extensive research, including gathering feedback from AKC Delegates, AKC Clubs, and mixed breed dog

owners, the Board unanimously approved a program for mixed breed dogs at the April 2009 Board

Meeting. This followed the non-binding resolutions passed by an overwhelming majority of the

Delegates at the March 2009 meeting asking the Board to reconsider a program for mixed breeds.

The details of the program are presented below. Thank you to all Delegates, club officers, and club

members who have provided feedback over the years. The program, which includes a Listing Service and

Competition Eligibility, is a result of many years worth of research. You have been an integral part of the

process and the feedback received has been invaluable.

program.

1. Dogs in the program would be issued an ID number.

2. Dogs must be spayed or neutered.

3. The fee for the program would be $35.

4. In Phase I, listed dogs would receive:

a. A certificate of participation

b. A competition card, with their identification number. This number allows mixed breeds

to compete in AKC Agility, Rally, and Obedience events

c. Access to a community of dog lovers interested in supporting all things canine, including

the AKC Humane Fund

d. Affiliation with an organization that:

i. Actively supports the right to own and breed dogs responsibly by fighting antiownership

legislation at the local, state, and federal level

ii. Donates millions to canine health research, making all dogs healthier in the long

run

iii. Proactively responds to disasters like 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina, reaching out to

all dog owners in need during stressful times

The Listing Service will be enhanced in Phase II. In Phase II, effective July 1, 2010 participating dogs

will also receive:

a. Discounted enrollment in the AKC CAR Lost & Found service, which includes a collar

tag and 24-7 recovery services

a. An AKC Supporter window decal

b. Free CGC certificate for dogs that pass a CGC test

c. Copy of The New Puppy Handbook and/or sample of Family Dog magazine

d. Free initial veterinary visit

e. Trial offer of pet health insurance

f. Discount coupons to an online dog store

The Listing Service will be enhanced again in Phase III, allowing owners of mixed breed dogs to have

access to interactive website with fun features such as forums, picture contests, dog care video

downloads, information on pet-friendly businesses, advice from experts, etc. The effective date for the

new website will be determined in the future based on the needs of those enrolled.

Agility, Rally, and Obedience events:

1. AKC clubs would have the option to hold a class for Agility, Obedience, or Rally events. Those

clubs electing to hold mixed breed classes will offer the same classes for mixed breed dogs and

purebred dogs.

2. Mixed Breed classes can only be held at standalone AKC Agility, Obedience, and Rally Events.

The class could not be offered at All Breed Shows, Group Shows, or independent specialties,

even if Agility, Obedience, or Rally events are being held.

a. The definition of standalone AKC Companion event is an AKC Agility,

Obedience, or Rally event that is not held on the same date AND show site as an

AKC all-breed show or independent specialty.

3. Mixed breed dogs would compete in separate class divisions from AKC purebred dogs.

a. The club is not required to hold the classes in separate rings under separate Judges. The

purebred classes can be held in the same ring, under the same Judge, as the mixed breed

classes. Placements and titles would be scored and awarded separately.

b. For example, in Agility in the Regular class, all purebred dogs entered in the Regular 16

inch class would run, followed in the same ring by the mixed breed dogs entered in the

Regular 16 inch class.

4. Allows event-giving club to decide if group exercises in Obedience, specifically long sits and

downs, should be combined to save time or should be completed separately. The club is not

required to hold the classes in separate rings under separate Judges. Placements and titles would

be scored and awarded separately.

5. Mixed breed dogs would earn different titles from purebred dogs.

a. Mixed breed dogs would earn titles with a Mixed Breed suffix (i.e. NAC-Novice Agility

Mixed Breed)

6. Dogs competing in the class would be eligible to earn similar (but separate) titles as purebreds,

including MACH-M (Master Agility Champion Mixed Breed), OTCH-M, and RAE-M.

7. Dogs competing in classes would NOT be eligible for National Championships or Invitational

events.

The mixed breed concept that was approved has strong support from AKC Delegates and other key

fanciers.

mixed breeds in AKC competition or had no opinion on the issue.

trials, 78% supported AKC clubs having the option to offer classes for mixed breeds at their trials.

owners in February 2007, 70% of respondents agreed AKC clubs should have the option to offer

classes for mixed breeds at Companion events. 67% of exhibitors, 65% of Delegates, 65% of club

members, and 60% of club officers agreed.

The Delegate Body has been consulted on five occasions regarding a mixed breed program. In

addition to the two surveys mentioned above in which Delegates participated:

At this time, he asked for the Delegates advice and assistance in developing a potential

program for mixed breeds.

briefing sessions and presented the results and the consolidated feedback during the Forum on

Monday, June 11. Feedback received during these sessions was incorporated in the follow-up

presentation to the Board in October 2007.

Delegates and asked for feedback on four outstanding questions. Specifically, 1) Should AKC appear

in the name of the affiliate organization administering the program, 2) Should group exercises such as

the long sits and downs in Obedience be completely separate or should they be combined for mixes

and purebreds to save time, 3) Do club bylaws prevent mixed breed classes, and 4) Is a $35 fee for a

mixed breed listing reasonable? The speech and questions were distributed to Delegates at the

meeting and posted on the Delegates-L. A reminder was sent on July 22, letting clubs know of the

extension to submit feedback up until the August Board Meeting. AKC received survey responses

from 61 clubs, including 34 All-Breed Kennel Clubs, 21 Parent Clubs, and 6 Dog training Clubs. The

feedback was incorporated into the final plan being presented to the Board this month.

straw polls of the Delegates indicated overwhelming support for a Mixed Breed listing

service.