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AKC BOARD ADOPTS NEW BREED LILITS FOR JUDGING APPROVALS The American Kennel Club® has announced that the number of breeds that may be applied for on a single application has been increased from 13 to 14 in the recent revision of the judging approval process. The 13 breed limit was designed to make any group attainable in two applications. With new breeds being added to the AKC registry, the largest group now contains 27 breeds. To accommodate this change and to remain consistent with the intent of the present policy, qualified applicants may now receive a maximum of 14 breeds, which would be slightly more than one-half of the largest group. This new limit applies to all judges other than members of the AKC Board of Directors. At the July Board meeting a policy was adopted stating that AKC Board members would be restricted to no more than nine breeds which is one-third of the largest group (or five breeds less than the maximum for any other applicants, consistent with the previous judging approval policy). These policies are effective January 1, 2007.
TIBETAN MASTIFF JOINS WORKING GROUP - PLOTT TO COMPETE IN HOUND GROUP The Tibetan Mastiff will become eligible for American Kennel Club® registration on September 1, 2006 and will compete in the Working Group as of January 1, 2007. Also on January 1, the Plott, which currently competes in the Miscellaneous group, will begin competing in the Hound Group. The Tibetan Mastiff, one of the oldest breeds in existence, is considered by many to be the stock from which most modern large working breeds have developed. There is little recorded about the genetic heritage of the Tibetan Mastiff. Much of their history is described only in legend; however it is believed that these dogs remained isolated on the high plateaus and valleys of the Himalayas, developing into the magnificent animal that has been highly prized by the people of Tibet throughout history and today. “We are very pleased to have the Tibetan Mastiff fully registered by the AKC,” said Martha Feltenstein, President of the American Tibetan Mastiff Association. “The legends surrounding the breed, combined with its impact on the modern world, make it a very special dog. Once people see and meet a Tibetan Mastiff, they can easily see why the Tibetan people and monks have honored it for thousands of years. We are delighted that Americans will finally be able to see this wonderful breed, together with many of its descendants, in the Working Group ring.” The Plott is unique among Coonhounds because it descends from Germanic stock rather than English foxhounds. The history of the Plott began when a young German immigrant, Johannes Plott, landed in the eastern United States with five hunting dogs. His son later made a conscientious effort to establish a successful big-game dog and eventually developed a pack of ‘mountain’ dogs, raised and trained to hunt animals such as bear and wild boar. These dogs became known by the family name and were referred to as the “Plott’s hounds.” Today’s Plott is said to be intelligent, alert and confident. He has a reputation of being an excellent hunter, capable of traversing diverse terrain and water in all seasons. The breed is the official state dog of North Carolina. Unlike other dogs in AKC’s Miscellaneous group, the Plott is already officially registered with the AKC, however until now, it has not been eligible for competition in the Hound group. “The Plott’s often contrasting brindle markings make this distinctive and rare breed even more striking. His innate combination of courage and athletic ability makes him a huge hunting asset, as well as a respected member of the family,” said Roy Stiles, President of the American Plott Association. “We are looking forward to the Plott’s full integration into AKC competition and hope that this will be the impetus for the public to learn more AKC CHAIRMAN SAYS RECENT PENNSYLVANIA KENNEL SEIZURE ILLUSTRATES NEED FOR LEGISLATION AKC Board Chairman Ron Menaker today commented on the seizure of several hundred dogs from a kennel in Chester County, PA, citing it as an example of the need for more comprehensive legislation to protect pets. “This very sad case
is an example of why we support the Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS),”
said Menaker. “It is a case where the AKC, through its mandatory
inspection program for high volume breeders, took action against
a breeder who was found not to be in compliance with our regulations.
After the AKC disciplined him, he dramatically reduced the number
of litters he registered with us and therefore was no longer subject
to AKC inspection. However, although he had been disciplined by
the AKC and, according to press reports his state license had been
revoked, he continued to operate a sizeable breeding operation ‘under
the radar’.” According to news reports,
337 dogs found to be living in squalor were seized by the local
SPCA. Kennel owner Michael Wolf was charged with 337 counts of animal
cruelty and his partner, Gordon Trottier, was charged with 65 counts
of animal cruelty. Until 2004, both Wolf and
Trottier registered a sufficient number of litters with the AKC
to be designated as “high volume breeders” under the AKC’s
Compliance program. Through 2004, their dogs and facilities were
inspected by the AKC in accordance with AKC policy. According to
the most recent AKC inspection report, dated May 2004, Wolf claimed
to have only 45 dogs and 8 puppies, which were determined to be
maintained in acceptable conditions. However, Wolf was suspended
by the AKC based on the results of routine DNA testing. The tests
indicated incorrect or faulty record keeping. After a six-month
suspension and paying a fine, Wolf was reinstated by the AKC. After
his suspension, he only registered a nominal number of litters with
the AKC, thereby avoiding the mandatory inspection for high volume
breeders. From 2002 until his suspension in 2004, Wolf registered
94 litters with the AKC. Following his reinstatement, he applied
to register only three litters with the AKC. “This is a pattern we see all too often,”
continued Menaker. “Breeders stop registering with us in order
to avoid inspection after we take disciplinary action against them.
Unfortunately, however, many of these people continue breeding and
selling dogs, and register them with a for-profit registry that
has no inspection requirements to monitor care and conditions standards.” The AKC started mandatory kennel inspection of
high volume breeders registering with the AKC in 1991. Menaker noted
that since this time, approximately 2,000 high volume breeders have
stopped registering with the AKC. He said that today, more than
20 for-profit registries exist in the United States, many of which
were created to accommodate the very breeders who had abandoned
AKC registration and its inspection standards and requirements.
For more than 30 years the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) has required persons who breed and sell dogs at wholesale to be licensed and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The AWA presently exempts breeders who sell exclusively at retail. With the increase in Internet commerce, many high volume breeders have converted to online retail sales, thereby escaping federal regulation. PAWS would amend the AWA to make high volume retail breeders and persons who import dogs for resale subject to USDA licensing and inspection. It would exempt breeders of dogs and cats who are in compliance with the standards of a third party inspection program certified by the Secretary of Agriculture which have standards that provide at least the equivalent protection to those promulgated by the USDA. The AKC has endorsed PAWS, saying it will provide important and essential protection for pets in commerce. Canine Health Foundation Presented with $260,000 at International Kennel Club It was another banner year in the "Windy City"
as the AKC Canine Health Foundation welcomed the proceeds from the
Purina Parent Club Partnership Program and partial entry receipts
from the International Kennel Club (IKC) annual cluster. Held February
24-27, 2006, the event culminated with the Purina Invitational Ball
where collectively, Nestlé Purina and the IKC presented the
foundation with over $260,000 for canine health research. For nine
consecutive years, the two organizations have collaborated to raise
funds for the AKC Canine Health Foundation.
BRED-BY EXHIBITOR DOGS GRANTED TWO-YEAR ELIGIBILITY
The American Kennel Club announced today dogs qualifying for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship by completing their AKC Championship from the Bred-By-Exhibitor class will now have a two-year eligibility period in which to compete. This new criteria will apply beginning with dogs
that qualified at the recently held fifth annual AKC/Eukanuba National
Championship on Jan. 14-15, 2006 in Tampa, FL. Dogs that were eligible
to show in January, 2006 will again be eligible to compete at the
sixth annual event on Dec. 2-3, 2006 in Long Beach, CA. Dogs who
qualify for the sixth annual event in Long Beach by earning their
AKC Championship from the Bred-By class during the qualifying period
of Oct. 12, 2005 – Oct. 10, 2006 will receive invitations to
enter both the sixth annual and the seventh annual AKC/Eukanuba
National Championships. “Going forward we have expanded the competition
eligibility period to two years in order to let the breeder determine
the optimal times to showcase their dogs,” said AKC Chairman
Ronald Menaker. “Many times a promising, young dog may finish
his Championship before he fully matures. The new eligibility requirement
allows breeders to show a qualified dog at either one or two shows.” “Each year we strive to improve the show and
this new Bred-By Exhibitor eligibility is a direct result of exhibitor
feedback,” added Menaker. “We realize the amount of time
and effort breeders make when they commit to finishing their dogs
from this class. The Bred-By Exhibitor competition is an important
component of our show and we want to reward our breeders’ efforts
with this extended competition opportunity.” Currently, to receive an invitation to the AKC/Eukanuba
National Championship, dogs must either be ranked in the top 25
of their breed, have won an AKC all-breed Best in Show, National
Specialty, or earned all championship points from the Bred-By Exhibitor
class culminating during the qualifying period. In addition, top-ranked
dogs in each AKC-registered breed are invited from those countries
around the world with registries that issue pedigrees acceptable
for AKC registration. For more information about the sixth annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, please visit www.akc.org.
AKC Canine Health Foundation Board of Directors
The AKC Canine Health Foundation Board of Directors
is deeply saddened by the loss of their friend and colleague, Robert
L. Kelly. "Bob was a founding Canine Health Foundation
Board Member and mentor to many dog fanciers who will remember him
fondly and will continue to produce benefits from the knowledge
passed on by this man of many experiences," says Wayne Ferguson,
president of the CHF. "I will personally miss him and all the
help and guidance he brought to the foundation over the years." Mr. Kelly, 81, died February 6, 2006, at Regions
Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota with his daughter, Lucinda, by his
side. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, June, and daughters,
Lucinda, of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Sarah, of St. Petersburg,
Florida. He was the AKC Delegate for Land O'Lakes Kennel Club and
a founding Board member of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Thirty years ago Mr. Kelly joined the fancy, competing
both in conformation and performance events, including Obedience,
Tracking, Field Trials and Earth Dog. He and June bred many titled
Dachshunds in all areas of competition. The success of their first
show dog, Am. Can. Ch. HiMark Vanquish OTCH TDX encouraged them
to continue and expand their involvement in the fancy. Vance remains
the #1 Hound in OTCH points earned. Mr. Kelly proved the versatility
of Dachshunds and his love of dogs was inspired by June's lifelong
love of dogs. As the Land O'Lakes Kennel Club AKC Delegate, Mr.
Kelly wrote the standing rule on Delegate Committees, served on
various health and legislation committees, and was instrumental
in the establishment of AKC DNA testing - he was later elected as
a member of the AKC Board of Directors. Instrumental in the establishment of the CHF, Mr.
Kelly served with distinction as Treasurer and Grants Committee
Chair. Kelly's experience and knowledge of the sport was a driving
force in the direction and management of the Canine Health Foundation
and the success it has enjoyed for more than a decade - one of his
primary goals was the funding for the completion of the canine genome
sequencing project, a target that was reached in December of last
year. Robert L. Kelly is listed as the first Millenium
Founder of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Mr. Kelly believed
strongly in the financial success of the Foundation and supported
its longevity through his leadership and commitment to the recently
completed endowment campaign. Under his advisement and ever watchful
eye the Foundation continued to mature - and the endowment grew
from the AKC's initial million dollar investment in 1995 to the
current four million. The Canine Health Foundation Board was the fortieth
corporate board on which Mr. Kelly served. His work with agricultural
equipment enabled him to 'test' the equipment on his farm, where
he and June raised Quarter Horses and Charloais cattle. Memorials are preferred and can be directed to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, P.O. Box 37941, Raleigh, NC 27627-7941.
AKC Adopts New DNA Requiremnet For Imported
Dogs Intended For Breeding The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced today that any imported dog or bitch registered with the AKC on or after March 1, 2006 will be required to have an AKC DNA profile prior to registering their first litter whelped in the United States. The policy will require any imported dogs or bitches that sire or produce an AKC-registered or FSS-enrolled litter to have an AKC DNA profile on file before their litter applications will be accepted into the AKC registry. However, from March 1 - May 1, 2006 there will be a limited phase-in period. During this time AKC will register affected litters without delay and notify the owner of the new requirement. “AKC’s DNA consultant Elaine Ostrander and I met with the AKC Board in December 2004 to begin reviewing our DNA program,” said AKC Assistant Vice President of Compliance Tom Sharp. “This new DNA requirement for all imported sires and dams was a new initiative the AKC Board approved this year. As a result, AKC will be able to verify all progeny from imported animals moving forward.” This requirement does not affect any foreign dogs
registered with the AKC before March 1, 2006.
AKC and ABKA JoinTogether
To Rescue Remaining 'Katrina and Rita Dogs' Airlifted Animals Travel Today from
Louisiana to Pennsylvania Initially, the dogs will be received by Molly’s Country Kennel, Inc., a large, privately-owned boarding kennel in Lansdale, PA, where they will receive veterinary care and temperament testing before being placed in various ABKA-member pet care facilities for longer-term care. All of the dogs will have identification papers and every effort will be made to reunite the dogs with their owners before being made available for adoption. Fostering is also a possibility if owners are found but are not yet able to care for their pets long-term. “The AKC committed itself in the beginning of this disaster to the long-term care of the displaced animals,” said AKC President and CEO Dennis B. Sprung. “The ABKA is providing valuable assistance in our efforts to rescue dogs that are still without permanent homes. We will continue to do what we can to help.” ABKA Vice President Charlotte Biggs echoes that sentiment. “ABKA is very grateful to the AKC for this joint effort on behalf of these pets and it’s good to know that in times of disaster, organizations such as ours can work together to make a real difference in the lives of these and other pets.” “We are so thankful to ABKA and AKC for helping us relocate these dogs to foster care situations,” said EARS/UAN president and CEO Jennifer Fearing. “Our volunteers have been giving them tender loving care for the past month and we know that level of care will continue in their new foster homes.” Recently, the American Kennel Club airlifted 75 animals from Louisiana to the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in New Jersey as well as helped coordinated an airlift of another 100 dogs to the Humane Society of Palm Beaches in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. ABKA member pet care facilities have continued to shelter as many of the displaced animals as possible since Hurricane Katrina hit at the end of August. Those wishing to make tax-deductible donations
to support the ongoing care of displaced animals in the Gulf States
may send it to the address below or visit the AKC website at www.akc.org.
Raleigh, NC - The American Kennel Club Canine Health
Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the organization
has raised over $427,000 in cash and pledges toward its 2005 $500,000
Endowment Goal. The "Double the Dollars for Dogs" Endowment
Challenge has been enthusiastically received by over 500 individuals,
clubs, corporations, and other members of the fancy and public.
"A healthy endowment will ensure that the
Foundation is able to meet its mission of helping dogs - and the
owners who care for them live longer," says Wayne Ferguson,
president of the Foundation and chair of the campaign. "We
have seen donations arriving from a wide array of longtime supporters
and financial leaders of the fancy as well as over 150 new donors
who really believe in the research we fund." In fact, one of the newest donors to the Foundation
is an 11 year old girl from Las Vegas who is excited to be listed
among the "who's who" of donors from around the nation.
She writes, "I will continue to give to the fund," and
firmly believes in helping all dogs through the non-invasive, genetic
health research the Foundation promotes. The AKC kicked off the Endowment campaign with
a generous $500,000 donation. As the Canine Health Foundation raises
money earmarked for the Endowment this year, the AKC will match
those funds dollar for dollar up to $500,000. In all that adds up
to $1.5 million to support the Foundation's mission of advancing
canine health. There are many ways to give to the Endowment Challenge
including an exciting Tiffany & Co.® Mark watch raffle.
these fashionable watches will be raffled for $20 a ticket or a
book of six for $100, with all proceeds benefitting the Canine Health
Foundation Endowment Fund. The drawing will be held at the Nestlé
Purina PetCare Company Kennel Club of Philadelphia Ball, Friday,
November 18, 2005. For more information about how you can "Double the Dollars for Dogs," please visit our website at www.akcchf.org, or call toll free (888) 682-9696.
The AKC, founded in 1884, is one of the oldest sports-governing organizations. It maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, is responsible for overseeing the governance of the sport of purebred dogs, and keeps records of competitive results. For further information about AKC and the sport of purebred dogs, visit AKC Online at www.akc.org or contact the Communications Department at 212-696-8343. • • • • • • •
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