS: Effective July 1, 2009 Airedale Terrier
can participate in Spaniel Hunting Test Program. The inclusion will be evaluated
in two years.
2010 PARENT CLUB CONFERENCE: Parent Club Committee has begun planning and the
Board is supportive.
MEETING October 13-14, 2008
EVENTS: The number of events was up 7-1/2% while entries were down ˝%.
BREEDERS PODCASTS: Orthopedic Elbow Dysplasia, Nutrition, Skin Allergies
& Canine Cancer.
AKC / CHF BREEDERS SYMPOSIA: Oct 25 & 26 AZ & Nov 8 & 9 GA
FINANCIAL: Net deficit of $3.8 million for the first none months of this
year vs. a net surplus of $8.2 million in 2007.
APPLICATIONS FOR LIMITED REGISTRATION: Reviewed & moved to January.
ON LINE LITTER APPLICATIONS: Only one owner of a co-owned dog can sign
for litter application. Signed letter of approval from other co-owner must be
available to AKC if requested.
GROUP REALIGNMENT REPORT: Was accepted. Any comments should be sent to
James Crowley, Executive Secretary at AKC New York office. Plan in full at end
of minutes.
SWEEPSTAKES & FUTURITY JUDGES CHANGE: Effective Jan. 1, 2009 may not
exhibit within 200 miles of an assignment on the day of the assignment. They
will continue to be allowed to exhibit the day before and the day after the
event they judge. A multi-day specialty is considered one event, and the
restriction will apply for the duration of the event.
OBEDIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS: Voted to accept as found on
Attachment B at end of minutes.
LANCASHIRE HEELER: FSS breed effective July 1, 2009 may compete in
Companion & Performance events.
COMPLIANCE: Penalties increased for refusing to produce dogs or records.
RANKING POINT PROPOSAL: Staff will work on a possible AKC Ranking System.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORTS
https://www.akc.org/about/chairmans_report.cfm
JANUARY:
AKC HUMANE FUND - NEW FOUNDINGMEMBERS WALL OF HONOR: Next month visitors to the
American Kennel Club’s Open House will be among the first to see the AKC Humane
Fund "Founding Members Wall of Honor." The Wall occupies a prominent place in
the executive offices of AKC’s Corporate Headquarters in New York City. So far,
names of more than 115 individuals, 25 AKC clubs, and 20 corporations and
organizations will appear on the Wall. Their generous gifts of $1,000 or more
have earned them a place in history as founding members. The AKC Humane Fund’s
mission is to unite a broad spectrum of animal lovers in promoting the joy and
value of responsible dog ownership through education, outreach and grant-making.
Fund programs planned for the future include helping support our parent clubs’
rescue activities; administering a Hall of Fame for the sport of purebred dogs;
assisting human services organizations that permit domestic abuse victims to
enter and stay in shelters with their pets; providing resources to programs that
educate adults and children about responsible dog ownership; and contributing to
organizations that support the fund’s mission including the AKC Canine Health
Foundation, AKC Museum of the Dog, and AKC Companion Animal Recovery. For more
information about plaques or to donate please contact Daphna Straus at
212-696-8243 or donate online at www.akchumanefund.org.
DECEMBER:
2009 AKC’S 125TH ANNIVERSARY --In 1884, AKC began its all-breed purebred dog
registry with just 9 breeds. As of January 1, 2009 the AKC will recognize 161
breeds. When you add the 60 plus breeds in our Foundation Stock Service, AKC
actively promotes more than 200 breeds in the U.S. today. The AKC Gazette, which
began continuous publication in 1889, has certainly chronicled our growth. So
has The Complete Dog Book, which still reigns as the most widely published dog
book with more than 2 million copies in print, since 1929. In 1926, AKC
conducted its first dog show in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the
signing of the Declaration of Independence. It took another 58 years until we
held our next - The AKC Centennial Show in 1984 in Philadelphia - and since the
turn of the century we have held the annual national championship event which
took place this past weekend. A year from now in December 2009, as a fitting
tribute to AKC's 125th Anniversary, the ninth installment of the AKC / Eukanuba
National Championship will waive its invitational format and offer classes at
the breed level along with championship points. Already national and regional
breed clubs are planning to hold their specialty shows and supported entries
with us in Long Beach, on Dec. 12th and 13th. We encourage AKC clubs to use this
in conjunction with their club logo wherever possible throughout 2009. The logo
can be found on the AKC web site under the "Clubs" tab at: http://www.akc.org/clubs/logo_info.cfm.
We encourage all clubs to help us celebrate AKC's 125th year.
NOVEMBER:
CANINE HEALTH ALWAYS IMPORTANT -- AKC takes very seriously its
responsibility to provide proven advice, up-to-date resources, and significant
funding to promote genetic research for the advancement of good health in the
purebred dog. AKC’s three-pronged commitment to helping breeders reach the
highest standards includes creating the AKC Canine Health Foundation, supporting
AKC Parent Clubs and dedicating AKC staff and resources to breeder education
through its Registry and Breeders’ Department.
About the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF)
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The AKC founded the AKC Canine Health Foundation in 1995. Since then AKC has been the largest contributor to date donating more than $18.5 million towards canine health research.
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AKC CHF’s mission is, “to develop significant resources for basic and applied health programs with emphasis on canine genetics to improve the quality of life for dogs and their owners.”
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Since the creation of the Foundation in 1995, $22 million has been given to more than 500 research projects at 74 vet schools and research institutes worldwide to improve the health of all dogs.
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While this research targets the occurrence of a disease in specific breeds, it also increases the knowledge of the disease within all dogs and allows breeders to avoid breeding dogs who are carriers. To date, more than a dozen genetic tests have been developed for such widespread diseases as PRA, Hypothyroidism, and Fanconi Syndrome.
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The AKC CHF donated $2.2 million to projects that mapped the canine genome. These projects contributed to the complete genome sequence performed by the National Institutes of Health.
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Parent club health liaisons and AKC CHF Founder Clubs (those that donate more than $10,000) are invited to attend the annual National Parent Club Canine Health conference with worldwide leaders in genetic research to advance all aspects of canine health and purebred dog breeding.
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AKC CHF, in conjunction with the AKC Breeders’ Department, holds multiple “Breeders Symposia” as well as Parent Club National Specialty Health Presentations around the country each year. These educational programs offer breeders a wide variety of opportunities to stay up to date on canine genetics, reproduction, and nutrition.
About AKC Parent Clubs
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The AKC is comprised of nearly 5,000 member and licensed clubs, including a designated Parent Club overseeing each respective breed in the U.S. AKC Parent Clubs for the 158 AKC recognized breeds:
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write breed standards. The breed standards direct breeders in targeting ideal conformation, temperament and health. The AKC publishes all standards in The Complete Dog Book and posts them on akc.org.
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promote healthy breeding, genetic testing and genetic diversity. When problems arise, they address them through funding genetic research, encouraging the testing of breeding stock, and establishing and using health registries for their pre-breeding research. Parent Club Health Committees conduct health surveys and facilitate Donor Advised Funds at the AKC CHF for research related to specific breed genetic diseases.
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support the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) database. This centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals develops a list of health screenings with parent club approval that the responsible breeder should incorporate into their breeding program and is a DNA repository for future research.
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may request that the AKC open the studbook for their breed to address health issues to include new animals in the gene pool. This was recently done for the Basenji.
About the AKC Registry and Breeders’
Department
The AKC supports the work of the health registries and parent clubs in their
efforts to make health-testing information accessible by listing test results
from OFA and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) in our pedigrees. AKC
also lists DNA profiles on pedigrees as a means of parent verification.
Other AKC Resources for Breeder Education
Education includes the Breeders Department which publishes the AKC Breeder
newsletter and hosts, in conjunction with the AKC CHF, numerous annual Breeders’
Symposia. The “Genome Barks” series at www.genomebarks.com features new podcasts
every two weeks based on presentations from canine health experts, researchers,
and leaders given at select Breeders Symposium.
Where available?
Many of these breeders’ resources are available online at www.akc.org/breeders
and www.akcchf.org. As we look to the future of purebred dogs we continue to
work with and advocate for responsible breeders to produce healthy puppies for
the enjoyment of generations to come. We share the utmost dedication and
commitment to canine health with these breeders, parent clubs, and with all
those who love and appreciate the purebred dog.
OCTOBER 2008
Parent Club Breed Flier Valuable Tool to Recruit New Members -- Membership
rosters should be a diverse list of knowledgeable responsible breeders, breed
health enthusiasts, dedicated rescue volunteers and pet owners. Early in the
1900s parent clubs asked AKC to include flyers about their breeds in the
registration packets. In early 2001, the breed fliers were automated to print
along with the registration certificates rather than as an insert. AKC handles
the graphic design while the club provides the content. AKC approves content and
suggests enhancements such as mentioning microchip enrollment with AKC CAR or
mentioning that if their club has a Donor Advised Fund with the AKC Canine
Health Foundation. This cost effective program allows clubs to pay a one-time
start up fee of $150 and then only three cents per flier for printing costs. AKC
pays for postage. Clubs are also sent a PDF of the flier. This enables members
to print out copies for use at educational booths such as at the AKC Meet the
Breeds® at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship or AKC Responsible Dog
Ownership Day events. These flyers are also available on the AKC web site.
Today, approximately 75% of all registrations include breed fliers, which
translates into educating more than half a million registrants annually about
their particular breed and membership in the parent club.
POSSIBLE ACTIONS:
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Consider Board position openings & prepare to direct me in voting. Introductions to candidates part of the December Delegates Meeting Minutes. More info to come.
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Will BCSA have an affiliated Specialty show in conjunction with the 2009 AKC/Eukanuba show?? Dates December 12 & 13th.
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Encourage members to send their legislators names to AKC so they can receive the “In Session” newsletter.
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Use the 125th Anniversary Logo on all BCSA material for 2009 – available at http://www.akc.org/clubs/logo_info.cfm
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Get current health updates for BC health issues into the lines of education – web site, Announce, “BL” – for seizures, hip dysplasia, eye issues, etc.
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Do we have a breed informational flyer being sent out with AKC registration papers?? Does it carry BCSA membership information? Contact Toni Hutto at 919-816-3625 or tmh@akc.org for more information.
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How about putting together resources all ready on the web site & labeling them for use by shelters & rescue groups for identifying possible BCs that they get into their system.
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Make sure BCSA General Education & Legislative Liaison are advised of the new director of the AKC Government Relations Department and the Public Education Department is Sheila Goeff
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Notify anyone involved with Junior Showmanship of the new ribbon situation for Novice.
AKC’S NEW PROGRAM!
S.T.A.R. Program Aimed at Good Puppy Citizens AND
The First Step in AKC Involvement
The Canine Good Citizen Program has a new puppy level starting in March. It is called S.T.A.R. for socialization, training, activity and a responsible dog owner. This beginning level is open to all breeds and mixed breeds alike and defines “puppy” as a dog up to one year. The S.T.A. R. program rewards owners who take their puppy through at least a six week course.
The difference the new program and the CGC is that the CGC can be a one-time test at a dog show, class graduation, etc. and the S.T.A.R. Puppy is done at the end of a training class by the instructor who has been observing the puppy for a least six weeks.
The S.T.A.R. Puppy program is taught by AKC approved CGC evaluators. The evaluators use their own instructional methods and plan their own curriculums. The AKC does provide support material like “Lessons for a Puppy’s People,” located at akc.org/starpuppy. These lessons are brief points for instructors to use at the beginning of each lesson for approximately five minutes.
The 20 item test is administered by the evaluator after observing the puppy for at least six weeks.
The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records list puppies which complete the course. The owner receives a gold Olympic style medal, a certificate and an AKC New Puppy Handbook, discount in the CAR program and a subscription to to a monthly e-mail newsletter.
Sidebar:
CGC ONLINE
Canine Good Citizen pages can be visited at akc.org. There upcoming events,
evaluators, detailed description of the test and access to CGC news can be
found. More information can be obtained by calling 919-816-3637 or emailing to
cgc@akc.org. The CGC Director at AKC is Mary Burch.
From AKC GAZETTE January Issue 2009
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Page Updated 01.15.2009