AKC to Allow Mixed Breeds. Would that change what your next dog would be?

Question

As an AKC judge, I get a lot of things that others may not get.

The AKC is seriously thinking of allowing people to register their mixed breed dogs with the AKC.

They would have to be neutered to be registered.

The advantage for mixed breed people is that this would allow them to compete with their dogs in AKC event such as obedience, rally, agility, etc.

So, if this happened, would it influence the type of dog that you would get for your next dog?

On one level I could see it being great to reduce the number of unwanted dogs. On another level, I could see it hugely cutting the demand for purebred dogs.

What do you think?

I agree. As I understand it, the dog would have to be neutered BEFORE it could be registered. The purpose of registration is simply to keep track of that dog as a unique individual. You could however have the breeders of that dog promoting puppies.

Kiki B. As a matter of fact, it was Rottweilers. I was President of Medallion Rottweiler Club for a few years.

Dane Lover - Well according to the email I got from the AKC, they are going to be "registering" these dogs.

Realize that the AKC wants the money. Additionally, they will register the dogs to keep track of which dog is which so they can issue title certificates to that specific dog.

Answer 1

Our obedience club supports allowing mixed breed dogs in performance sports. We welcome mixed breed dogs to our training classes, and we've seen their owners cringe when our pure breed owners show up with brags of their weekend accomplishments. Many of our members are ready for competition, but because they don't have a purebred dog, they don't have as many outlets to compete. We advocate that all dog owners do things with their dogs, rather than treat them as house decorations.

A big question facing the AKC on allowing mixed breed dogs in performance competition ... How would a mixed breed dog fit into the AKC world when it comes to OTCH points, MACH points, and HIT scores? Should the mixed breeds be segregated in that respect, or included? I don't envy the AKC delegates who have to debate such questions.

The biggest problem that I see, is that breeders who intentionally crossbreed (ie: Designer Dogs) might be able to legitamize their breeding practices if their pups become accomplished at performance events. I can also see certain breeders try to develop a "super performer" (like a border collie x golden retriever) that might be able to outperform breeds that traditionally do very well in certain events.

I don't believe that this would cut into the demand for purebred dogs. I think that fanciers of a particular breed will always flock towards that breed, and I believe folks who fancy mixed breeds will stick with them as well.
Would it influence the type(s) of dogs I get in the future? Probably not. Flat Coated Retriever for me! Will the demand for purebred dogs be affected? I believe minimally. Very interesting question though ...

Added: I do believe that most folks who have been participating in purebred dog sports for some time will not openly welcome the mixed breed folks into their circles with open arms.

Answer 2

I like one other person read with great interest the AKC decision on this subject.

No it would not in any way change my decision to own Golden's. This is my breed of choice and I'm not going to change that no matter what AKC does.

My only problem is if one particular type of mixed breed dog began to sweep some of the venues they will allow these mixed breed to participate in. Would that then create a need and want for these mixes? I don't know, But I can see the potential. Are they opening a Pandora's box? Or is it a kindness on AKC's part? I'm scratching my head in wonderment.
As far as cutting into the breeding of pure bred dogs I really don't see that happening any time very soon either.There are those out there who love their breed of choice as much as I do and would never blindly switch to another breed or mix breed dog.
Just my opinion. Playing Devils advocate here.

NOTE: 2the dogs, Ha! your right but hey I can still see the potential for the unscrupulous breeder to claim to have just the perfect mixed breed to do this. It was just a thought to throw out for every one to ponder over.
Have a good one!

Answer 3

I couldn't remember if I'd heard this somewhere, or just imagined it, lol.

I think it's a great idea. It will encourage more dog owners to get involved in dog sports with their mixed breed dog (sure there is already UKC, CPE, and AMBOR, but AKC is more well known to the average person, and therefore viewed as more "prestigous"). Plus people already involved in performance dog sports may be more apt to go and rescue a mix than buy from a breeder (though, that is an option already with breed rescue). There will always be a demand for purebreds, IMO, both from people who show conformation and pet owners who just prefer purebred.

Personally though even if this doesn't pan out I wouldn't be too upset because I'd like to go through breed rescue rather than a breeder for my next dog because I can always get them ILPed (I'm not really interested in showing conformation).

Answer 4

They would not technically be allowing mixed breeds registration. They are considering issuing them a enrollment or listing number so they can compete in performance events, other than conformation showing.. It's similar to their Indefinite Listing Privilege for purebred dogs who are not elligible to be registered.
I think it's a good idea because it would encourage those people who would like to compete with their pets in AKC events to adopt a dog from a shelter, and it would bring in revenue for those clubs who choose to hold classes for mixed breed dogs. It doesn't really matter if there's a demand for purebred dogs. The breeders who are dedicated to preserving their chosen breed will by and large continue to do so.

Answer 5

I am not a fan of the AKC, never was. As far as I am concerned they are only interested in money, not bettering a breed. They are the laughing stock of most European registries. No, their acceptance of mutts would not make me change my opinion of my breed of choice. I have been into malinois for a very long time and as far as I am concerned, they are the premier WORKING dog today. Now, if the AKC started recognizing titles on dogs obtained in other countries such as Sch, IPO, NVBK, KNPV, AND started sponsoring activities that were geared toward protection dog sports, AND got some control over what is being bred and masquarading as working dogs in America, I may actually join them and start registering my dogs with them. Yeah, if only they did that........

Answer 6

It wouldn't change my choice of breed. The Basset Hound is the breed that best suits me.

There is more to a choice of breed (or mix) than what venues you can compete in. Even though I like to compete in obedience, agility, and other canine activities, I would never trade my bassets in for a "performance" breed. Time in the ring is brief. I live with my dogs full-time.

People with mixed breeds can already compete in other venues (AMBOR, NADAC etc). So I don't think another venue would change their choice either.

I think it would be good to bring the mixed-breed people into the AKC performance venues. Because I truly believe in the advantages of a well-bred purebred dog, I think that many of them will decide to get a purebred for their next dog after meeting so many "up close and personal" and seeing how great they are. And if nothing else, encouraging the owners of mixed-breeds to work with their dogs can only benefit all of us.

I don't think it will cut the demand for purebreds, most people who buy purebred dogs have no interest in competing in ANY venue. Of course, there's not a lot of demand for performance dogs in my breed anyway.....

The KC in England has been allowing mixed breeds to compete for years.

Answer 7

This change would not influence the breed of dog I would chose next. I love my breeds and researched them thoroughly before getting them and they really work for me.

I know several people that prefer mixed breeds and they compete in all the offered events/trials available to them in other registries. I do know that some of them, who own both pure breds and mixed, would not bother with AKC events because their mixed breed was not welcome so by allowing mixed breeds to compete it will bring more competition in the ring and more money to the AKC.

I belong to a few breed clubs and we have training classes that welcome mixed breeds but very few of them go on to compete, and there are events available to them. I think a lot of people that train their dogs, whether they own pure bred or mixed breed dogs, are only doing so to have a trained dog, along with socialization for themselves and their dogs. So keeping this in mind I do not think that this change will draw people in that are not interested in competing.

I also think that most people have their minds made up when it comes to their breed of choice so I do not think that this will impact purebred dogs very much. Really, since the option to compete is available to mixed breed dogs now I can not see how this will do anything more than make more revenue for the AKC.
ETA: This change does not bother me in the least but to say AKC will not make money on this change is ludacris because AKC charges a fee for EVERY DOG that enters a event/trial, so of course they will be gaining revenue, as will the clubs that accept them.

Answer 8

Maybe they could just make an exception to rally, flyball, agiltiy etc. for mixed breeds, but registering them shows greed, nothing else in my book. Geeze, can you imagine, "my dog is a ____ Ch. and I didn't spay it, want to buy a puppy??"
Cutting the demand for backyard bred purebreds, maybe, but quality dogs, no. I do think the AKC is in it for the money, they allow just about anyone to register their dogs, no matter what quality it is, and they do not scrutinize the breeders at all and allow "unproven" advertisers with assumed good standards to sell pups on their site. After all, it was on their site, people assume they have a liabiltiy even though they proclaim they don't.
Obviously as a judge, you have had to breed a certain number of Ch. dogs, so you know the good vs. crap quality of your breed by the ones you see, many people think because it has "papers" it is quality. Unfortunately...

Answer 9

I participated in the survey that the AKC send out as an owner of both a purebred dog and a mixed breed dog.

I do agility with both of them and because of the AKC guidelines I do not compete in any AKC agility events. Not because I didn't want to or object to the AKC in any way, but simply because I show with both dogs and attend events where both dogs can participate. Logistically speaking it just hasn't been worth it to compete in AKC with one dog. I look forward to now competeing with both.

As far as dog ownership goes I don't think that it will have a significant impact either way. Most people that care to compete in AKC events are pretty knowledgeable, hard core dog lovers and already have strong opinions about dog ownership and purebred vs. mixed breed. They also tend to be people that support responsible breeding and believe in the bettermeant of the breed rather than breeding/showing for profit.

I believe your average, run of the mill dog owners will not be impacted by this change. I also don't believe that mixed breed ownership will increase. The percentage of people who compete in dog sports is so low that I don't think it will really matter. I think more it will just allow people like me to now bring my dogs to AKC events. I believe participation at AKC events will increase dramatically, but will have little to no impact on dog ownership, or the pet overpopulation or people's inclination to have a pure bred or mixed bred dog.

Thanks for asking this though. I thought about posting yesterday when I read the results of the survey!

ADDED:
To glamourl0ve: The AKC is not going to allow the registration of mixed breed dogs for sale! If you have a mixed breed dog (spayed/nuetered) you can register it with the AKC so you can compete in the various dog events they host (agility, tracking etc). Mixed breed puppies still cannot come with AKC papers, this is simply for participation purposes in their events. At least that's how I understood--correct me if I am wrong dog judge!

To GoldenGal: I see your point about a particular type of mixed breed becoming overly popular after competing. Especially in this day and age of deisnger mutts that people are intentionally breeding. To me a mix breed is simply that, a mixed breed, not a planned mating of two different breeds. I don't think you'd seen any particular type of mixed breeds sweeping these competitions, that's what Border collies are for HA! But it's hard to know--anytime profit can be involved people will find a way to make a quick buck, hence the explosion of multi-poos as I call them.

Answer 10

The only way I would buy a mutt/mixed breed dog is if I was rescuing it from a shelter.

I think thats just ridiculous if they decide to do that. Now the AKC is falling in with the lets make $1200 on my new mixed breed dog called a Corkaundoodle! Are you serious?

I have 2 purebred dogs and had 1 rescued dog and 2 rescued cats in my life. I dont discriminate against mixed breeds .. only the ones with stupid names and ridiculous prices.

I may have to move out of the country if they do this.

What is this world coming to?

EDIT: 2thedogs: I know that. But if someone bought a mixed breed 2000$ dog from a petstore and wanted to compete with it in AKC agility or something (having it .. of course be spayed/neutered) .. its STILL supporting the whole mixed breed puppymill industry.
I get what you're saying though!